New wave of TV choice

Rochdale is in the running to receive local television services, according to Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

Manchester, which incorporates Rochdale and other Greater Manchester areas in its transmitter coverage, could be awarded a licence by Ofcom. The city will make a case for being among the 20 cities chosen from the 65-strong list later this year. The first wave of local TV stations is due to air next year.

Mr Hunt said: “We need to decide which areas are best-placed to pioneer the new service.

“These new, local TV services will be a fundamental change in how people get information about their own communities and how they hold their representatives to account.