South of Scotland digital TV channel '70% certain'

Friday, March 27th 2009

South of Scotland TV could be launched as a digital channel within 12 months.

The south of Scotland could have its own dedicated TV channel in the future following the national switch-over to digital TV.

Dave Rushton, director of the Institute of Local Television, has said the chances of the area having its own channel within the next 12 months had increased from 50 to 70 per cent, reports All Media Scotland.

Speaking at a meeting with culture secretary Andy Burnham and executives from leading broadcasters, he said the fact that digital TV uses a smaller amount of the spectrum than analogue meant that up to six local channels could be launched across Scotland by 2011.

Mr Rushton told the site Mr Burnham was "as enthusiastic to urge local TV, newspapers and radio to work collaboratively as he was for the BBC and STV to do so."

He added: "Local TV won't be universally available in rural areas without government support for news and transmission costs, I'd say the chances of South of Scotland TV becoming a reality have moved up from 50-50 to a 70 per cent chance."

The Scotsman recently reported the organisers of the Edinburgh Festival are set to work with broadcasters including the BBC and Channel 4 to improve TV coverage of the city's events.