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Ofcom to host local TV consultation at Nations & Regions Media Conference

Tuesday 7 February 2012 4.04am
TV production studio
TV production studio
The communications regulator Ofcom is to host a consultation session exploring local television licensing alongside this year’s influential Nations & Regions Media Conference in Salford.

Taking place on Monday 12 March between 3.00pm and 5.00pm at The Lowry, Salford Quays, Ofcom’s consultation event is aimed at companies, organisations and individuals that are interested in bidding for the first tranche of new local television broadcasting licences which are due to be awarded later this year.

The Nations & Regions Media Conference, which runs from 12-13 March at various venues across MediaCityUK and Salford Quays, is organised by the University of Salford. Conference Creative Director Katy Boulton said: “I’m delighted that Ofcom has agreed to partner with us to deliver the first of its consultation sessions on local television licensing to be held outside London. Local television has always been a very lively topic for us and I’m sure this event will be of great interest to many of our delegates.

“And with the political architect of local television – the Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport – making the opening keynote speech at the Nations & Regions Media Conference on the Monday evening, we couldn’t have asked for a more appropriate session to get the ball rolling.”

In addition to the opening address from the Secretary of State, Conference delegates will be treated to keynote sessions with ITV Chief Executive Adam Crozier and BBC Director of Vision George Entwistle.

Professor Erik Knudsen, Head of the School of Media, Music & Performance at the University of Salford, said: “We attract some of the most powerful and influential names in broadcasting – both as speakers and as delegates – to the Conference, and this year is no exception.

“In the year when the BBC and the University of Salford settle in to their new homes at MediaCityUK there is much to celebrate. But there are still plenty of issues to debate, such as the possible impact of Scottish independence on broadcasting, the new Communications Bill, the impact of the BBC’s Delivering Quality First efficiency proposals, and much more.”

Conference registration is not necessary to attend the Ofcom consultation on local TV licensing. Those interested in participating should email local.tv@ofcom.org.uk to request a place.

Delegates can sign up for the Nations & Regions Media Conference at www.nationsandregionsmedia.org.