1. Enhancing local democracy: An opportunity to see and hear local representatives, for
politicians to speak and be questioned on local issues, enhancing discussion and debate.

2. Promoting civic information: An outlet for schools, charities, sports associations,
community groups, ethnic groups, museums, voluntary associations and public organisations
to promote their services – encouraging participation and active citizenship.

3. Fulfilling the purposes and characteristics of public service broadcasting (‘PSB’): A tangible medium for engaging citizens with content that supports tolerance, understanding and mutual respect, reflecting cultural diversity and increasing knowledge. Targeted programming to promote local projects and initiatives, creating partnerships with local colleges and the public sector to tackle problems such as lack of basic skills and social disengagement.

4. Regional production and citizen access: Distinctive regional production and an outlet for
experimentation and risk-taking – with opportunities for the development of new talent and
formats – thereby widening access to broadcasting for new independent producers, people
from different backgrounds and viewers themselves, creating new media employment and
access opportunities across the nations and regions.

5. Encouraging enterprise and economic development: Geographically targeted advertising
and sponsorship opportunities for local businesses – currently ‘crowded out’ of almost all
commercial TV airtime by UK ‘national’ brands, plus economic features covering retail,
property, recruitment and training.

6. Plurality of broadcasting voices: An alternative to the national PSB’s in the provision of
bespoke regional and sub-regional news and current affairs – providing much-needed
competition and an outlet for innovative new content to be shared on a region, nation and
network basis. A voice not just for geographic communities but also communities of interest
such as senior citizens, faith groups, parents and the young.