Broadcasting Act 1990 1990 CHAPTER 42
An Act to make new provision with respect to the provision and regulation of independent television and sound
programme services and of other services provided on television or radio frequencies; to make provision with
respect to the provision and regulation of local delivery services; to amend in other respects the law relating to
broadcasting and the provision of television and sound programme services and to make provision with respect to
the supply and use of information about programmes; to make provision with respect to the transfer of the property,
rights and liabilities of the Independent Broadcasting Authority and the Cable Authority and the dissolution of those
bodies; to make new provision relating to the Broadcasting Complaints Commission; to provide for the
establishment and functions of a Broadcasting Standards Council; to amend the Wireless Telegraphy Acts 1949 to
1967 and the Marine, &c., Broadcasting (Offences) Act 1967; to revoke a class licence granted under the
Telecommunications Act 1984 to run broadcast relay systems; and for connected purposes.
[1st November 1990]
BE IT ENACTED by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual
and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—
PART I INDEPENDENT TELEVISION SERVICES CHAPTER 1 IREGULATION BY COMMISSION OF TELEVISION SERVICES GENERALLYEstablishment of Independent Television Commission
1The Independent Television Commission
(1)There shall be a commission to be called the Independent Television Commission (in this Part referred
to as “the Commission”).
(2)The Commission shall consist of—
(a)a chairman and a deputy chairman appointed by the Secretary of State; and
(b)such number of other members appointed by the Secretary of State, not being less than eight nor more
than ten, as he may from time to time determine.
(3)Schedule 1 to this Act shall have effect with respect to the Commission.
Function of Commission
2Regulation by Commission of provision of television services
(1)It shall be the function of the Commission to regulate, in accordance with this Part, the provision of the
following services, namely—
(a)television programme services which are provided from places in the United Kingdom by persons other
than the BBC and the Welsh Authority, and
(b)additional services which are provided from places in the United Kingdom,
and to regulate, in accordance with Part II, the provision of local delivery services (within the meaning of that
Part) which are so provided.
(2)It shall be the duty of the Commission—
(a)to discharge their functions under this Part and Part II as respects the licensing of the services referred
to in subsection (1) in the manner which they consider is best calculated—
(i)to ensure that a wide range of such services is available throughout the United Kingdom, and
(ii)to ensure fair and effective competition in the provision of such services and services connected with
them; and
(b)to discharge their functions under this Part as respects the licensing of television programme services in
the manner which they consider is best calculated to ensure the provision of such services which (taken as
a whole) are of high quality and offer a wide range of programmes calculated to appeal to a variety of
tastes and interests.
(3)Subsection (2)(a)(ii) shall not be construed as affecting the discharge by the Director General of Fair
Trading, the Secretary of State or the Monopolies and Mergers Commission of any of his or their functions
in connection with competition.
(4)In this Part—
• “additional service” has the meaning given by section 48(1); and
• “television programme service” means— (a)
a television broadcasting service (as defined by subsection (5));
(b)
a non-domestic satellite service (as defined by section 43(2)); or
(c)
a licensable programme service (as defined by section 46(1)).
(5)In this Part “television broadcasting service” means (subject to subsection (6)) a service consisting in the
broadcasting of television programmes for general reception in, or in any area in, the United Kingdom,
including a domestic satellite service (as defined by section 43(1)).
(6)Subsection (5) does not apply to any teletext service or any other service in the case of which the visual
images broadcast in the service consist wholly or mainly of non-representational images, that is to say
visual images which are neither still pictures nor comprised within sequences of visual images capable of
being seen as moving pictures.
General provisions about licences
3Licences under Part I
(1)Any licence granted by the Commission under this Part shall be in writing and (subject to the provisions
of this Part) shall continue in force for such period as is provided, in relation to a licence of the kind in
question, by the relevant provision of Chapter II, III, IV or V of this Part.
(2)A licence may be so granted for the provision of such a service as is specified in the licence or for the
provision of a service of such a description as is so specified.
