Sky is reportedly lobbying regulator Ofcom to be allowed to become the commercial provider of local news in the UK, a move that would see it take on ITV.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Sky is developing plans for Sky News Local. Work is at a preliminary stage and any further development would depend on “genuine regulatory reform” by Ofcom.
Currently, ITV is required to provide 20-minute regional news bulletins on weekday evenings.
A spokesperson for Sky said, “Viewers want to see more local stories – we proved that with our election coverage, available free in every home and on our digital channels.
“We will work with Ofcom and government to support the evolution of local news, to reach audiences underserved by the system.”
