The Local TV Network

1. The Local TV Network (LTVN) is the trade association representing the interests of the 34 Ofcom-licensed local television services in the UK. Launched in 2013, local TV covers localities from Belfast to Medway, Aberdeen to Bristol, delivering daily local news bulletins on Freeview. There are a range of operating models in the local TV sector – from commercial entertainment channels, to non-profit community services – but each is dedicated to providing a core service of professional, high quality, accurate and impartial local news. Additionally, local TV has proved to be a valuable training ground for a new generation of journalists and TV production staff. Major newsrooms, including the BBC, Sky, ITN and Al Jazeera include staff who received their training or early work experience in local TV and the local TV sector includes stations with formal ties to universities or arrangements with other news outlets, including the BBC, to provide training.