(3)The Commission—
(a)shall not grant a licence to any person unless they are satisfied that he is a fit and proper person to hold
it; and
(b)shall do all that they can to secure that, if they cease to be so satisfied in the case of any person holding
a licence, that person does not remain the holder of the licence;
and nothing in this Part shall be construed as affecting the operation of this subsection or of section 5(1) or
(2)(b) or (c).
(4)The Commission may vary a licence by a notice served on the licence holder if—
(a)in the case of a variation of the period for which the licence is to continue in force, the licence holder
consents; or
(b)in the case of any other variation, the licence holder has been given a reasonable opportunity of making
representations to the Commission about the variation.
(5)Paragraph (a) of subsection (4) does not affect the operation of section 41(1)(b); and that subsection
shall not authorise the variation of any conditions included in a licence in pursuance of section 19(1) or
52(1) or in pursuance of any other provision of this Part which applies section 19(1).
(6)A licence granted to any person under this Part shall not be transferable to any other person without the
previous consent in writing of the Commission.
(7)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (6), the Commission shall not give their consent for the
purposes of that subsection unless they are satisfied that any such other person would be in a position to
comply with all of the conditions included in the licence which would have effect during the period for which
it is to be in force.
(8)The holding by any person of a licence to provide any service shall not relieve him of any requirement to
hold a licence under section 1 of the [1949 c. 54.] Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 or section 7 of the [1984 c.
12.] Telecommunications Act 1984 in connection with the provision of that service.
4General licence conditions
(1)A licence may include—
(a)such conditions as appear to the Commission to be appropriate having regard to any duties which are or
may be imposed on them, or on the licence holder, by or under this Act;
(b)conditions requiring the payment by the licence holder to the Commission (whether on the grant of the
licence or at such times thereafter as may be determined by or under the licence, or both) of a fee or fees
of an amount or amounts so determined;
(c)conditions requiring the licence holder to provide the Commission, in such manner and at such times as
they may reasonably require, with such information as they may require for the purpose of exercising the
functions assigned to them by or under this Act;
(d)conditions providing for such incidental and supplemental matters as appear to the Commission to be
appropriate.
(2)A licence may in particular include conditions requiring the licence holder—
(a)to comply with any direction given by the Commission as to such matters as are specified in the licence
or are of a description so specified; or
(b)(except to the extent that the Commission consent to his doing or not doing them) not to do or to do such
things as are specified in the licence or are of a description so specified.
(3)The fees required to be paid to the Commission by virtue of subsection (1)(b) shall be in accordance
with such tariff as may from time to time be fixed by the Commission; and the amount of any fee which is to
be so paid by the holder of a licence of a particular class or description shall be such as to represent what
appears to the Commission to be the appropriate contribution of the holder of such a licence towards
meeting the sums which the Commission regard as necessary in order to discharge their duty under
paragraph 12(1) of Schedule 1 to this Act.
(4)A tariff fixed under subsection (3) may specify different fees in relation to different cases or
circumstances; and the Commission shall publish every such tariff in such manner as they consider
appropriate.
(5)Where the holder of any licence—
(a)is required by virtue of any condition imposed under this Part to provide the Commission with any
information, and
(b)in purported compliance with that condition provides them with information which is false in a material
particular,
he shall be taken for the purposes of sections 41 and 42 to have failed to comply with that condition.
(6)Nothing in this Act which authorises or requires the inclusion in a licence of conditions relating to any
particular matter or having effect for any particular purpose shall be taken as derogating from the generality
of subsection (1).
5Restrictions on the holding of licences
(1)The Commission shall do all that they can to secure—
(a)that a person does not become or remain the holder of a licence if he is a person who is a disqualified
person in relation to that licence by virtue of Part II of Schedule 2 to this Act; and
(b)that any requirements imposed by or under Parts III to V of that Schedule are complied with by or in
relation to persons holding licences in relation to which those requirements apply.
