Cable can help local television

By

Torin Douglas (MW March 15) makes some good points about the intense competition facing the future of cable television as digital and new satellite services fight for a share of viewers. He paints a grim picture, but misses the one vital element that only cable TV can deliver – truly local television.

Terrestrial television is moving into the hands of fewer but bigger players and Torin reports that Carlton would like to see part of the service from digital broadcasting being “ITV 2”. Local programming does not exist in the UK, it’s regional television.

The very localness of the cable franchises means viewers can access TV for their community. Birmingham Live TV is now on air more often with more local programming than our terrestrial counterparts.

Companies like Live TV offer cable companies a unique selling point. They should grasp the chance now

Dan Barton

Editor and head of programming

Birmingham Live TV

Birmingham

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