All other local TV services broadcasting on Freeview channel 7 and 8 in various parts of the country have had their licences renewed until 2034.
- Local TV services for places including London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Kent and Leeds to stay on air
- Renewals despite concerns regarding profitability by 2034
- Ofcom yet to confirm decision on the future of That’s TV.
Ofcom has approved the continued broadcasting of several local TV channels on Freeview, extending their licences through to the end of 2034.
Following its earlier decision to renew Brighton’s Latest TV licence, the regulator has now confirmed extensions for local services in ten additional areas. Local TV Limited, which assumed control of the London TV licence earlier this year, has secured broadcasting rights for the capital as well as Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, Liverpool, Mold, Newcastle, and Teesside.
Separately, KM Television Ltd has been granted permission to continue airing KMTV in the Maidstone area until 31 December 2025.
Regulatory Concerns and Commitments
While Ofcom expressed concerns about the financial viability of some local services outside London, it ultimately opted to renew the licences. The regulator also urged Local TV Limited to review its weekend first-run programming in London to ensure it remains accurate, timely, and relevant.
In response, Local TV Limited pledged to increase its coverage of local stories across its network. The company also announced a new distribution deal that will see its channels available on the Freely TV platform starting in 2026.
Local TV Limited’s output beyond local news consists of simulcasts of TV channels True Crime (daytimes) and Legend (evenings). Its channels previously carried TalkTV in a short-lived deal with the news and opinion channel.
Spotlight on That’s TV’s future
Ofcom’s latest decisions leave That’s TV as the only local TV operator still awaiting confirmation on its future beyond November next year.
That’s TV currently operates local channels in 22 locations, including Aberdeen, Ayr, Belfast, Cambridge, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Norwich, Oxford, Sheffield, Southampton, Swansea and York. The company recently acquired the Belfast and Sheffield licences from NVTV and Sheffield Live, respectively.
However, That’s TV has faced repeated compliance issues. Ofcom previously found that the broadcaster failed to film a single local news report in Scarborough in 2022, despite holding the licence for the area. Early criticism also targeted the quality of its local news content, which the BBC was contractually obligated to pay for under a launch support scheme.
In recent years, That’s TV has expanded its portfolio to include entertainment and music channels on Freeview and Sky. Its local services largely mirror its national classic entertainment channel, which would remain unaffected if local licences were revoked.
Given the potential impact on the financial structure of the wider local TV network, Ofcom may opt to issue a stern warning before deciding on renewal.
Licence Transfers and Closures
The renewal process has already seen licence transfers in London, Belfast, and Sheffield, following financial scrutiny of the original operators. In contrast, Nottingham’s local TV licence was surrendered by its holder, who chose to shut down operations rather than sell. Ofcom has declined to comment on whether the Nottingham licence will be readvertised.
Ahead of the licence renewal process, both That’s TV and Local TV Limited increased time allocated to local news during early evenings.
By: Marc Thornham | Image: Ofcom