(2)The Commission may accordingly—
(a)require any applicant for a licence to provide them with such information as they may reasonably require
for the purpose of determining—
(i)whether he is such a disqualified person as is mentioned in subsection (1)(a),
(ii)whether any such requirements as are mentioned in subsection (1)(b) would preclude them from
granting a licence to him, and
(iii)if so, what steps would be required to be taken by or in relation to him in order for any such
requirements to be complied with;
(b)revoke the award of a licence to a body where a relevant change takes place after the award, but before
the grant, of the licence;
(c)make the grant of a licence to any person conditional on the taking of any specified steps that appear to
them to be required to be taken as mentioned in paragraph (a)(iii);
(d)impose conditions in any licence enabling them to require the licence holder, if a body corporate, to give
to them advance notice of proposals affecting—
(i)shareholdings in the body, or
(ii)the directors of the body,
where such proposals are known to the body;
(e)impose conditions in any licence enabling them to give the licence holder directions requiring him to
take, or arrange for the taking of, any specified steps appearing to them to be required to be taken in order
for any such requirements as are mentioned in subsection (1)(b) to be complied with.
(3)Where the Commission—
(a)revoke the award of any licence in pursuance of subsection (2)(b), or
(b)determine that any condition imposed by them in relation to any licence in pursuance of subsection
(2)(c) has not been satisfied,
any provisions of this Part relating to the awarding of licences of the kind in question shall (subject to
subsection (4)) have effect as if the person to whom the licence was awarded or granted had not made an
application for it.
(4)Those provisions shall not so have effect if the Commission decide that it would be desirable to publish a
fresh notice under this Part in respect of the grant of a licence, or (as the case may be) a further licence, to
provide the service in question.
(5)Every licence shall include such conditions as the Commission consider necessary or expedient to
ensure that where—
(a)the holder of the licence is a body, and
(b)a relevant change takes place after the grant of the licence,
the Commission may revoke the licence by notice served on the holder of the licence and taking effect
forthwith or on a date specified in the notice.
(6)The Commission shall not serve any such notice on the licence holder unless they have given him a
reasonable opportunity of making representations to them about the matters complained of.
(7)In this section “relevant change”, in relation to a body to which a licence has been awarded or granted,
means—
(a)any change affecting the nature or characteristics of the body, or
(b)any change in the persons having control over or interests in the body,
being (in either case) a change which is such that, if it fell to the Commission to determine whether to award
the licence to the body in the new circumstances of the case, they would be induced by the change to refrain
from so awarding it.
General provisions about licensed services
6General requirements as to licensed services
(1)The Commission shall do all that they can to secure that every licensed service complies with the
following requirements, namely—
(a)that nothing is included in its programmes which offends against good taste or decency or is likely to
encourage or incite to crime or to lead to disorder or to be offensive to public feeling;
(b)that any news given (in whatever form) in its programmes is presented with due accuracy and
impartiality;
(c)that due impartiality is preserved on the part of the person providing the service as respects matters of
political or industrial controversy or relating to current public policy;
(d)that due responsibility is exercised with respect to the content of any of its programmes which are
religious programmes, and that in particular any such programmes do not involve—
(i)any improper exploitation of any susceptibilities of those watching the programmes, or
(ii)any abusive treatment of the religious views and beliefs of those belonging to a particular religion or
religious denomination; and
(e)that its programmes do not include any technical device which, by using images of very brief duration or
by any other means, exploits the possibility of conveying a message to, or otherwise influencing the minds
of, persons watching the programmes without their being aware, or fully aware, of what has occurred.
(2)In applying subsection (1)(c) a series of programmes may be considered as a whole.
(3)The Commission shall—
(a)draw up, and from time to time review, a code giving guidance as to the rules to be observed in
connection with the application of subsection (1)(c) in relation to licensed services; and
(b)do all that they can to secure that the provisions of the code are observed in the provision of licensed
services;
and the Commission may make different provision in the code for different cases or circumstances.
