Ten Alps Plc, a media company co-founded by Sir Bob Geldof, has acquired County Link Media, the Belfast-based online television production company that has created the channel Fermanagh TV.

Ten Alps Plc, a media company co-founded by Sir Bob Geldof, has acquired County Link Media, the Belfast-based online television production company that has created the channel Fermanagh TV. The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Fermanagh TV, which will deliver local news, features and information through online TV, is expected to go live in May and is backed by the district council and other public agencies in the region.

In a similar vein, Ten Alps provides Kent TV, a county television website with a local information mandate, and plays a key role in the provision of Teachers TV for the UK government.

Earlier this month, the company placed 11 million shares at 27 pence per share, raising £3 million. The proceeds will be used to boost investment in online migration and fund possible future bolt-on acquisitions, the company said.

Alex Connock, Ten Alps CEO, says there will be a particular emphasis on public sector and commercial online TV opportunities through the new enlarged company.

County Link will share offices with Below the Radar, the Belfast television production company that Ten Alps acquired last week for up to £796,000.

Connock said: “The acquisition of County Link is a small deal but a significant one, and a step further in local online TV news delivery. This comes at a time when local newspaper groups are wondering how they can continue providing local news in the face of online migration.”

Fearghal McKinney, director of County Link Media, said: “Broadband opens up new ways to cover local stories that reflect the lives of people living in every corner of Northern Ireland, and we believe that county online TV channels are a great way to satisfy that demand.”