The company behind the former ‘Made Television’ local TV network launches a new offshoot for audiences in Greater Manchester.
It’s the first time a local TV company has made a rival service available in an area served by a competitor, with the Montgomery Media controlled service being added to the Freeview EPG this week.
Manchester’s official local TV licence is awarded to the operator of That’s TV, which broadcasts on channel 7, using Freeview capacity reserved for the designated local TV service. Manchester TV is available on Freeview channel 99 via the commercial MTN multiplex from the Winter Hill transmitter.
Unlike That’s TV, Manchester TV does not have any local broadcast commitments. It also doesn’t qualify for prominent slot on the Freeview channel list, as it broadcasts using a regular non-public service Ofcom licence.
Observations indicate that the channel is currently relaying the main satellite feed serving the former Made Television stations. This carries simulcasts of CBS Reality and a round-up of news from across the areas the network serves during the early evening. There isn’t yet any Manchester-specific content.
The former Made Television channels have been operating since 2018 without a core brand, instead using their city of origin, followed by ‘TV’, e.g. Birmingham TV, Leeds TV. Other channels under common ownership cover Bristol, Cardiff, Liverpool, Mold (NE Wales) and Newcastle upon Tyne.
Viewers may need to retune to access the channel.
Update 9th February: The channel’s operators, Local TV Limited. officially confirmed the launch of Manchester TV a month later, at the beginning of February. Manchester TV is continuing to broadcast the same mix of CBS Reality simulcasts and local TV content from its neighbouring channels serving the north of England as it did when it first appeared on Freeview in January, but now with additional Manchester content.