(4)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the Commission shall do all that they can to secure
that there are excluded from the programmes included in a licensed service all expressions of the views
and opinions of the person providing the service on matters (other than the provision of programme
services) which are of political or industrial controversy or relate to current public policy.
(5)The rules specified in the code referred to in subsection (3) shall, in particular, take account of the
following matters—
(a)that due impartiality should be preserved on the part of the person providing a licensed service as
respects major matters falling within subsection (1)(c) as well as matters falling within that provision taken
as a whole; and
(b)the need to determine what constitutes a series of programmes for the purposes of subsection (2).
(6)The rules so specified shall, in addition, indicate to such extent as the Commission consider
appropriate—
(a)what due impartiality does and does not require, either generally or in relation to particular
circumstances;
(b)the ways in which due impartiality may be achieved in connection with programmes of particular
descriptions;
(c)the period within which a programme should be included in a licensed service if its inclusion is intended
to secure that due impartiality is achieved for the purposes of subsection (1)(c) in connection with that
programme and any programme previously included in that service taken together; and
(d)in relation to any inclusion in a licensed service of a series of programmes which is of a description
specified in the rules—
(i)that the dates and times of the other programmes comprised in the series should be announced at the
time when the first programme so comprised is included in that service, or
(ii)if that is not practicable, that advance notice should be given by other means of subsequent programmes
so comprised which include material intended to secure, or assist in securing, that due impartiality is
achieved in connection with the series as a whole;
and those rules shall, in particular, indicate that due impartiality does not require absolute neutrality on every
issue or detachment from fundamental democratic principles.
(7)The Commission shall publish the code drawn up under subsection (3), and every revision of it, in such
manner as they consider appropriate.
(8)Nothing in this section or in sections 7 to 12 has effect in relation to any licensed service which is an
additional service other than the teletext service referred to in section 49(2).
7General code for programmes
(1)The Commission shall draw up, and from time to time review, a code giving guidance—
(a)as to the rules to be observed with respect to the showing of violence, or the inclusion of sounds
suggestive of violence, in programmes included in licensed services, particularly when large numbers of
children and young persons may be expected to be watching the programmes;
(b)as to the rules to be observed with respect to the inclusion in such programmes of appeals for
donations; and
(c)as to such other matters concerning standards and practice for such programmes as the Commission
may consider suitable for inclusion in the code;
and the Commission shall do all that they can to secure that the provisions of the code are observed in the
provision of licensed services.
(2)In considering what other matters ought to be included in the code in pursuance of subsection (1)(c), the
Commission shall have special regard to programmes included in licensed services in circumstances such
that large numbers of children and young persons may be expected to be watching the programmes.
(3)The Commission shall, in drawing up or revising the code under this section, take account of such of the
international obligations of the United Kingdom as the Secretary of State may notify to them for the
purposes of this subsection.
(4)The Commission shall publish the code drawn up under this section, and every revision of it, in such
manner as they consider appropriate.
8General provisions as to advertisements
(1)The Commission shall do all that they can to secure that the rules specified in subsection (2) are
complied with in relation to licensed services.
(2)Those rules are as follows—
(a)a licensed service must not include—
(i)any advertisement which is inserted by or on behalf of any body whose objects are wholly or mainly of a
political nature,
(ii)any advertisement which is directed towards any political end, or
(iii)any advertisement which has any relation to any industrial dispute (other than an advertisement of a
public service nature inserted by, or on behalf of, a government department);
(b)in the acceptance of advertisements for inclusion in a licensed service there must be no unreasonable
discrimination either against or in favour of any particular advertiser; and
(c)a licensed service must not, without the previous approval of the Commission, include a programme
which is sponsored by any person whose business consists, wholly or mainly, in the manufacture or supply
of a product, or in the provision of a service, which the licence holder is prohibited from advertising by virtue
of any provision of section 9.
(3)Nothing in subsection (2) shall be construed as prohibiting the inclusion in a licensed service of any
party political broadcast which complies with the rules (so far as applicable) made by the Commission for
the purposes of section 36.
