Ofcom kicks of phase two of local TV licensing

UK regulator Ofcom has begun the second phase of licensing local TV channels.

Following the award of 19 licences in the first phase of the project, the regulator has invited applications to operate new channels in seven further locations.

Ofcom has opened applications to operate channels in  Bangor, Cambridge, Middlesbrough, Mold, Scarborough, Swansea and York. The closing date for applications in the seven locations is September 11, with channels possibly going on air before the end of next year.

Ofcom plans to advertise for applications in a total of 30 phase two locations over the course of the next year.