City on shortlist for TV station

The Sentinel revealed last week that the city, and also Limavady, were in the running to host a new station in 2014.

Councillor Boyle, who has considerable experience in the area of local broadcasting, said: “Derry would be a prime location for a local TV station.

“Local TV provides the community with the opportunity to engage with services and reflect local opinion and news stories that are more relevant to their lives and experiences.”

He said it was important services were run by fit and proper people and that these same people were capable of broadcasting to the highest standards – with efficiency and without fear or favour.

“Indeed, in the light of recent developments with News International these services should be free from political manipulation.

“I welcome the Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt’s efforts to encourage interest from local communities and operators – as the SDLP have always supported the development of local TV services.

“However, it is also vital that the communications regulator, Ofcom, oversees the entire process transparently – and for that reason I will be keeping a close watching brief on future developments,” he said.