[cma-l] Local TV - Who's in the Frame?

[Phil Shepherd]

Dear Steve

Great to hear more about the Sheffield based response to the government's
Local Media Action Plan*.  I am preparing today a statement on behalf of CMA
in support of the bottom up approach to the network spine.  Our position
like your own, reflects the community media charter and our commitment to
community empowerment through locally owned and controlled broadcasting.

As you know, we are not bidding to run the spine as CMA as we are aware that
a number of our members are themselves involved in different bids around the
country.   But we are clear that it is only as you are suggesting, through a
not-for-profit approach (or one in which community interests are to the
fore) that the spine model can work for the local TV we know is needed in
the UK.   Hence our intention to  re-enforce our arguments to government for
the deadline of March 1st - as well as later for the advertised wider
consultation date of April 11th.

All power to you, and to our other members and friends seeking to engage
with this opportunity.

Best wishes

Phil

Phil Shepherd      
Chair of Council
Community Media Association
 
philshep.wordpress.com

* The Local Media Action Plan can be found at
http://www.culture.gov.uk/consultations/7720.aspx