Brighton and Hove is line for its own local television station.
The city was included on a list published yesterday by the Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt.
Of the 65 towns and cities on the list, Mr Hunt hopes that the first will be up and running by next summer, with between 10 and 20 broadcasting by 2015.
The local television stations will be available on the digital terrestrial TV platform Freeview.
Locally, the company behind Latest Homes and Latest 7 magazine has already announced that it plans to bid for the licence for Brighton and Hove.
Latest founder Bill Smith said: “Latest TV are delighted that the government have announced that Brighton and Hove is on the shortlist to have its own 24/7 news and entertainment TV channel.
“Currently ‘local TV’ means a Southampton or Maidstone studio!
Talent
“We have the business plan, the political support and most important of all the huge talent in this city to deliver Brighton and Hove’s new TV channel.”
Mr Smith said that thelatest.tv was already an internet hit and he added: “We look forward to being on everyone’s TV in the near future.”
The local TV channels are being made possible by the switchover from analogue to digital transmission.
The digital switchover in Brighton and Hove is due to happen in two stages on Wednesday 7 March and Wednesday 21 March next year.
The transmitter in Whitehawk is being upgraded in preparation for the change.
More information is available at www.digitaluk.co.uk.
Bill Randall, the leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “Brighton and Hove has a very strong case for being a local TV trailblazer and the council will back the local bid to the hilt.
“Our vibrant, creative and digital city is home to many talented people, many of whom already work in TV, and we badly need a truly local TV station to focus on the needs and interests of Brighton and Hove.
“Local TV would provide a great opportunity to air important local issues, celebrate the city’s successes and bring communities together.
“We’re up against some of the bigger cities, such as Manchester and Liverpool, but I believe we’ve got a very good chance of beating them by outpunching our weight, as usual.”
