BBC to pilot local TV news in West Mids

The BBC has announced plans to pilot a new local TV news service in the West Midlands later this year.

Director-General Mark Thompson revealed that the "latest broadcasting technology" would be used to create "different kinds of local television news" on broadband and digital satellite TV, digital cable and possibly mobile phones.

"Our aim is to create a new model of local television, centred on news, information and community partnerships and we will work with public, private and voluntary sector partners to build and sustain the pilot service," explained Thompson at a CBI lunch in Birmingham.

The "linear" offering will comprise a rolling red-button interactive service running for ten-minute intervals through the hour.

"They will be as local as our radio services, serving individual cities, conurbations and counties," added Thompson. "We will also aim to use our viewers' own contributions in new ways, and one producer in each area will work exclusively on developing networks of local contributors and community correspondents."

The trial, due to begin in September, will take place in five areas of the West Midlands. They include Herefordshire & Worcestershire, Stoke & Staffordshire, Shropshire, Coventry & Warwickshire, and the BBC WM editorial area, including Birmingham.

Once the pilot run concludes, a "rigorous appraisal" will be conducted, including an analysis of its market impact in the West Midlands. If successful, the BBC plans to launch around 60 similar services across the UK as part of its 'Out Of London' strategy.