Birmingham technology centre set for Local TV launch

The first of a new wave of local TV channels begins transmission from a new technology centre in Birmingham.

Grimsby's Estuary TV marks the first local channel to go on air, with 18 more due to start broadcasting from next spring.

Transmitting on Freeview channel eight, as well as online, the new channels will be processed and transmitted by a main hub, run by Comux, in Birmingham.

Ed Hall from the firm said the hub would deal with the transmission, leaving the local channels to make programmes.

Birmingham's City TV is expected to join Freeview from the middle of next year and its chief executive Debra Davis said it would feature local news and current affairs as well as shows targeted at different groups.

Local channels for Stratford upon Avon, Stoke-on-Trent, Kidderminster and Bromsgrove are also expected.

They will be funded by a combination of advertising, sponsorship and a commercial agreement with the BBC.