City TV has announced the appointment of local businessman Derek Inman to the board of the local TV company, City TV Broadcasting Ltd, which is in the early stages of launching a local TV channel for Birmingham.

Derek Inman

Chief Executive, Debra Davis welcomed the appointment saying; ‘Plans are moving rapidly ahead to launch City TV in the Birmingham area.  Derek’s appointment follows two successful business briefings that attracted 150 people.  We clearly have an exceptionally attractive investment opportunity and City TV is gaining support with business leaders, like Derek, and the wider business community.

‘We are thrilled that Derek has joined the team.  He is the first of our new appointments.  He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our venture – especially from his previous role as a member of Ofcom’s English Advisory Committee and as Head of UK Regions for BT.  He understands the mission and vitality that City TV can bring to Birmingham.’

Derek Inman said:  “This is such an exciting opportunity for Birmingham.  The government is changing broadcast regulations to help make local TV more commercially viable.  Our intention is to pre-empt our application for the DTT licence by launching on other platforms first, such as Sky and on-line.  We intend to get programmes on air within the next few months – once funding is all in place.

‘I am particularly excited by this initiative because it is the only one I am aware of that is being put together by local people who have a passion for Birmingham, and who want the station to be run from Birmingham – with local programming by local people.  Our ambition is to make Birmingham a media super hub.”

The government has recently announced its plans for a new local television framework which includes affordable transmission and a prominent electronic programme guide (EPG) number.

City TV Broadcasting Ltd intends to file an application for the Local-Digital Television Programme Service (L-DTPS) licence for Birmingham with an emphasis on the City TV brand – high production values and entertaining programming.

The intention is to secure other licences either through development, acquisition or affiliation once Birmingham has proven to be a successful model for local television.

Derek Inman was former Head of UK Regions for BT, based in Birmingham. Since taking early retirement, as well as various charity directorships, he has had a number of other roles. These include: Chair, Birmingham Forward; Chief Executive, Birmingham & Black Country Community Foundation; and membership of Ofcom’s English Advisory Committee.