A TV channel has closed down today after airing for ten years and its final news show ended with an emotional message to viewers from its host. 

London Live has shared news updates with the capital since 2014 and on Thursday, broadcast it’s last news programme at 6pm after it was reportedly taken over by new owners, according to the Express. 

The channel, which covered a variety of content including news and entertainment, was available to watch on Freeview, Sky, Virgin and YouView and as of 12am today will no longer be on air, according to a statement released last week.

At the end of the final news broadcast, presenter Helena Wadia thanked viewers for watching and spoke positively of those who previously featured on the show. 

She said: ‘Well, that’s it, after ten years this is the final ever London Live News at 6 show. We want to thank you for watching today and over the last decade. It’s been a pleasure to bring you local news from across London every week. 

‘To every musician, actor or artist who got their first TV break on London Live we’re so happy to have played a small part in your journey. 

Helena Wadia presenting the final London Live news show on January 16 

The channel, which covered a variety of content including news, was available to watch on Freeview, Sky, Virgin and YouView (Stock Image)

‘To everyone who came and spoke pᴀssionately about a topic, fundraiser or charity close to their heart, we’re so glad to have provided that platform. 

‘For now, all that’s left to say is, from me and the entire London Live news team, have a lovely evening and wherever you can, keep supporting local news. Good night.’

London Live released a statement on social media last week announcing the closure.

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’

The post on Instagram received comments from a range of people, including those who had been on the show.

London Live released a statement on social media last week announcing the closure

Presenter Helena thanked viewers for watching and spoke positively of those who previously featured on the show

Craig and Shaun McAnuff of Original Flava commented: ‘Sad news, You gave us our first ever tv appearance – thank you for the memories.’

London Live’s lead presenter, James Dickman, featured on his final broadcast for the news show on January 13  and declared that ‘local reporting is on life support’.

He said: ‘Over seven years it has been a privilege to inform you and at times give you a little bit of joy I hope, every week day evening. It’s not news to anyone that local reporting is on life support. 

‘The need for it in the 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.’

James added: ‘I wish you the best of luck and I hope you have the courage to never lose hope. Good evening, good bye and I’ll see you again, I’m sure.’

Yesterday, the beloved local TV channel posted a video of Head of News Tanya Francis saying a final farewell on Instagram. 

London Live’s lead presenter, James Dickman, featuring on his final broadcast for the news show on January 13

The caption read: ‘That’s a wrap. We would like to thank you for supporting London Live over the last 10 years. It’s been an incredible 10 years covering the stories that matter in the capital and making sure the all voices in our community are heard.

‘It’s sadly time to say a final goodbye, from midnight on Sunday 19th January we will be off air but want to say a huge thank you and goodbye.’

It was followed by comments including from one user who said: ‘I am so upset about this. I loved London Live. Why, why, why???’

Another added: ‘You guys have done an amazing job, sad to this update. Thanks for all your hard work.’