(4)After consultation with the Commission the Secretary of State may make regulations amending,
repealing, or adding to the rules specified in subsection (2); but no such regulations shall be made unless a
draft of the regulations has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.
(5)The Commission shall not act as an advertising agent.
9Control of advertisements
(1)It shall be the duty of the Commission—
(a)after the appropriate consultation, to draw up, and from time to time review, a code—
(i)governing standards and practice in advertising and in the sponsoring of programmes, and
(ii)prescribing the advertisements and methods of advertising or sponsorship to be prohibited, or to be
prohibited in particular circumstances; and
(b)to do all that they can to secure that the provisions of the code are observed in the provision of licensed
services;
and the Commission may make different provision in the code for different kinds of licensed services.
(2)In subsection (1) “the appropriate consultation” means consultation with—
(a)the Radio Authority;
(b)every person who is the holder of a licence under this Part;
(c)such bodies or persons appearing to the Commission to represent each of the following, namely—
(i)viewers,
(ii)advertisers, and
(iii)professional organisations qualified to give advice in relation to the advertising of particular products,
as the Commission think fit; and
(d)such other bodies or persons who are concerned with standards of conduct in advertising as the
Commission think fit.
(3)The Commission shall publish the code drawn up under this section, and every revision of it, in such
manner as they consider appropriate.
(4)The Commission shall—
(a)from time to time consult the Secretary of State as to the classes and descriptions of advertisements
which must not be included in licensed services and the methods of advertising or sponsorship which must
not be employed in, or in connection with, the provision of such services; and
(b)carry out any directions which he may give to them in respect of such matters.
(5)The Commission may, in the discharge of a general responsibility with respect to advertisements and
methods of advertising and sponsorship, impose requirements as to advertisements or methods of
advertising or sponsorship which go beyond the requirements imposed by the code.
(6)The methods of control exercisable by the Commission for the purpose of securing that the provisions of
the code are complied with, and for the purpose of securing compliance with requirements imposed under
subsection (5) which go beyond the requirements of the code, shall include a power to give directions to
the holder of a licence—
(a)with respect to the classes and descriptions of advertisements and methods of advertising or
sponsorship to be excluded, or to be excluded in particular circumstances, or
(b)with respect to the exclusion of a particular advertisement, or its exclusion in particular circumstances.
(7)The Commission may give directions to persons holding any class of licences with respect to the times
when advertisements are to be allowed.
(8)Directions under this section may be, to any degree, either general or specific and qualified or
unqualified; and directions under subsection (7) may, in particular, relate to—
(a)the maximum amount of time to be given to advertisements in any hour or other period,
(b)the minimum interval which must elapse between any two periods given over to advertisements and the
number of such periods to be allowed in any programme or in any hour or day,
(c)the exclusion of advertisements from a specified part of a licensed service,
and may make different provision for different parts of the day, different days of the week, different types of
programmes or for other differing circumstances.
(9)The Commission shall—
(a)in drawing up or revising the code, or
(b)in giving any directions under subsection (7),
take account of such of the international obligations of the United Kingdom as the Secretary of State may
notify to them for the purposes of this subsection.
10Government control over licensed services
(1)If it appears to him to be necessary or expedient to do so in connection with his functions as such, the
Secretary of State or any other Minister of the Crown may at any time by notice require the Commission to
direct the holders of any licences specified in the notice to publish in their licensed services, at such times
as may be specified in the notice, such announcement as is so specified, with or without visual images of
any picture, scene or object mentioned in the announcement; and it shall be the duty of the Commission to
comply with the notice.
(2)Where the holder of a licence publishes any announcement in pursuance of a direction under subsection
(1), he may announce that he is doing so in pursuance of such a direction.
(3)The Secretary of State may at any time by notice require the Commission to direct the holders of any
licences specified in the notice to refrain from including in the programmes included in their licensed
services any matter or classes of matter specified in the notice; and it shall be the duty of the Commission
to comply with the notice.
