How do you turn your local paper into a destination for TV news?
This week we’ll be talking to a writer from the UK about how to get the news that matters to you for free.
In the UK, we have a local newspaper industry, and there’s an opportunity for an alternative to be developed for TV, too.
In February 2017, a group of newspapers and broadcasters launched a joint venture called TV News.
The project, which is being run by The Telegraph newspaper group, was created to bring local TV news to the UK through the BBC and ITV, which together have a combined reach of 1.8bn people.
It was to provide a platform for local TV content that was not only relevant and interesting, but would also be in-depth.
The partnership has produced a few unique shows, including BBC1’s The Lads in a Small Town and ITV’s The Good Life.
In both cases, the news was told in a different way than what you’d expect, but the shows were both highly successful.
“We think this is a really exciting time for TV in the UK,” said TV News’ chief executive, Chris Brown, who will be speaking to the BBC at the launch.
“The fact that this partnership is taking place now and with the BBC as the host of the programme gives us a real opportunity to take the first steps towards making TV news in the country as accessible as it is.”
There are a number of advantages to this new TV station, Brown said.
“Firstly, it’s a very different format from what we’re used to in the newspapers, so it will allow us to deliver more local content,” he said.
“Secondly, it will be an opportunity to get more local news into the newspapers because they’re now a key part of the local audience.”
Brown added that the BBC would be able to reach out to the local news outlets to create more content for the station.
“So we can do a much wider range of stories that are going to be interesting to people,” he explained.
“Secondly, this station is going to offer a platform to people who want to come in and produce more local TV for the local community.”
In the next few months, TV News will be launching a local TV station with a different format.
“In the long term, we’re looking at doing a national network of local TV stations, which could be done via a national broadcaster,” Brown said, adding that there were a number other ideas on the table.
“One that has been discussed is a national television network with local radio, so that could be a really nice addition to the package.”
The BBC will be making the decision about which TV stations will be created, and will decide which of the stations will carry local news.
The stations that will carry the local TV shows will be chosen by the BBC.
The BBC is hoping to launch a local station in London by the end of the year.