Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, when the Government will make its decision on the renewal of local television licensing.

The Government recognises the important contribution and impact that local TV services make to our broadcasting ecosystem and for those across the UK, particularly in their role disseminating relevant news and engaging with local communities.

In the Broadcasting White Paper (April 2022), we announced our intention to make changes to the local TV licensing regime to enable the renewal of the local TV multiplex licence until 2034 and subject to the same conditions (including revocation power) that apply to the national multiplexes.

The Government also committed to consulting on the detailed arrangements for the renewal of the multiplex licence and conditions for renewal. The Government will publish that consultation in due course. We will consult on options for the renewal or relicensing of individual local TV services at the same time.