Local radio licences: Change of Control Reviews

Whenever a local radio licence undergoes a 'change of control' (for example, when it is sold), Ofcom is required under section 355 of the Communications Act 2003 to undertake a review of its programme output.

Specifically, Ofcom must review the likely effect of the change of control on:

• the quality and range of programmes included in the service;
• the character of the service; and,
• the extent to which local material and locally-made programmes are included in the service.

When the review has been completed, Ofcom may amend the content requirements of the licence.

Ofcom must determine whether the change of control would prejudice any of the three matters listed above. If it decides that it would, then it must amend the licence, by imposing new programming obligations. However, these may only reflect what the previous owner was actually delivering.