Channel Six Dundee: Remembering the time Dundee had its own TV channel

Channel Six Dundee was Dundee’s first dedicated television channel, offering locally produced content focused on music, arts, and culture.

The idea for a Dundee-based TV channel was first proposed in 1999, inspired by the success of similar projects in other Scottish cities, such as Edinburgh. By 2001, Channel Six Dundee was officially launched, described as an “innovative TV music and arts channel.”

Operating from Seabraes Lane on Perth Road, the channel provided a unique platform for Dundee’s creative community.

It allowed Dundonians to engage with locally produced content, fostering a strong connection between the city and its television network.

At its peak, Channel Six Dundee could reach approximately 125,000 people, stretching from Monifieth to Invergowrie.

One of its most popular features was a music request service, where viewers could phone in and request music videos to be aired.

This initiative not only entertained audiences but also provided exposure for local bands and artists, helping to promote Dundee’s thriving music scene.

The channel also served as a platform for student filmmakers, who submitted short films to be broadcast, giving emerging talent the opportunity to showcase their work to a wider audience.

It was truly a community-driven channel, connecting Dundee’s arts scene with thousands of viewers.

Another popular feature was a weekly Top Ten countdown, highlighting the best clips broadcast on the channel, including performances by local musicians.

Channel Six Dundee’s format was inspired by MTV and appealed particularly to younger audiences, with Summerhall TV later noting that it was the most popular TV channel among under-35s in Dundee at the time.

At one stage, there were even discussions about launching a Channel Six Dundee record label, but those plans never materialised.

Beyond entertainment, the channel also supported local businesses by airing advertisements for Dundee-based companies and attractions, including the original Olympia leisure centre on Dundee’s waterfront.

Despite its popularity, with an average viewership of over 75,000, Channel Six Dundee struggled financially. The channel faced increasing economic challenges, and despite efforts to keep it afloat, it eventually ceased operations.

Following its closure, Dundee never saw a direct replacement for Channel Six Dundee. The closest equivalent was STV2, launched as part of STV’s local TV expansion after the success of STV Glasgow and STV Edinburgh.

However, like its predecessor, STV2 also had a short lifespan, shutting down in 2018 after just one year and 69 days.

With the rise of social media platforms and streaming services, the landscape of local content has shifted dramatically. Today, people turn to online platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok for Dundee-focused content on platforms like Dundee Culture, making the return of a traditional local TV channel unlikely in the foreseeable future.

While Channel Six Dundee may no longer exist, it remains an important part of Dundee’s media history—one that gave the city a unique voice and a platform for local talent during its time on the air.