Mustard: Norwich local TV service to create 14 new jobs

A television station for Norwich will create up to 14 jobs and provide an "unrivalled" broadcast news service, its operator has said.

Mustard TV, led by publisher Archant, has revealed more details of the channel's plan for its 12-year licence, awarded by Ofcom on Wednesday.

It will also develop a degree in television production with Norwich University College of the Arts (NUCA).

The city centre-based service will start broadcasting in autumn 2013.

News, current affairs, local history and entertainment will provide the bulk of the schedule, running daily from 06:00 until midnight.

'Develop talent'

Airtime will also be made available to "under-served" and "non-English speaking communities", said Fiona Ryder, Mustard TV managing director, who hopes the channel will reach 10,000 viewers.

"Mustard is about inclusive access to airtime and people should really think this is their channel," she said.

The channel aims to involve a number of local production companies and community film-makers.

Ms Ryder said the link-up with NUCA was part of an effort to work with the student community to develop "creative talent".

"Having come from a film school I'd have loved that chance," she said.

The channel is not seeking to compete with existing broadcasters, Ms Ryder confirmed.

'Strong position'

"Interactivity with the channel will be very high - you can't do that in the existing TV offer in the region," she said.

"We're not trying to compete, we're just different and we've spent a long time thinking about how to approach that.

"It'll be on channel 8 on Freeview, so between BBC Three and BBC Four - it's a very strong position to be in."

Prof John Last, principal of NUCA, said the link-up will "cement our reputation as a region with a clear media identity".

"NUCA students will be working closely with the new company to provide creative input and technical support," he said.