Kent TV to shut

The country's first council run internet TV station here in Kent is to end.

Kent TV, which launched 3 years ago and was started by Sir Bob Geldof's production company, is to close, due to the tough economic climate.

Leader of KCC Paul Carter said;

"Kent TV has proved itself to be a brave and bold innovation and we have learned a great deal from it. It has provided a source of practical, useful information for residents.  And it has particularly appealed to younger residents with its Sound Clash song-writing competition; its Animate and Create animation competition and its groundbreaking soap opera Hollywould, which tackled young people's health issues.

 

However, we are living in different and difficult economic times compared with when the pilot was launched in September 2007. In difficult times our spending has to be prioritised. We have therefore decided that Kent TV will not continue when the pilot period ends in March 2010.”

 

Roger Gough, Cabinet Member for Corporate Support Services and Performance Management said:

 

"This is not a decision that we have taken lightly.  We have listened to feedback from many sources. We have carried out an independent review of Kent TV and we have taken all the available data into account, including assessing the benefits were we to go forward.  We intend to continue to develop digital media to connect with the people of Kent. 

 

Our thanks go to Ten Alps and to the Kent TV team for providing a strong service for the last two and a half years."