Culture secretary Sajid Javid visits Brighton’s Latest TV

Culture secretary Sajid Javid took a trip behind the scenes of Brighton and Hove’s very own TV channel Latest TV during a trip to the south coast this afternoon (Wednesday May 21).

The Conservative frontbencher took time out from his busy schedule to find out how things are progressing as the channel prepares to launch on freeview channel 8 this summer.

After seeing how work to turn a music venue into a TV studio was coming along, Mr Javid admitted he was impressed with the ingenuity and passion that was going into making sure local TV will be a success.

Culture secretary Sajid Javid said: “This Government is committed to local television and it was great to be able to come and see at first hand the exciting plans Latest TV have here in Brighton and I look forward to the channel going live later in the year.

“Having witnessed the innovative, fresh ideas on display at the Latest, and with the dedication and hard work of the reporters, producers and camera crew, I am certain it will be a success.”

Latest TV was one of a handful of companies to win a licence when the government announced it would be rolling out local TV across the country.

With a commitment to champion the city across the country and a “you make it, we show it” promise for any content produced in the area, the channel has received support from across the city.

It will launch in July and will broadcast 24/7 showing a mixture of news, sport, entertainment, property, music and feature-length films, plus a lot more.

Mr Javid was given a tour of the studio in Manchester Street, Brighton, by channel directors and staff.

Angi Mariani, director of Latest Homes Ltd, said: “It was a real honour for the culture secretary to visit us today.

“Things are moving along at great speed but can’t wait to get started and broadcasting on freeview channel 8 this summer.

“We’re sure we can produce a channel that the people of Brighton and Hove will be proud to call their own.”

Brighton Kemptown MP Simon Kirby, who joined Mr Javid on the visit, said: “I have supported the concept of a local television station for Brighton from the outset, so it is very pleasing to see the progress that has been made as we approach the launch date.

“Brighton is the ideal location for a local television station with a vibrant culture and I am sure Latest TV will thrive.”