Grimsby-based TV station to go live on Freeview 24/7 as Lincolnshire Living

DO YOU ever feel that the news and programmes on TV just don't relate to the area you live in?

Well, all that is about to change as a local Grimsby-based TV station has been granted one of Ofcom's new-generation licences.

Channel 7, which has built up a loyal following of online and Virgin viewers over the last 15 years, will be expanded into Lincolnshire Living.

The new channel – which will begin broadcasting on Freeview channel eight next year – will be available from Driffield in the north to Horncastle in the south and across from the Lincolnshire coastline to Goole.

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Lia Nici, who is executive producer of Channel 7, said programmes will be produced in the University Centre at the Grimsby Institute, where she is also business manager for East Coast Media.

"This is a very exciting time for us at Channel 7 but also for the area as a whole," she said.

"There are so many people locally who are trying to get into broadcasting and having this TV station will open doors for them and provide invaluable experience.

"The facilities at the University Centre are fantastic and will allow professionals and students to work alongside one another on programmes.

"The channel is also going to provide viewers with the kind of hyper-local coverage that you just don't find on ITV or the BBC."

The channel will broadcast a range of programmes, including news, documentaries, quizzes and children's entertainment.

Lia added: "The range of programmes will be just like a mini version of a normal TV channel.

"As we get more established, the range of shows will evolve, but always with the emphasis on promoting the local area.

"We also hope to provide jobs for media professionals who may otherwise have left the area in search of work."

One of the students who is looking forward to being involved in Lincolnshire Living is Andrew Lloyd, 31, who is studying for a BA degree in film and TV production at the University Centre.

Andrew, who previously worked as a security guard and IT technician, is now in the second year of his degree after deciding broadcasting was his passion.

He said: "I think the new station will be brilliant for the area.

"There needs to be a lot more local TV as so much is focused on London at the moment.

"It's going to help me get to where I want to be, which is working as a producer and making my own films locally, by giving me hands-on experience."

Digital film and TV course co-ordinator, Tom Hughes, added: "Having a local TV station on Freeview will be absolutely amazing.

"I've been working for Channel 7 for a while now and we have all put in a lot of groundwork to try and achieve this.

"It's going to be fantastic for our students to have the opportunity to work on a professional channel.

"I don't think there is any other university in the country that has its own digital TV station so it will cement our position as leaders in broadcast training."

As reported, Grimsby and Brighton have been granted the first two local TV licences, created as part of a project championed by former culture secretary Jeremy Hunt.

Nineteen regional stations will be launched in total, with the first expected to start airing before the end of 2013.