Your Local Freeview Channels - Whats Next ? [Feb 2025]
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Current local TV operators face a year of regulatory scrutiny to determine if they’re fit to operate a service on Freeview for another decade.
- Ofcom to review compliance history and financial plans before it renews licences.
- Financial model unpinning how local channels reach Freeview viewers under strain.
Operators of local TV channels across the UK are submitting their applications to renew their licences ahead of a deadline next month.
The licences guarantee their status as local public service broadcasters, giving them the right to broadcast on digital terrestrial television (Freeview) in their respective areas. Additionally, the licence for the multiplex carrying these channels on Freeview is also up for renewal.
However, unlike the original licensing round, Ofcom will keep details of the applications secret. An exception may apply if a substantial change is proposed, which requires input from third-parties. The regulator already kept details of the recent transfer of the London local TV licence private, not subjecting Evegny Lebedev’s London Live to the same treatment as other former local TV licence holders who wanted to transfer their licences to another company which were public. (See Birmingham decision & Liverpool decision)
Applications must be in by the end of March. Ofcom will then begin the process of scrutinising each local broadcaster’s compliance history and financial situation.
The regulator has until 25th November 2025 to decide in favour or against a licence renewal.
If a broadcaster loses their local TV licence, they could theoretically continue offering a service elsewhere. Local TV operator That’s TV already holds regular broadcast licences for its offshoot channels.