Local TV

Just shows how flawed this whole concept is when the channels in the two biggest cities outside of London can't get off the ground.

The content was entertaining enough, that which could be heard anyway.

A blog post from an audience member of The David Hamilton Show.

https://btvfloc.wordpress.com/2015/02/02/big-centre-tv-the-david-hamilton-show/

Gosh it sounds just awful.


I'm sure the applause from the seven-strong audience won't sound dreadful at all.

It does sound like tinpot television, the kind of programme the fictional character Alan Partridge would have as his current gig.

Or. You know. A radio mic.

The David Hamilton thing doesn't sound that bad, but you do have to wonder who it's for exactly. Interviewing a former director of Top of the Pops might be of interest to a niche BBC4 audience, but not a local TV one.

That's not to say that everything on local TV should be about that area, but if it's not it should have a wide appeal. That said I can't imagine any big stars appearing on a programme like that unless they're in Walsall anyway or are mates with the presenter

I do worry that they might be getting sidetracked by nostalgia in a way that won't appeal at all.

The same can be said for some of these community radio stations which emulate a bygone era of commercial broadcasting without the resources to pull it off.

Like you, I'm concerned that these guys behind Big Centre TV are going to try and emulate ATV/Central on the cheap instead of providing programming that reflects 21st Century Birmingham. I hope I'm wrong.

Oh god, that sounds awful. It doesn't exactly reflect 21st century Birmingham does it?

Not all the programmes look (or sound) that bad. Sounds like it could be like a TV version of Radio WM, which in my opinion means some shows will be decent and cater for an up to date audience. Many won't.

Here is a test transmission clip on Youtube (is this being used as the Freeview barker?)

They really do think TV hasn't changed in the last 30 years, and I think the way they seem to be selling themselve indicates that too. Presentation seems quite dated as well - similar concept to London Live but somehow a lot duller.

Compare that to the original City TV bid video which really felt current, local and like a worthwhile addition to the line up:


Obviously that turned out to be a non-starter but considering Kaleidoscope effectively took over City TV's licence rather than winning it in it's own right they seem to be offering something very different - may have taken longer but would have been much fairer to reopen the bidding.