Channel 6 claims its local TV network plans will create 2000 UK jobs
Channel 6 has claimed that it will create 2,000 jobs across the UK should it be chosen to deliver the local TV network, most of which will be based outside of London.
Channel 6 is one of 20 companies bidding to be granted the licence to deliver the local TV network across the UK, has unveiled more details of its business plan, having submitted its expression of interest to the Government last month.
Richard Horwood, chief executive of Channel 6 claimed that the business plan would bring widespread employment across the country, with 70% of jobs being based outside of London.
“These will be brand-new jobs for a brand-new industry, funded entirely by advertising and without a penny of taxpayer subsidy,” explained Horwood.
“The national backbone of Channel 6 will be a major new national commercial TV channel, set up with the sole purpose of supporting our network of 39 new affiliate local services, not a rejigging of an existing channel. With the support of the national network and our local partners, each of our 39 local affiliates will be a profitable business in its own right, and will serve as a hub for original local programming. In total the affiliates will be producing over 9,000 hours of original local programming a year by 2017, both in-house and commissioned.”
Former Trinity Mirror executive Horwood added that each of the channel’s affiliates would create opportunities for new third-party local jobs across productions, advertising and promotion, with local businesses also be offered ‘affordable and cost-effective’ TV marketing opportunities.
“Channel 6 is more than a vision. It is supported by a detailed and fully costed business plan developed by the Channel 6 management team in collaboration with ITN Consulting. The team is made up of highly experienced broadcasting and communications professionals, including some of the UK’s pioneers in local television, digital terrestrial broadcasting, online media and broadband networks, all united by a passion for creating successful new media businesses," concluded Horwood.
Channel 6 faces competition from Channel 4, which recently revealed that it had submitted a bid for the network, being spearheaded by culture minister Jeremy Hunt, which will offer local TV services across the UK.