NEW BOSS DRIVES INTO CITY TV

18-02-2010

The former manager of Formula 1 racing champion Jensen Button has emerged as a major player on the Birmingham media scene by taking a stake in the fledgling City TV project.

Jersey-based millionaire John Byfield – who runs the sports marketing and management group Essentially – will be chairman of the new venture.

Byfield - a solicitor by training - has been drafted in by City TV MD Alan Grindley, who said: “The search has been on for several months to find the right person to head up Birmingham's new TV station - someone who will bring a wealth of national and international business experience and investment into Birmingham.

“Our paths first crossed several years ago when I was filming a series on Formula 1 racing. John had just formed the Essentially Group plc which has since gone on to become one of the world's largest sports marketing and management companies."

Byfield said: “I am excited by the prospects of a commercial, local television broadcaster that features the city's talent, news, views, sports and entertainment. This project is truly innovative and will make a great contribution to the City of Birmingham”.

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