Ofcom has launched a public consultation on plans to reduce the amount of local programmes shown on seven of the UK’s local TV channels.
Local TV Limited wants to change its programme commitments on its TV channels for Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, Liverpool, Tyne and Wear and Teesside.
The channels have already been allowed to reduce their local programme commitments multiple times since launching. Ofcom believes these most recent proposals will constitute a departure from the character of the service. However, it is minded to approve the changes.
Under the proposals, most of the channels will see a cut in the number of first-run and repeated local programmes.
Local TV Limited says it will “standardise requirements” across the licences it holds. It argues it remains committed to serving local audiences and will “continue its structure of rolling local news, sports and entertainment”. It also says that “audiences can expect just as much local content as they have always had, with content better serving audiences through greater flexibility within the schedule.”
In January, Ofcom approved Local TV Limited’s request to restructure its local TV production bases. As a result, some local TV services no longer have a studio in the area. Content is played out centrally from its Broadcast Hub. Rival local TV network That’s TV also requested similar changes last year.
Examples of the changes requested
The proposals see Birmingham TV’s weekly quota of first-run local programmes cut from 35 hours to 21 hours a week. The number of hours scheduled for first-run local news and current affairs reduces from 20 hours to 10.5 hours.
Birmingham TV’s quotas were first reduced in 2017. A further request to reduce its programme commitments was made in 2018.
Leeds TV would have retain its current first-run local news quota (8 hours). But its overall first run local programme quota would be cut from 37 hours to 21 hours. Its programme commitments were changed in 2015 and 2018.
Full details of all the changes can be found on the consultation document on Ofcom’s website. The consultation runs until 5th April 2022.