TV newsreader shares emotional ‘goodbye’ message to viewers as channel closes for good after 11 years
TV newsreader James Dickman has shared an emotional goodbye after his TV channel was closed down for good after 11 years of broadcasting.
The star has delivered the news reports on popular station London Live for the past seven years but he has now been forced to exit the programme after the channel was axed.
London Live has brought daily local news updates to Greater London for the past 11 years alongside airing other content including a variety of classic sitcoms and documentaries.
James was the last face seen live on the channel as he shared a gushing goodbye on-air.
Speaking on the programme, James said: “That’s it for this evening. But also, this is it for me tonight.
“This is my last show on this news programme at this channel.
“Over seven years it’s been a privilege to inform you, and at times give you a little bit of joy, I hope, every weekday evening.”
A clearly emotional James continued: “It’s not news to anyone that local reporting is on life support.
“The need for it in a modern world – for better or for worse – seems more and more by the day to be surplus to requirements. I believe it is for the worse.
“The importance of stories that affect our communities and the individuals within them cannot be underestimated.
“The seemingly inconsequential at first glance, the often downright bizarre, are things that would be overlooked by so many others. They’re often, though, the first key in the door that opens to shine a light on something much larger that affects us all.”
The news that London Live would be abruptly shut down came after a takeover of the business.
Local TV Ltd purchased the channel at the start of the month and almost immediately confirmed it would be shut down.
News of the channel’s closure first broke on X – formerly known as Twitter – in a written statement.
It read: “We want to update our loyal followers that very sadly London Live will be closing down.
“The TV channel will no longer be on air from 12am on 20th January and the final news programme will be on 16th January at 6pm.
“We want to thank you for following and supporting us over the last 10 years. We have loved helping to share the stories that matter in London, making sure the voices that count are heard.
“In our biased opinion, London is the best city in the world, made up of brilliant people. Thank you for being a part of our journey. The London Live Team x.”