Local TV decision postponed

A DECISION on three local TV licences for the North West has been postponed until next year.

Media regulator Ofcom was expected to name the winning companies for franchises in Manchester, Liverpool and Preston by the end of the month.

But an announcement on Manchester will now be made by the end of January, while applicants for Liverpool and Preston will have to wait until the end of February.

A spokesman for Ofcom said more information was being sought, particularly around new content and the amount of time dedicated to news.

He said: “The main reason is we’ve asked all the remaining applicants for a clarification on their programming commitments.”

So far 11 licences have been awarded. The postponement applies to all eight remaining franchises.

For more details of the companies bidding in the North West click here.