LOCAL TELEVISION

Early day motion 1815, tabled 6 July 2009 by Austin Mitchell (Labour). Signed by 102 members.

That this House notes the statement in the Digital Britain report that the Government wishes `to see local TV thrive'; believes that truly local television would make a significant contribution to public service broadcasting and democratic engagement in local communities; acknowledges Ofcom's view that broadband provision complements traditional public service broadcasting platforms; further notes Ofcom's statement `that the potential for broadcasting spectrum to support local television should be kept open'; recognises the UK's commitment, as a signatory to the Council of Europe Declaration on Community Media, to the principle of allocating a sufficient number of frequencies to community media, both radio and television; and looks to the Government to implement the provisions in the Communications Act 2003 to ensure that a viable local television network is established ensuring all citizens have access to a dedicated channel on both Freeview and cable, providing local news, local discussion, community programming and local advertising.

Signatures by party: Labour 48, Liberal Democrat 33, Conservative 9, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, DUP 2, Independent 2, Independent Labour 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Respect 1, Scottish National Party 1, UUP 1.