A LOCAL broadcaster will present the case for the establishment of Manx TV at a meeting of the Positive Action Group next week.
Paul Moulton, who formally worked for ITV Granada, will discuss "The Case for Manx TV" at the event on Monday, January 30.
Last year the Department of Culture, Media and Sport in the UK set out proposals for a new framework for local TV in the UK.
As a result 20 pioneer areas are expected to get their own local TV stations. It is also anticipated that the scheme will be extended to a further 24 areas some with populations which are smaller than the Isle of Man.
A spokesperson for the Positive Action Group said: "The BBC has allocated £40 million for the scheme. According to Culture, Media and Sport Minister Jeremy Hunt new stations will provide local communities with programming relevant to their daily lives.
"Yet our government and Tynwald has accepted that the UK's implementing legislation for the UK local TV framework should not apply to the Isle of Man and the Island will continue to be part of the BBC North West Region and have to make do with the limited local coverage we currently receive."
Paul Moulton said he feels passionately that the Isle of Man deserves a local visual media outlet to broadcast on local Island issues.
He said: "I frequently tune into news coverage in the Channel Islands via satellite broadcast. There needs to be the same service here in the Isle of Man.
"Any TV coverage on Island issues, in whatever form, would potentially give worldwide coverage of our way of life.
"I welcome the opportunity to explain my viewpoint to the Manx public."
Also contributing to the discussion will be broadcaster Roger Watterson, a former vice chairman of the former Isle of Man Broadcasting Commission, who has had experience in negotiations with the UK Government about Isle of Man news coverage.
Graham Cregeen MHK, who was chair of the 2011 Select Committee of Tynwald of the Television Licence Fee, will also contribute on the evening.
The Case for Manx TV will take place at the Manx Legion Club on Market Hill in Douglas at 7.30pm. Admission is free and the event is open to all.
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