The news comes less than a month after YourTV was also awarded the local TV licence for Manchester.

Welcoming the decision YourTV Chairman Sir Michael Lyons said he was glad that YourTV’s “ambitious plans and strong local roots were being recognised” by Ofcom.

The former BBC Trust chairman added:

“With the award of Manchester and now the Blackpool / Preston licence to YourTV, we believe our offerings in both areas will be even stronger.

“A second licence, particularly one within such geographic proximity, gives us a fantastic opportunity for each station to share knowledge and reduce back room and other administration costs, ensuring an even greater investment in content and quality programming.”

YourTV Blackpool & Preston Chairman Tony Carr also gave his reaction, praising not only the hard work of his team but also “the support for YourTV Blackpool & Preston shown by so many local organisations across business, education and sport.”

He added:

“In challenging times for many parts of the economy, we expect YourTV Blackpool & Preston to provide a boost to the area by giving local businesses new ways to talk to the customers that they already serve and reach new ones.

“A fully functioning Blackpool / Preston station is expected to generate over 20 jobs and provide many training and work experience opportunities.

“We’ve also been delighted with the encouragement we’ve had from local educational institutions, particularly the University of Central Lancashire.

“We now look forward to collaborating closely with them and other key organisations in the local area including, of course, the local councils.”

The new television channel is expected to begin broadcasting in 2014 and will be available on digital television and online.

Providing several hours of original local content each day, user generated content and submissions from viewers will also form part of its unique approach to programme making.

More information about YourTV Blackpool & Preston can be found on the YourTV Blackpool & Preston website: www.yourtvblackpoolpreston.co.uk

Notes

• YourTV Blackpool & Preston will be available via digital television and online and expects to launch in 2014.
• YourTV Blackpool & Preston is a subsidiary of YourTV Ltd, which won the Manchester local TV licence in February 2013.
• With the announcement of the Preston licence, Ofcom has now concluded the first phase of its local TV licence announcements.

With the news immediately welcomed by YourTV Manchester chairman David McKeith as “a positive for Manchester and everyone in the city”, YourTV Manchester has revealed it will offer a 24 hour news, information and entertainment-based television channel for local residents.

With key programmes also to be broadcast online and on mobile, YourTV Manchester will not only offer a new kind of local television for Manchester but also a new way of making programmes with unprecedented opportunities for viewers to influence and contribute to the programmes that they watch on a daily basis.

By combining this new opportunity in local television with the ways that people are already communicating with each other on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, YourTV will be at the heart of what is happening, a completely new kind of television station.

With on-air advertising time also available at more affordable rates than regional and national television, YourTV Manchester will offer many local businesses the chance to speak directly to the customers that they serve through television for the first time.

YourTV Manchester also expects to generate over 50 local jobs directly as well as providing work experience and student placements and will be based in the city.

YourTV Manchester Chairman David McKeith said:

“I am so pleased that we have the opportunity to put into action the aims and ambitions of our broadcast team. They have worked incredibly hard to gauge the feelings of the local communities that make up the city and have explored how their hopes and aspirations can be reflected on screen.

“As we said in our application, ‘the programming output will be a service for all walks of life because it will be created by people from all walks of life.’ This will be an exciting time leading up to the on air launch of the service towards the end of the year.”

YourTV Chairman Sir Michael Lyons said:

“We are delighted that Ofcom has endorsed our proposal and approach to local television in this vibrant city. With many other local TV licences still to be decided upon soon, including several other YourTV applications, this is an exciting time for viewers and broadcasters alike and one which we are confident YourTV can play a great part in.”

More information about YourTV Manchester can be found at www.yourtvmanchester.co.uk

Notes

- For more information contact Bryan Burgess on 07966 398173 or David McKeith on 07802 794534

- YourTV Manchester will be available via digital television and online and expects to launch in late 2013.

- YourTV Manchester is a subsidiary of YourTV Ltd which is bidding for several local TV licences including: Leeds, Liverpool and Preston / Blackpool.

- Ofcom is expected to announce the award of all licences in the current phase by March 2013.

By creating specially selected local boards and working with committed individuals within those towns and cities, YourTV has established a business model which will operate on a standalone station basis with its own distinct programming, budgets, and production teams, but which will also reap significant benefits from its association with parent company YourTV Ltd.   Focusing on news and information with entertaining lifestyle and advice programmes, each station will have a clear broadcasting remit to engage with communities, offering a different kind of content to that currently served up by the BBC and ITV.

