Rod Breis, the manager for Hunter TV, said things were coming together but they still had to get government approval.

He explained there was room for a new channel in the region’s airways because the analogue signal had been switched off.

Yesterday, the crew was busy filming a show with Newcastle children’s entertainers The Little Scallywagz.

‘‘We’re fighting with the government at the moment to get our licence but it looks like we’re on the right side of the law to get that licence,’’ Mr Breis said.

‘‘We’re getting an answer in three to four weeks.

‘‘It’s what they call a narrow-casting licence where we have to be limited to local content only.

‘‘Basically, we’ve begun filming for Little Scallywagz in preparation for Hunter TV.’’

‘‘We’ve got real estate shows, the news and lots of entertainment.’’

Speaking during a break from filming their colourful and musical show, Scallywagz creator and member Stacy Tierney said the opportunity was a dream come true.

Along with airing on Hunter TV, the show will also be pitched to community TV stations around the country.

‘‘It’s giving our icons around Newcastle and everywhere else exposure – it’s such a great resource,’’ Ms Tierney said.

For more information about the new channel visit huntertv.com.au.