One major reform which was established whilst Jeremy Hunt was at the Department of Culture Media and Sport was the plans to allow local television stations to broadcast throughout the UK. Dozens of new stations are going to spring up covering towns and cities in the months and years ahead.

Ofcom has been busy assessing all the bidders for the franchises and we now know that Manchester’s new tv channel will be run by the Your TV Group. The Chairman of Your TV is Sir Michael Lyons who commented:

“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

Many will remember Channel M which was around for a short while but ran into difficulties. One big difference with the new platform is that the Channels are going to be featured on the first page of the EPG the Electronic Programme Guide so they will be up there alongside the established terrestrial channels.