The tortuous battle to bring to Birmingham is going into extra time - with regulator Ofcom extending next Monday's deadline for the broadcast launch.
It has confirmed the November 3 cut-off point will be extended 'on an interim basis' to allow broadcasting watchdogs to reconsider the merits of a preferred bidder.
The Post revealed earlier this month that the preferred bidder - which is thought to be a consortium including former ATV presenter Mike Prince and Chris Perry of classic TV specialists Kaleidoscope -
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Administrators from Duff and Phelps later warned that the Birmingham launch could be delayed by many months and asked Ofcom to reconsider.
Monday's deadline was originally imposed on BLTV, the consortium led by former Birmingham City Council PR boss Debra Davis and associate Alan Grindley, when it was awarded the licence ahead of three other rivals two years ago.
But hopes of a local TV station for Birmingham ended in disarray when amid debts of £170,000.
The extension is to give Ofcom sufficient time to complete its due diligence and take a decision on whether or not to allow the licence transfer request.
An Ofcom spokesman said: "Ofcom's concern is to act in the interests of the people of Birmingham by ensuring that its local TV channel fully meets their needs and is financially sustainable.
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"We awarded the Birmingham licence to BLTV but unfortunately the company went into administration.
"Ofcom is now carrying out due diligence on a request from the administrator to transfer the licence, which must be done properly, while doing so as quickly as possible for viewers in Birmingham.
"In the meantime, Ofcom will extend, on an interim basis, the deadline in the licence for local TV to launch in Birmingham to allow a decision to be made."
Matt Ingram, partner at administrator Duff and Phelps, said: "I remain confident that we have presented the most viable option in the current circumstances to Ofcom and we hope to reach a conclusion in the near future."
Mr Prince could not be contacted for comment.