Norfolk local TV station Mustard to be sold to That's TV

Mustard TV presenter Helen McDermott (right) interviews pop star Lulu

The owners of Norfolk's local TV station are proposing its sale, which could lead to job losses.

Archant, owner of Mustard TV, is planning to sell to the That's TV Group, which already runs channels in 10 different regions.

If the sale goes through, it is understood current staff will not be needed to operate the Norwich station.

An Archant spokeswoman said: "We have consistently said the success of local TV will come from consolidation."

Mustard TV has broadcast from Norwich for the past three years and was set up as part of a UK-wide government scheme.

Its presenters include former Norwich City player Darren Eadie and ex-Anglia TV presenter Helen McDermott.

'The right mix'

As part of the deal, Archant will take a stake in the That's TV Group.

In a letter to Mustard TV staff, seen by the BBC, Archant chief executive Jeff Henry said the sale was anticipated to be completed in September.

"We expect that That's TV will broadcast from Prospect House for a year after completion of the share sale, but that, operationally, the Norwich station will work closely with its new sister station in Cambridge," it said.

Mr Henry said Mustard TV had failed to turn a profit since its launch.

"I have consistently said that the success of local television will come from consolidation which can bring the right mix of shared investment and skills needed to make this financially viable; we simply can't afford this on our own," he said.

An Archant spokeswoman said: "Archant can confirm it has started a consultation period with the affected members of staff."