Local TV channels serving Kent and Sheffield were found to have delivered fewer local programmes than required – before the pandemic broke out.
Broadcast regulator Ofcom has found KMTV from Maidstone and Sheffield Live TV in breach of their local TV licences for failing to deliver on their programme commitments during 2019. Sheffield Live TV may now face a statutory sanction for repeated breaches.
In return for a prime Freeview slot – channel 7 or 8, depending on location – local TV channels are obligated to screen a minimum quota of locally produced programmes. This includes a commitment to screen a certain number of hours of local first-run programming between 6pm and 10:30pm.
In 2019, KMTV delivered a shortfall of local first-run programmes in peak time of around 80 hours. It was the second year that KMTV fell short on its local programming commitments.
Sheffield Live TV underperformed by over 600 hours. The community broadcaster, which also runs a radio station, failed to reach its quota in peak time for three consecutive years. It told Ofcom it had chosen to show more repeats rather than simply relaying a video feed from their radio studio.
Sheffield Live has since requested a formal reduction in local programme commitments. Although Ofcom has approved the change, it warned Sheffield Live TV that it should not have reduced its local programming before a decision was made. As a result of breaching the terms of its broadcast licence for three years, Sheffield Live could now face a sanction. Ofcom is considering its options.
Meanwhile, KMTV has confirmed that in 2020, despite the pandemic, it had exceeded its statutory programme commitments. Ofcom has welcomed the news, but has warned that if it falls short again, regulatory action will follow.
Background
Local TV was rolled out on Freeview between November 2013 and July 2018. Most broadcasters won an Ofcom licence on the basis providing hundred or thousands of hours of local programming each year. In most cases, commercial reality resulted in almost all of the local channels having to substantially cut local output. The Ofcom website currently records licence change requests against all but on local TV operator.
During the pandemic, some local TV channels cut output even further, with Ofcom indicated it would be lenient on broadcasters having to temporarily reduce output.
KMTV
What it promised to deliver in 2019: 585 hours and 27 minutes of first-run local programming in peak hours.
What it actually delivered: 464 hours and 45 minutes.
Sheffield Live TV
What it promised to deliver: 1,270 hours and 30 minutes of peak time first-run local programming.
What it actually delivered: 596 hours.