(4)Where the Commission—
(a)have given the holder of any licence a direction in accordance with a notice under subsection (3), or
(b)in consequence of the revocation by the Secretary of State of such a notice, have revoked such a
direction,
or where such a notice has expired, the holder of the licence in question may publish in the licensed service
an announcement of the giving or revocation of the direction or of the expiration of the notice, as the case
may be.
(5)The powers conferred by this section are in addition to any power specifically conferred on the Secretary
of State by any other provision of this Act.
(6)In relation to any licensed service provided from a place in Northern Ireland, the reference in subsection
(1) to a Minister of the Crown includes a reference to the head of any Northern Ireland department.
11Monitoring by Commission of programmes included in licensed services
(1)For the purpose of maintaining supervision over the programmes included in licensed services the
Commission may make and use recordings of those programmes or any part of them.
(2)A licence shall include conditions requiring the licence holder—
(a)to retain, for a period not exceeding 90 days, a recording of every programme included in the licensed
service;
(b)at the request of the Commission, to produce to them any such recording for examination or
reproduction;
(c)at the request of the Commission, to produce to them any script or transcript of a programme included in
the licensed service which he is able to produce to them.
(3)Nothing in this Part shall be construed as requiring the Commission, in the discharge of their duties
under this Part as respects licensed services and the programmes included in them, to view such
programmes in advance of their being included in such services.
12Audience research
(1)The Commission shall make arrangements—
(a)for ascertaining—
(i)the state of public opinion concerning programmes included in licensed services, and
(ii)any effects of such programmes on the attitudes or behaviour of persons who watch them; and
(b)for the purpose of assisting them to perform their functions under Chapter II in connection with the
programmes to be included in the various services licensed thereunder, for ascertaining the types of
programme that members of the public would like to be included in licensed services.
(2)Those arrangements shall—
(a)secure that, so far as is reasonably practicable, any research undertaken in pursuance of the
arrangements is undertaken by persons who are neither members nor employees of the Commission; and
(b)include provision for full consideration by the Commission of the results of any such research.
Prohibition on providing unlicensed television services
13Prohibition on providing television services without a licence
(1)Subject to subsection (2), any person who provides any service falling within section 2(1)(a) or (b)
without being authorised to do so by or under a licence under this Part shall be guilty of an offence.
(2)The Secretary of State may, after consultation with the Commission, by order provide that subsection (1)
shall not apply to such services or descriptions of services as are specified in the order.
(3)A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable—
(a)on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;
(b)on conviction on indictment, to a fine.
(4)No proceedings in respect of an offence under this section shall be instituted—
(a)in England and Wales, except by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions;
(b)in Northern Ireland, except by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern
Ireland.
(5)Without prejudice to subsection (3), compliance with this section shall be enforceable by civil
proceedings by the Crown for an injunction or interdict or for any other appropriate relief.
(6)Any order under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House
of Parliament.
CHAPTER IITELEVISION BROADCASTING ON CHANNELS 3, 4 AND 5 Channel 3
14Establishment of Channel 3
(1)The Commission shall do all that they can to secure the provision, in accordance with this Chapter, of a
nationwide system of television broadcasting services to be known as Channel 3.
(2)Subject to subsection (5), Channel 3 shall be structured on a regional basis, with each of the services
comprised within it (“Channel 3 services”) being provided for such area in the United Kingdom as the
Commission may determine in the case of that service.
(3)If it appears to the Commission that it would be appropriate for a particular Channel 3 service to do so,
they may determine that the service shall include the provision of different programmes—
(a)for such different parts of the area for which it is provided, or
(b)for such different communities living within that area,
as they may determine.
(4)If the Commission so determine in the case of a particular Channel 3 service, that service shall be
provided for a particular area only between such times of the day or on such days of the week (or both) as
the Commission may determine.
(5)If the Commission so determine, a Channel 3 service may be provided for two or more areas for which
regional Channel 3 services are provided, but any such service may only be so provided between particular
times of the day.
