Ailing TV company bought out of administration

LIVERPOOL television company Bay TV is on the verge of being bought by the UK’s largest operator of city TV stations only days after entering administration.

Made Television will acquire struggling Bay subject to approval by regulator Ofcom.

Jamie Conway, chief executive of Made, said: “Liverpool is a vibrant, exciting city and we’re looking forward to producing original, home-grown programming content that will encapsulate the energy of Liverpool life and provide viewers with enhanced viewing access via Sky Guide 117.”

According to The Liverpool Echo, Made TV was one of three enterprises bidding for Bay.

The company was seeking deal with its creditors over debts of £450,000, but last week staff at the company were sent letters from the administrators, Skelmersdale-based Refresh Recovery, saying the company would continue broadcasting while an attempt was made to sell it as a going concern.

Made TV had previously invested in the company , and has now joined with members of the Bay TV management team to acquire 100% of the Liverpool station. It will be renamed Made in Liverpool.

Conway added: “City TV is a fledgling industry and there will inevitably be successes and failures along the way. While some have read into Bay TV’s situation as detrimental to the industry, we are committed to investing in this important and nascent new sector in television as are the management team of Bay TV who we are proud to work with.

“Made in Liverpool provides an exciting opportunity to share our resource and expertise still further, bringing engaging local content to a whole new set of viewers in Liverpool.”