Manchester’s second local TV channel abruptly vanishes from Freeview, almost a full year after the surprise addition to the Freeview channel list.
Manchester TV is no longer available on channel 99. No reason or advance warning of the removal was given.
The service went head-to-head with existing local channel That’s Manchester on Freeview channel 7. That’s Manchester is broadcast regulator Ofcom’s officially designated local channel for the area
Manchester TV first appeared on Freeview on 5th January 2021. Despite broadcasting from that date, a press release issued by the broadcaster confirmed the official launch for 6pm on 1st February. The announcement confirmed Manchester TV as part of a new ‘northern TV network’ (NTVN) for the Local TV company owned by newspaper boss David Montgomerie. In the end northing further was heard or released about the NTVN.
At the present time, remaining local TV channels owned by the company serving Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle among other places is simulcasting a basic schedule. This contains segments of local news at breakfast, lunchtime, early evening and after 2am at night. Each area has its own 30 minute segment, with each area’s news shown one after the other. However, at other times, the channels simulcast CBS Reality.
As a result, the amount of Manchester-specific content on the channel was limited. Sky viewers can still access the UK-wide version of the service on channel 195.
Manchester TV v That’s Manchester
Manchester TV is not to be confused with That’s Manchester. That’s Manchester is the holder of Ofcom’s local TV licence for Manchester. This gives the channel a top 10 position on Freeview. It is part of a separate group of local TV channels with the licence to broadcast in places including Blackpool, Carlisle and York.
Both local TV services originated from the government’s original scheme to launch local TV channels across the UK. Ofcom awarded licences for each of the designated areas. As a result of the licence award, operators benefited from TV licence fee-funded support for the first three years of operation.
The services have been criticised for offering very little local information. That’s Manchester broadcasts a 10 minute news bulletin at 6pm, repeated in the night. During some music programmes, local information appears in a L-bar around the screen. Meanwhile, Manchester TV carried programmes from CBS Reality during the afternoon and evenings.
Manchester TV hasn’t provided any comment on its withdrawal from Freeview.