Brighton hit the headlines this week when Latest TV won the licence for terrestrial TV in Brighton and Hove.
Said Bill Smith, MD of The Latest Group: "At last Brighton and Hove will have its own
television station with its own studios in the heart of the city at Latest
Musicbar; broadcasting on Channel 8 on the Freeview platform with slots on
other platforms to be confirmed.
"We intend to deliver the latest news and sport, top class entertainment,
documentaries, education, comedy, music and everything that the people of
Brighton and Hove expect from a quality TV station. We also look forward to
working with the existing local independent producers in the city like BTV
/Electric Sky and back2back productions.
"Brighton
and Hove has the biggest arts festival in England, a brand spanking new
football stadium that is one of the best in the UK, top class businesses, world
class universities and colleges, great radio stations and magazines and as
everyone knows, it is one of the sexiest places on earth.
"Latest TV looks
forward to showcasing the best of Brighton, Hove, Worthing and surrounding areas, and also to working
with the BBC to provide up to the minute local news provision. With Wired Sussex, Latest TV will be a
catalyst for growth in the crucial
digital, creative and IT sector."
Phélim
Mac Cafferty, Deputy Leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said: "We
are all absolutely delighted that Latest is the successful bidder for local
television in Brighton and Hove. Latest has built strong and successful
partnerships with many of the major organisations in the community including
the council, the Albion, local radio and our city’s vibrant digital sector. We
look forward to working with Latest in showcasing our diverse, creative
and modern city to local people and beyond.”
Continued Bill Smith: "Finally,
Latest TV would like to thank the past and present Secretary of State for
Culture, Media & Sport, Jeremy Hunt MP and Maria Miller MP, the DCMS and all
at Ofcom for realising the importance of local democracy. We would also like to
thank our three MPs, Caroline Lucas MP, Mike Weatherley MP and Simon Kirby MP, and
Jason Kitcat, the leader of Brighton & Hove City Council for the city
council’s support, plus Gill Mitchell, the leader of the Brighton & Hove
Labour & Co-operative Party, and Lord Bassam of Brighton for their
cross-party support."
