Liverpool studios barb for bosses at TV station

THOSE behind the new Made in North Wales TV station have been criticised for making their programmes... in Liverpool.

The new venture will produce eight hours of local programming, of which 30 minutes will be in Welsh, say language campaigners.

The channel, which is part of government plans to start community TV stations and will launch on April 26, was set to be based in Mold or Wrexham.

But while programmes will be filmed in north Wales, the channel will be based in Liverpool.

Aled Powell, from campaign group Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, said: “It is not acceptable that Ofcom has agreed to license the company despite it providing only 30 minutes of original Welsh-language content a week – only 3% of the hours broadcast.

“Indeed, the percentage of original local programming will be very low as well.

“We also think it is unacceptable that the programmes will be made in the company’s studios in Liverpool, rather than in the local area the channel serves.”

A spokesman for Made Television said: “The Made in North Wales channel will be providing programming as per the Ofcom licence award in 2013 (to the original applicant Bay TV Clwyd).

“We will be aiming to exceed these commitments.

“We remain very keen on finding suitable office space in the area in the future.”