Guidance for TV broadcast licensees - Ofcom

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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.
Ofcom's work

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
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
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

TV, radio and on-demand Digital TV Licence information

Published: 6 June 2023

Compliance checklist for TV broadcasters (PDF, 170.9 KB)

Broadcasting

Broadcasting Codes

Guidance for TV and radio broadcasters

Coronavirus

Note to broadcasters on the coronavirus, 12 April 2021 (PDF, 217.9 KB)

Note to broadcasters on the coronavirus, 9 November 2020 (PDF, 208.0 KB)

Note to broadcasters on the coronavirus, 26 May 2020 (PDF, 309.0 KB)

Note to broadcasters on the coronavirus, 27 April 2020 (PDF, 239.9 KB)

Note to broadcasters on the coronavirus, 23 March 2020 (PDF, 198.6 KB)

Advertising

Guidance on the use of targeted advertising replacement and its effect on a television service's licensing status and licence requirements (PDF, 179.8 KB)

Applying for a licence

Apply for a TV broadcast licence

Brexit

The UK Government has made changes to the law that applies to broadcasting in and to the UK. The changes are made by the Broadcasting (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 and these Regulations are now in force.

The UK is no longer party to the Audiovisual Media Services Directive and there are new rules affecting jurisdiction, licensing requirements and content standards that may affect linear TV service providers and video on demand service providers, depending on where their services are provided. Please see our FAQs on linear television services and video on demand services after Brexit (PDF, 230.9 KB) for further information.

Digital Television Programme Services (DTPS) and Digital Television Additional Services (DTAS)

DTPS/DTAS guidance notes for licensees (PDF, 222.4 KB)

Provider of a broadcasting service

Guidance regarding the 'provider of a broadcasting service' and 'sub-letting' of capacity (PDF, 164.1 KB)

Religious bodies

Guidance for religious bodies (PDF, 37.4 KB)

Television Licensable Content Services (TLCS)

TLCS guidance notes for licensees (PDF, 216.0 KB)

Guidance regarding the licensing position of television licensable content services broadcast into multiple territories (PDF, 234.4 KB)

Control of media companies

Guidance on the definition of control of media companies (PDF, 362.4 KB)

Regulated EPGs

Guidance on regulated electronic programme guides

International Engagement

Guidelines for dealing with Overseas Regulators (PDF, 183.0 KB)

Related content

Changes to TV broadcast licences

See changes to Television Licensees: Change of Control Reviews, Transfer or vary an existing licence, Local TV coverage extensions and Multiplex licence changes - letters of consent

Regulated EPGs

An Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) is a service that consists of the listing or promotion of programmes or programme services and provides access to them.