Government move to set up a new GM TV channel

A Greater Manchester television channel will become a “reality” by within years, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt has announced.

The coalition minister wants a new station to be set up that would broadcast local news and programmes. It will run on channel eight but the content would change depending on which part of the country viewers tuned in from — similar to the way BBC news bulletins change depending on the region.

Mr Hunt is inviting firms to register their interest in running a new channel, which will carry local news and content.

Licences for local television services will be handed out before the end of 2012, with around a dozen areas broadcasting localised content first before it is extended nationally.

Mr Hunt said: “What this will mean, for consumers, is a new channel dedicated to the provision of local news and content.

“It will sit alongside other public service broadcasters, offering a new voice for local communities, with local perspectives that are directly relevant to them.

“Our goal is to be able to award the relevant licences by the end of 2012, and for local TV to be up and running soon after.”

Initially the channel is expect to run for around two hours a day.