(6)In this Part—
• “regional Channel 3 service” means a Channel 3 service provided for a particular area determined under subsection
(2); and
• “national Channel 3 service” means a Channel 3 service provided as mentioned in subsection (5).
(7)Any reference in this section to an area in the United Kingdom does not include an area which
comprises or includes the whole of England or the whole of Scotland.
(8)In this section and section 15 “programme” does not include an advertisement.
15Applications for Channel 3 licences
(1)Where the Commission propose to grant a licence to provide a Channel 3 service they shall publish, in
such manner as they consider appropriate, a notice—
(a)stating that they propose to grant such a licence;
(b)specifying—
(i)if the service is to be a regional Channel 3 service, the area in the United Kingdom for which the service
is to be provided,
(ii)if the service is to include the provision of such programmes as are mentioned in section 14(3), the
different parts of that area, or (as the case may be) the different communities living within it, for which such
programmes are to be provided,
(iii)if the service is to be provided as mentioned in section 14(4), the times of the day or the days of the
week (or both) between or on which it is to be provided, and
(iv)if the service is to be a national Channel 3 service, the areas in the United Kingdom for which it is to be
provided and the times of the day between which it is to be provided;
(c)inviting applications for the licence and specifying the closing date for such applications; and
(d)specifying—
(i)the fee payable on any application made in pursuance of the notice, and
(ii)the percentage of qualifying revenue for each accounting period that would be payable by an applicant in
pursuance of section 19(1)(c) if he were granted the licence.
(2)The Commission shall, when publishing a notice under subsection (1), publish with the notice general
guidance to applicants for the licence in question which contains examples of the kinds of programme
whose inclusion in the service proposed by any such applicant under subsection (3)(b) would be likely to
result in a finding by the Commission that the service would comply with the requirements specified in
section 16(2) or (3) (as the case may be).
(3)Any application made in pursuance of a notice under this section must be in writing and accompanied
by—
(a)the fee specified in the notice under subsection (1)(d)(i);
(b)the applicant’s proposals for providing a service that would comply with the requirements specified in
section 16(2) or (3) (as the case may be);(c) the applicant’s proposals for promoting the understanding and
enjoyment by—
(i)persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, and
(ii)persons who are blind or partially-sighted,
of the programmes to be included in his proposed service;
(d)the applicant’s proposals for training or retraining persons employed or to be employed by him in order
to help fit them for employment in, or in connection with, the making of programmes to be included in his
proposed service, together with his proposals for encouraging the training or retraining of persons
employed or to be employed by persons providing programmes for inclusion in that service;
(e)if the application is for a licence to provide a regional Channel 3 service, the applicant’s proposals as to
the use, in connection with his proposed service—
(i)of offices and studios situated within the area for which that service would be provided, and
(ii)of the services of persons employed (whether by him or by any other person) within that area;
(f)the applicant’s cash bid in respect of the licence;
(g)such information as the Commission may reasonably require as to the applicant’s present financial
position and his projected financial position during the period for which the licence would be in force; and
(h)such other information as the Commission may reasonably require for the purpose of considering the
application.
(4)At any time after receiving such an application and before determining it the Commission may require
the applicant to furnish additional information under any of paragraphs (b) to (e), (g) and (h) of subsection
(3).
(5)Any information to be furnished to the Commission under this section shall, if they so require, be in such
form or verified in such manner as they may specify.
(6)The Commission shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the date specified in a notice under this
section as the closing date for applications, publish in such manner as they consider appropriate—
(a)the following matters, namely—
(i)the name of every person who has made an application to them in pursuance of the notice,
(ii)the proposals submitted by him under subsection (3)(b), and
(iii)such other information connected with his application as the Commission consider appropriate; and
(b)a notice—
(i)inviting representations to be made to them with respect to any matters published by them in accordance
with paragraph (a) (ii) and (iii) above, and
(ii)specifying the manner in which, and the time by which, any such representations are to be so made.
