On 12 September 2012, Ofcom (UK) awarded the first licences to run local TV services on DTT in Brighton and Grimsby. This was done following new legislation which enabled Ofcom to issue local TV licences.
Local TV has been previously licensed on a limited basis by the Independent Television Commission in the form of a restricted television service licence (RTSL). In 2006, Ofcom offered to extend all existing RTSLs up to the relevant date of Digital Switchover (DSO) in each region.
The new licences were awarded for channels Latest TV and Lincolnshire Living for a period of up to 12 years. The channels will broadcast on the local multiplex which uses spectrum specially allocated for local TV broadcasting on DTT.
UK Government policy framework for local TV
Ofcom statement on the licensing of local TV, May 2012