“ This week has marked an important occasion as the proposals for a completely new form of broadcasting have been submitted” said YourTV MD Jim Manson.

“ Broadcasting is about to change significantly, and for our part we’ve been working towards this moment for some considerable time, believing as we do in the importance of local tv with its power to enrich the lives of people in their communities.  We very much share the Government’s wish to see a fresh, invigorating multi-platform television service that will revolutionise  local content for viewers in the years ahead.”

“Broadcasting 24 hours a day, our aim is to break away from the traditional approach and ensure that these local stations will be the first place people reach out to when they want news and information.

“It’s important that each station has a sustainable base, and whilst the licences we are bidding for will be completely independent and autonomous, our business model means that at the same time they will be able to tap into the experienced management team at the centre of YourTV. “

Director of Programmes Nicholas Wheeler said:  “In a fast-changing world people need to feel that this is their very own station, a platform that they can instantly participate in and contribute to which reflects their lives and the place they live.   Our programme schedule is designed to open that important door to their community.  At the same time these local stations will provide employment and encourage new talent, from studio staff to musicians.

“Our ambitious schedule is achievable not only through our ideas and production teams but through our use of modern technology which is changing the face of television. “

Since the company was formed YourTV Ltd has built up a solid foundation of experience, from its local Station Directors to the YourTV Ltd parent company Management Board, which reflects a wide expertise in sales, marketing, regulation, and programming.  Each local board will be led by a Chairman connected with the licence area.

The Chairman of YourTV Ltd is Sir Michael Lyons, knighted for his services to local government and the former Chairman of the BBC Trust.  Sir Michael led the Lyons Inquiry into local government which recommended greater devolution within England.

“I have a long-standing commitment to any measures which improve the quality of life and economic strength of our regional cities,” he said.

“ We know from surveys that audiences want more high quality local content and I’m confident that local tv can play an important part on both these fronts. YourTV is an extremely professional team with great ideas, overwhelming enthusiasm and the right mix of talent.  I’m delighted to be working with them to help take their vision for local broadcasting forward. “
The decision on the licence awards is expected to be made by Ofcom in the next few months and many of the stations are expected to be in operation by October 2013.

For further information please contact:

Deanna Hallett
Director YourTV Ltd
e-mail: Deanna@thisisyourtv.co.uk
Phone:  07734 253514

Jim Manson
Director YourTV Ltd
e-mail: jim@thisisyourtv.co.uk
Phone: 07711 826675

Sir Michael, who was knighted for his services to local government, was Chairman of the BBC Trust for four years until he handed over to Lord Patten last year. He was Chief Executive of 3 major local authorities over a period of 17 years, 7 of those with Birmingham City Council.

Sir Michael also Chairs the regeneration company The English Cities Fund and social innovators Participle Ltd. He has a number of other board and advisory roles. He led the Lyons Enquiry into local government which recommended greater devolution within England.

He said:

“I have a long standing commitment to any measures which improve the quality of life and economic strength of our regional cities. We also know that audiences want more high quality local content. I’m confident local TV can play an important part on both fronts.”

“YourTV is an extremely professional outfit with great ideas, overwhelming enthusiasm and the right mix of talent and experience. Its plans are well developed and I am very pleased to be joining.”

“The emphasis on keeping costs down whilst offering a fresh approach to how local communities are engaged as active participants will make its offer compelling to both Ofcom and investors.”

YourTV are intending to bid for eight licences in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Preston/Blackpool, Sheffield, Leeds and Newcastle with local boards established in each city.

YourTV Chief Executive, Jim Manson, said:

“We are very pleased that Sir Michael has joined our already strong team. He truly understands the potential of local TV and why it is so significant for the UK. Some of our founder directors have been working on the YourTV proposition for over 4 years, ever since Ofcom first identified the potential for Local TV on Freeview. With Sir Michael’s experience as BBC Chairman we couldn’t have found a more suitable person to take us to the next stage and lead our applications”

Notes:

The Government has advertised for local TV licences in 21 areas of the UK. Applications have to be submitted by August 13th and OFCOM are expected to announce the winners in the autumn.

For further information please contact:

Jim Manson – 07711 826675

Deanna Hallett – 07734 253514

One of the main contenders to win licences YourTV has said they are delighted the starter gun has been fired on what promises to be a revolution in how television is produced and viewed.

