A Sheffield campaign inviting anyone who lives, works, or has interests in Sheffield to own their very own television channel has reached over 90% of its fundraising target with one week left to the closing date.

Sheffield Community Media has now raised £136,050* through its Pioneer and Community Share Offer and in investment commitments.

And excitement is building about the plans, as the launch date for Sheffield Live Television was revealed today.

Sheffield Community Media is in the final leg of fundraising to purchase equipment and finish the studio facilities for public access and independent production.

Once on air, it will benefit from revenue via a contract to supply some news to the BBC – as well as local and national advertising. But it needs to reach its £150,000 target in the next 7 days and is offering Sheffielders a chance to invest and to be involved – and it aspires to pay investors a modest return.

Scores of Sheffield individuals have already become “community share” owners. People like Jodie Marsh, who said:

“I would really like to take shares in this project as I believe it’s a great opportunity for Sheffield, and as someone working on the frontline in Sheffield within the arts and working with young people and educating them in this area, I believe it could be a great opportunity for Sheffield to put even more onto the creative map of the UK.”

And Peter Johnson, who said: “I’m buying shares in Sheffield Community Media because I’ve always been a huge fan of Sheffield Live radio and if the television channel is going to be anything like the output of the radio, it’ll be a great service for Sheffield.”

Plenty of businesses, social enterprises and organisations are involved. Organisations such as MK PR, The Sheffield Window Centre, Heason Events, Wosskow Brown Solicitors, Thornbridge Brewery / The Greystones, Mercury Taxis, The Sheffield College, The Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, and many more have invested, pledged support, and/or booked advertising.

Read about others here.

It’s easy to get involved, as a personal or organisational shareholder, with a minimum commitment of £100 which can be paid in 10 instalments if preferred.

If you love the idea of locally owned media bringing you great local news and programming, then please become a shareholder in Sheffield Community Media Ltd.

Act quickly – the deadline is 14th August.

The “Pioneer and Community Share Offer” prospectus is available at www.sheffieldlive.org/shares

Questions about the Pioneer and Community Share Issue: call 0114 281 4082 or email shares@sheffieldlive.org

*Sheffield Community Media Ltd has to date (7 August) raised £66,050 in community share applications received from Sheffield individuals and businesses and £70,000 in offers of loan finance from social investors. It is a society for the benefit of the community incorporated under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965. Registered with the Financial Conduct Authority. Registration No: 31727R. Registered address: 15 Paternoster Row, Sheffield, S1 2BX