Radio broadcast licences - Ofcom

About Ofcom

Ofcom is the regulator for the communications services that we use and rely on each day.

Internet-based services

As people communicate seamlessly online and offline, we now need to invest our efforts into making digital communications work for everyone

Media use and attitudes

Ofcom wants to understand how adults and children in the UK use media.

Online safety

Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom's job is to make online services safer for the people who use them. We make sure companies have effective systems in place to protect users from harm.

Phones and broadband

Ofcom is committed to a thriving telecoms sector, where companies can compete fairly and customers benefit from a broad range of services.

Post

Ofcom's job is to make sure there is a universal postal service.

Spectrum

You can't see or feel radio spectrum, but we use it every day. Our job is to authorise and manage the use of spectrum in the UK.

TV, radio and on-demand

We make sure that broadcasters provide quality TV, radio and on-demand programmes that appeal to diverse audiences. We also have rules in place to protect viewers and listeners from harm.
Advice for businesses

How to make the most of communications services as a small business.

Advice for consumers

How to make the most of the services you use, and deal with problems.

Consultations and statements

Proposals we are consulting on and decisions we've made.

Enforcement

How we make sure companies follow our rules, to protect customers and promote competition.

Information for industry

Rules, guidance and other information for the industries we regulate.

Licence information

If you're looking to use certain radio equipment, or broadcast on TV or radio, you'll need a licence from Ofcom.

News and updates

Our latest news, features, views and information about our work.

Research, statistics and data

Evidence we gather to inform our work as a regulator.
Complaints
- Ofcom may be able to help you complain about or report issues relating to: phone, broadband and postal services; TV, radio and on-demand programmes; interference to wireless devices; or something you have seen on an online service, website or app.
- The types of complaint we deal with
- Get in touch by phone or post
Licences
- You need a licence from Ofcom if you’re looking to use certain radio equipment (like amateur or ships radio), or broadcast on TV or radio.
- Help with your spectrum licence
- Help with your broadcast licence

Cymraeg

Close up of faders on a broadcast radio desk

Quick links

Amend your radio broadcast licence

Radio broadcasting updates

Look up radio station details

Compliance checklist for radio broadcast content

In this section

Small-scale DAB

Apply for a small-scale radio multiplex or digital sound programme service licence

Small-scale multiplex applications and awards

C-DSP licence applications

Reports and events

Restricted service licences

Apply for a restricted service licence

Apply for an audio distribution systems restricted service licence

Commercial analogue (AM/FM)

Planned timetable for the re-advertisement of local analogue commercial radio licences

Commercial radio licence applications and awards

Satellite and cable

Apply for a Radio Licensable Content Service (RLCS)

Radio Licensable Content Service (RLCS) guidance

Radio Licensable Content Service (RLCS) sample licence

Community radio

DAB programme service or multiplex

Internet radio

A more straightforward way of setting up a radio service is to start an internet/intranet radio station. We do not regulate online-only radio services, and so these stations do not require a licence from Ofcom.

However, to play any music on an online station, you will need the relevant licences from the music royalty collection agencies, PPL and PRS for Music. These organisations operate separately from Ofcom, and you will need to contact them directly to find out if there are any additional requirements and costs.

Additional Services Licence

Following advertisement in December 2021, Ofcom awarded the Additional Services Licence to INRIX UK Ltd. This licence will end no later than 30 April 2031.