Ofcom to start local auctions

Once again the media regulator is looking to be in the money when it auctions off two local TV stations.

One will cover Manchester and has the potential to reach up to 500,000 households, while the other will cover the Cardiff area and could reach around 180,000 households.

These channels use the white spaces located between the digital channels at the 8 MHz frequency.

The two cities in question already have their own local TV stations, but if they wish to remain on the air they will need to apply for the licences through the auction process.

This could mean that a greater choice of TV will be offered in these areas, but if the licences go to the existing channels then nothing will really change.