Media

BBC begins local news trial in West Mids

Published Thursday, Dec 1 2005, 11:01 GMT | By Neil Wilkes
The BBC has launched the pilot for its new "ultra local" TV news service in the West Midlands.

'BBC Local TV' aims to provide "the very best news stories, entertainment, travel and weather" relevant to local audiences.

The nine-month trial covers six areas of the West Midlands: Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry & Warwickshire, Herefordshire & Worcestershire, Stoke & Staffordshire and Shropshire.

Viewers in the region can access the service via BBCi on digital satellite or via broadband at bbc.co.uk/localtv.

The broadcast channel comprises a loop of video reports for each area, airing in a specific ten-minute window each hour.

"We know there's a strong demand for a more local television service, but until now the technology has not allowed us to deliver it," said project manager David Holdsworth. "It's particularly exciting that local people will be able use their own cameras to help film the community part of the bulletins too."

If successful, the BBC intends to roll out 60 similar services across the UK as part of its 'Out Of London' initiative.

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