PERTH groups are jockeying for the chance to set up a new community TV station in the city after the failure of former licence-holder Access 31.
Regulator the Australian Communications and Media Authority cancelled Access 31's licence last week, three weeks after it went into liquidation with unsecured debts of $553,000 and owing employees about $77,000, mostly in leave entitlements.
On Saturday, ACMA called for applications to run a two-year trial community TV service in Perth.
Two groups have already expressed interest. One, CTV Perth, was an unsuccessful applicant against Access 31 for the permanent licence in 2004.
The other is led by Perth businessman Scott Hunt, who produced breakfast show Wake Up! WA for Access 31.
Mr Hunt said he was talking to groups, including Murdoch University and the Multicultural Radio and Television Association, about offering a service.
He would not reveal the group's financial backers.
Despite Access 31's failure, Perth could support a community station, he said.
"Unfortunately, Access 31's business model was flawed," he said.