YourTV Chief Executive, Jim Manson, said:

“We have been working towards bringing the Local TV network dream to life for four years. The last few years have witnessed a major change in the way all sections of the population use video to record, celebrate and share the important moments in their lives. At YourTV we embrace this new era of mass communication and will step outside the traditional constraints and conventions of television as we currently know it.

“We believe that modern technology and a “community-involving” production philosophy will help us deliver high quality, engaging and inclusive content that will produce a connection and dialogue with the viewer that television hitherto has never enjoyed.”

YourTV intend to apply for eight licences in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Blackpool & Preston,  Newcastle and Sheffield and will offer a distinct local service for each area.

For further information please contact:

Jim Manson on 07711 826675 or Deanna Hallett on 07734 253514.

Steven, a former Minister for Transport and Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Party, is very much involved with London’s on-going development. He is a Board Member of Transport for London and of the London Development Agency.

The new local television services are due on-air during 2013. Steven Norris will lead the YourTV London bid with an experienced board of directors each with strong locally based broadcasting backgounds. The London team includes experienced senior media executives Carole Stone formerly a producer of BBC’s ‘Any Questions’, Stuart Reed and Patrick Berry both founders of London’s urban music radio station Choice FM.

“I am looking forward to working with a team of people that truly understands how to make London’s local TV service work and who already have put so much of the necessary structure in place” he said. “The Government’s decision to establish local services around the UK and create stronger community links is to be welcomed. London will be the flagship city for local TV so the expectation is high and we have a lot to live up to.”

The parent company, YourTV Ltd, will be submitting applications for at least seven of the first major metropolitan local TV licences. As with London, each will have its own local board and opportunities for local investors.

Managing Director of YourTV Ltd Jim Manson said:

“We are delighted that someone of Steven’s calibre will be leading our London bid. He has combined a successful business and political career and brings a unique insight and an in-depth knowledge of the challenges and opportunities associated with London. With his experience and enthusiasm and the strong team behind him we are confident that we are a credible contender for this important licence. In this changing broadcast landscape there is a growing need for good local television that touches the very heart of communities and serves viewers in a different way, bringing information and entertainment relating specifically to the place they live in. Given the opportunity we will make sure that happens.”

Editors Notes

Additional information on YourTV Ltd and YourTV London is available on thisisyourtv.co.uk and london.thisisyourtv.co.uk respectively.

Contact: Deanna Hallett – Director, YourTV London
Email: deanna@thisisyourtv.co.uk
Mobile: 07734 253514

The list of locations includes Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle and Preston – areas which YourTV will be bidding for – and is a further indication of the Government’s vision to establish local TV in most most major towns and cities over the next few years.

YourTV was also reassured to see the Government backing its call for clarity over how the transmission network for local TV should operate (‘YourTV supports DCMS amid division over plans for local TV’, 7 December 2011).

The DCMS verified that the transmission network for local TV will be run by a single multiplex operator – Muxco – enabling each local station to focus instead on the important task of delivering compelling local content.

The fact that successful licence bidders are being encouraged to set up a national association of local TV operators has also been welcomed by YourTV.

The goals of the proposed body – including promoting local TV; setting up audience measuring standards; and, importantly, helping promote co-operation on national sales – are all initiatives that YourTV had previously called for and fully supports.

In the light of the Government’s announcement, YourTV has also restated its desire to work with other potential licence holders and other parties including local media owners.

Giving his reaction to an historic day for UK broadcasting, YourTV Managing Director Jim Manson said:

“This announcement is fantastic news for all those – like us – who firmly believe in the power and importance of local TV, both as a way to touch the lives of local communities and additionally to provide an important boost for local businesses at a challenging time.

“The DCMS Minister Jeremy Hunt has described this as the biggest change in broadcasting for many years, and those first steps have been taken this week.

“We’re delighted that the Government has stayed committed to a single company operated MuxCo, as well as recognising the need for a national association and other UK-wide initiatives to support the provision of local TV in the long term. We’ve always made it clear that we welcome an inclusive approach between local TV operators and key partners in working together to help build a successful level of high-quality programming and to assist in overcoming some of the initial challenges.

“Clearly the Government has a difficult job balancing the interests of all parties in this exciting project, but the plans for local TV, and the way in which they are being handled by the Minister, continue to have our full support.

“YourTV now looks forward to submitting our licence applications in 2012 and continuing to work with the communities we hope to serve to give them the best local TV possible in 2013 and beyond.”

