.tv OFCOM Local TV News

[DU]

I was just looking through the following local tv applicant lists:

http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/tv-broadcast-licences/local/applicants/

The good news - if you're into this type of extension pumping - is that there are some .TVs in there (including theLatest.TV)

I feel vindicated in part because I've always said the platform rules.. and it seems that OFCOM likes MadeInTV.com - who went the cheap route and own MadeInLeeds.TV MadeInManchester.TV MadeInBelfast.TV and MadeIn a bunch of other places (all regged this year).

They didn't take all the major cities in the UK so go run out and squat - you could also get the tv.com and get the traffic leakage.

What I don't get is how LOCAL tv for LOCAL people is going to be offered to applicants going after multiple regions?

Is this about local or did the message get lost? They claim they're not another ITV but really? Just sharing "ideas"? Each locale will have own content etc. etc. sounds like a crock.

The MadeIn group didn't in every location but imho it defeats the purpose of local TV if one group can dominate the entire UK (they have 3 locations so far). The true cost of running this channel will be huge - assuming $1000 an hour of television it's somewhere between $500,00 - $1,000,000 (puts a $x,xxx domain in perspective).

Perhaps there is still an opportunity for people to take advantage of what is clearly (imho) still a very fragmented market. These companies have a nice advantage being on FreeView channel 8 (that is a TM) but as bandwidth continues to improve and devices converge.. maybe this is just the beginning of a bigger shake-up. A simple weekly internet magazine doesn't have the burden of 24x7 availability.

Some things to think about.

 

[mckennaronnie]

The uk local tv revolution will give a lot more exposure to .tv's between those who already plan branding their channels on .tv's and applicants who are waiting to find out if their license application will be successful but have already made enquiries / offers for geo.tv's

Could be big year for uk Geo's (including geotv.com's) - Jimbo in particular could be in a very nice position with all his uk geo .tv/tv.com's

 

[GoneWalkabout]

xxxxx

 

[DU]

As the first licenses are being awarded (there are presently 21 areas up for grabs at the moment but only 19 had bids on them) it appears that ‘local’ has been replaced by ‘anyone with a pulse’ and ‘we don’t care if they are from another city or country’.

I thought the number of bidders was light but I figured that OFCOM had weeded out the chaff. I think you did a great job of explaining why - I think you had told me about the regulations etc. but I just hadn't registered it fully.

We're in an awkward spot right now.. the perceived need for 24x7 news (not needed) combined with the notion that bloggers can replace news media (not true). I have a real fear that news and media in general is failing.

The Times Picayune just this year shut down and that was a big deal Nawlin's paper.

The secret is going to be in getting that mix of public support including real contribution.

I can see small scale weekly magazine type channels surviving (every town seemingly had a local courier covering kids sports, local theater) but I still struggle to see independents really taking on that broader news. That's one of the reasons I've been keeping some tabs:

On the one hand you have people who were involved in Channel M (bigger city, bigger media) and on the other you have Brighton's TheLatest who are smaller scale TV but it will clearly help maintain their fairly significant market hold on real estate and local advertising.

Two very different models.

The success we've actually seen are hyperlocal and I'm wondering if that won't continue. I can see coverage in that sweetspot that is something like:

http://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/

Only videofied.

But thanks for your input JJ - you're far more engaged on developments and connected. I'm enjoying spending my time being lazier than I should. But MadeInCity.... the MadeIn group... great name even if it's a little disingenuous