TELEVISION channels dedicated to communities could be introduced across the region before the end of the year under Government plans.

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt yesterday invited applications from firms wishing to broadcast to towns and communities in the North-East and North Yorkshire.

The aim is to have more specific “hyper-local” programming broadcast for up to two hours a day.

The plans will come into force gradually until 2015 as feasibility studies are carried out.

Speaking at the Oxford Media Convention, Mr Hunt said: “What this will mean, for consumers, is a new channel dedicated to the provision of local news and content.

“One that will sit alongside other public service broadcasters, offering a new voice for local communities, with local perspectives that are directly relevant to them.”

According to media experts in the North-East, the plans could lead to the dismantling of the “London- centric” television industry by offering more opportunities for young people in the region.

John Gibb, a former BBC producer who runs the media production course at Darlington College, said: “There is some work up here, and facilities are available, but it is very limited. If there was a station up here, it would be great for us to feed into.”

Mr Hunt quoted a survey showing eight out of ten people considered local news important, and nearly seven out of ten adults felt the localness of a story was more important than it being professionally produced. He added: “It is easy to be patronising about hyperlocal services, but take a look at the evidence of what consumers truly value.”

The BBC will cover start-up costs of up to £25m in 2013-14 for local TV, for up to 20 services, through an agreement as part of last year’s licence fee settlement.

It will also offer funding of up to £5m a year for three years from 2014-15 as part of the deal. Local news providers are among those looking at bidding for licences, some of which will be issued later this year.

A spokesman for ITV Tyne Tees said: “We look forward to examining the detail of the Secretary of State’s proposals on local news and welcome his commitment to taking a fresh look at the UK media regulatory framework.”