A HARLOW entrepreneur has been appointed to head up a new local channel being dubbed ‘Essex TV’. Expected to hit screens on Sky in early 2018, Essex TV will launch online next month and its content will include current affairs and entertainment programmes made exclusively by Essex people for Essex people.

Chief executive of Essex TV Matthew Martino, 23, from Harlow, said he is keen to move away from The Only Way Is Essex stereotype.

He said: “I can assure readers we won’t be showing Joey Essex 24/7 – that’s the type of show we want to pull away from.

“We want to create a localised hub for entertainment, news and current affairs and our intention is to highlight local talent and also to encourage businesses across the county to get involved.

“At the moment we’re busy shooting promotional videos and we just hope we can share something special about what makes Essex what it is.

“We understand that we’re not going to grow overnight but eventually we want to create short films and mini-series – like you see on Netflix – but first we need the commercial side to take off.”

Martino who was most recently named Essex Young Person Of The Year has also vowed to ‘spotlight Harlow as much as possible’

Launched to bring exciting, fresh and innovative TV for people around the world, Essex TV plans to bring content to everyone from all walks of life and offer cutting edge content to present all that Essex has to offer to global audiences.

Developers aim to focus on the vibrancy of the county with experimental content highlighting fresh talent. The Chelmsford studios will record programmes reflecting the Essex lifestyle, introduced to many through the popular ITV TOWIE series.

Alin Stacescu, creative director at Essex TV, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for previously hidden talent in Essex to make a name for themselves and become part of an exciting, locally orientated broadcast platform.”

Anyone with a show idea, local business of interest, news tip or stand-out talent can email [email protected]

For further information visit: www.essex-tv.co.uk or www.twitter.com/TheEssexTV