An online hyper-local television channel in Scotland which provides local news has proved to be viable eight months on.

Helensburgh.tv began broadcasting to homes on the West Coast of Scotland in January, providing daily news, sport and entertainment to a population of around 25,000.

It is also is the first social TV network in the world to develop an iPhone application for viewers to contribute news via video.

Brian Keating, director of URTV, said the channel has broken even on running costs and was now making a monthly profit as a result of advertising and the support of the local community.

Said Brian: “We have proved that hyper-local television is something that people want and that it is commercially viable.”

Director of URTV Jo de Sylva said:  “We were the first to broadcast hyperlocal council and Scottish parliamentary hustings. We have given numerous community groups – including churches, charities, sports clubs and voluntary organisations – a platform where they can be seen and heard in the homes of people they want to reach.

“Helensburgh has also had its share of national news in the last few months and we have been there to break many of those stories and ensure they are handled in a responsible way. We have provided a social media television platform for ordinary people and local organisations previously unheard of.”