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The man behind Live8, and one of the country's top council chief executives, have defended their decision to launch a community Internet TV station. Sir Bob Geldof, co-founder of production company Ten Alps plc, and Peter Gilroy, of Kent CC, said Kent TV would raise the county's profile at national and international level, and recoup its £600,000 costs. Ten Alps, which won the two-year tender, will run the site, which features news, local information and more than 100 films. Mr Gilroy revealed there had been strong local opposition from councillors and media groups over funding. This would be covered by advertising revenue and savings made from other council budgets. Kent's leader, Paul Carter, claimed savings of £100,000 could be made by switching leaflets and forms to the site. The council will review the project's viability after two years, when revenue and audience figures become clear. Speaking exclusively to The MJ, Sir Bob revealed there had been significant interest from other authorities in the project. He said: ‘Other authorities are interested, believe me, because we have chased the business. ‘This is very smart and very experimental. I believe within the next five years, everyone will have webcast TV services.' He also rejected the idea that councils could step in to fill the gap created by ITV's decision to end regional news services. ‘We might get a London or a Manchester TV, but I doubt it will go down to a smaller area, and the Government will say it is up to individual councils as to whether they get involved.' Mr Gilroy said the station would be free to criticise the council. ‘It is independent of us and will abide by Ofcom rules on impartiality,' he said. ‘This will make money but it's about more than that. We have to push the boundaries and take risks.'

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WHITEHALL

Bob Geldoff defends Kent community TV

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