Month 1	Month 2	Month 3	Month 4	Month 5	Month 6	Month 7	Month 8	Month 9	Month 10	Month 11	Month 12
planning		obtaining funding			project planning			launch			post launch

How will this guide help me?

Launching your own digital TV channel has never been easier. Start up costs have reduced significantly and the opportunities have never been better, with more homes in the UK choosing digital TV over analogue and opting for multi-channel choice.

The number of new channel launches shows no sign of slowing down and the battle for the attention of the viewing public is a tough one. In fact, Ofcom actually awarded more broadcast licences in 2005 than ever before: licences issued by Ofcom rose to 168 from 156 in the previous year, an increase of 7%.

You need passion, patience and determination to succeed in this highly competitive industry, but with a big idea, a sound business plan and some careful project planning, it is possible to achieve long-term success and, if it is your aim, create a highly profitable business.

This guide is designed to walk you through the process step-by-step. It is interactive and includes sections for you to complete as you move through each stage. It will prompt you to answer all the relevant questions and encourage you to make key decisions at the appropriate times. It is effectively your blueprint for a successful channel launch.

Digital Switchover

In September 2005 the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Tessa Jowell announced the date when analogue television transmissions will cease. Starting in 2008 and ending in 2012, television services in the UK will go completely digital, region by region.