For further information on YourTV contact:

Deanna Hallett
Director
YourTV Ltd

Deanna@thisisyourtv.co.uk
Mobile 07734 253514

Notes

• The full list of 20 sites is: Belfast, Birmingham, Brighton & Hove, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Grimsby, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxford, Plymouth, Preston, Southampton and Swansea.
• A second round of licences could include Sheffield, Stoke and 22 other locations around the UK.
• The make up of both location lists are subject to an Ofcom consultation.

Expected timetable

Source: Department for Culture, Media & Sport

Further information

• Local TV: Making the vision happen – Government response to the consultations on the Local TV Framework and Pioneer Locations
• ‘First 20 location set to receive local TV are unveiled’ – Announcement by the DCMS
• ‘Culture Secretary unveils first 20 locations set to receive local TV’ – Full press release from the DCMS
• Breakdown of the number of responses to the Consultation on Pioneer Locations (PDF)

“We believe that there is a clear rationale for one company taking on this responsibility, freeing up the local licensees to focus on what is more important – the programming and serving the community” said a YourTV spokesperson.

“We very much welcome the fact that the Government has managed to negotiate a contribution of £25 million from the BBC towards the engineering costs of local tv transmission infrastructure. Without a national operator managing this important area of the new broadcasting service it is inevitable that local operators will have to negotiate individually, which will simply add to the challenges ahead.”

YourTV believes that by placing the build of the multiplex in the hands of one operator will provide a speedier linked up structure which will give local TV the best chance of success and ensure that the maximum coverage is achieved as quickly as possible. If local operators were responsible for the service it would produce a slower roll-out which would hamper the new broadcasting venture’s ability to benefit from possible joint/industry marketing initiatives.

“Our understanding is that the Government’s purpose in offering a national Muxco the potential to exploit commercially the spare video channels on the multiplex is to ensure that local TV operators will benefit from favourable rates – which once again will help put finances towards quality programming rather than infrastructure. “

YourTV, backed by senior industry individuals with extensive experience in broadcasting, is currently bidding for a number of local TV licenses and believes that the focus of operators should be on producing a range of community-based, exciting and relevant content, linked to a one-operator transmission service.

For further information on YourTV contact:

Deanna Hallett
Director
YourTV Ltd

Deanna@thisisyourtv.co.uk

Mobile 07734 253514

In addition, YourTV has confirmed the final line up of its multi-skilled core team which will drive the development of a federation of local stations. Stations will be locally run with local boards of directors but will have access to a centralised unit providing launch expertise, national advertising representation, marketing, web and IPTV development, technical and IT support, co-ordinated market and audience research along with commercial production and back office support services. Plans include the provision of shared programming, particularly for smaller stations.

The key objective of this federal approach is to support the local services and ensure their resources focus on making exciting and relevant programmes both with and for the communities they serve. To this end, YourTV stations will work locally with businesses, universities, individuals, including local producers and other key organisations to ensure strong local connections and to reflect the wide ranging tastes and interests of the communities represented. YourTV also aims to set up training schemes to facilitate easy entry into the broadcast media industry.

The core executive team headed by Managing Director Jim Manson comprises:-

• Stuart Reed – Finance Director, former owner operator in commercial radio industry.
• Lin Glover – Director Operations, former broadcast regulator and owner of media consultants Lin Glover Associates.
• Ian Warrington – Commercial Director, owner Swing Media Recruitment and former commercial director with blue chip publishers.
• Deanna Hallett – Director Research and Marketing, founder of commercial radio service agency Hallett Arendt specialists in audience research and marketing.
• Nick Davis – Director Digital Media and IT. Owner eSanctuary creative digital agency specialising in web development and mobile applications

YourTV has already stated that it intends applying for licences in London, Birmingham, Stoke on Trent, Manchester, Liverpool, Preston/Blackpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle and Middlesbrough and will evaluate other areas as they become known.

Broadcasting executive

Jim Manson, whose extensive TV experience ranges from new channel launches to controller of factual programming said “I am delighted to be working with such talented people. They are highly experienced cross-media professionals. Along with our extensive knowledge and skills, we share a deep understanding of the key to successful local broadcasting and a collective passion for the sense of community it provides. We are working with local partners in each area and believe we bring a unique approach to what is a very exciting opportunity to attract sizeable local audiences and bring revenue success.”

For further information about YourTV please contact Deanna Hallett or Lin Glover.