(7)In this Part “cash bid”, in relation to a licence, means an offer to pay to the Commission a specified
amount of money in respect of the first complete calendar year falling within the period for which the licence
is in force (being an amount which, as increased by the appropriate percentage, is also to be payable in
respect of subsequent years falling wholly or partly within that period).
16Procedure to be followed by Commission in connection with consideration of applications for licences
(1)Where a person has made an application for a Channel 3 licence in accordance with section 15, the
Commission shall not proceed to consider whether to award him the licence on the basis of his cash bid in
accordance with section 17 unless it appears to them—
(a)that his proposed service would comply with the requirements specified in subsection (2) or (3) below
(as the case may be), and
(b)that he would be able to maintain that service throughout the period for which the licence would be in
force,
and any reference to an applicant in section 17 (except in section 17(12)(b)) is accordingly a reference to an
applicant in whose case it appears to the Commission that the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) above
are satisfied.
(2)Where the service to be provided under the licence is a regional Channel 3 service, the requirements
referred to in subsection (1)(a) are—
(a)that a sufficient amount of time is given in the programmes included in the service to news programmes
and current affairs programmes which (in each case) are of high quality and deal with both national and
international matters, and that such news programmes are broadcast at intervals throughout the period for
which the service is provided and, in particular, at peak viewing times;
(b)that a sufficient amount of time is given in the programmes included in the service to programmes (other
than news and current affairs programmes) which are of high quality;
(c)that a sufficient amount of time is given in the programmes so included—
(i)to a suitable range of regional programmes, that is to say, programmes (including news programmes)
which are of particular interest to persons living within the area for which the service is provided, and
(ii)if the service is to include the provision of such programmes as are mentioned in section 14(3), to a
suitable range of programmes for each of the different parts of that area or (as the case may be) for each of
the different communities living within it, being in each case a range of programmes (including news
programmes) which are of particular interest to persons living within the relevant part of that area or (as the
case may be) the relevant community,
and that any news programmes so included in accordance with sub-paragraph (i) or (ii) are of high quality;
(d)that a suitable proportion of the regional programmes included in the service in accordance with
paragraph (c) are made within the area for which it is to be provided;
(e)that a sufficient amount of time is given in the programmes included in the service to religious
programmes and programmes intended for children;
(f)that (taken as a whole) the programmes so included are calculated to appeal to a wide variety of tastes
and interests;
(g)that a proper proportion of the matter included in those programmes is of European origin; and
(h)that in each year not less than 25 per cent. of the total amount of time allocated to the broadcasting of
qualifying programmes in the service is allocated to the broadcasting of a range and diversity of
independent productions.
(3)Where the service to be provided under the licence is a national Channel 3 service, the requirements
referred to in subsection (1)(a) are such (if any) of the requirements specified in subsection (2) as the
Commission may determine to be appropriate having regard to the nature of that service.
(4)In deciding whether an applicant’s proposed service would comply with the requirements specified in
subsection (2) or (3) (as the case may be), the Commission shall take into account any representations
made to them in pursuance of section 15(6)(b) with respect to that service; and in applying subsection
(2)(g) the Commission shall have regard to such of the international obligations of the United Kingdom as
the Secretary of State may notify to them for the purposes of this subsection.
(5)In subsection (2)(h)—
(a)“qualifying programmes” and “independent productions” mean, in each case, programmes of such
description as the Secretary of State may by order specify for the purpose; and
(b)the reference to a range of independent productions is a reference to a range of such productions in
terms of cost of acquisition as well as in terms of the types of programme involved.
(6)The Secretary of State may by order amend subsection (2)(h) by substituting a different percentage for
the percentage for the time being specified there.
(7)Before making an order under subsection (5) or (6) the Secretary of State shall consult the Commission;
and no such order shall be made unless a draft of it has been laid before and approved by a resolution of
each House of Parliament.
(8)In this section “programme” does not include an advertisement.
17Award of licence to person submitting highest cash bid
(1)Subject to the following provisions of this section, the Commission shall, after considering all the cash
bids submitted by the applicants for a Channel 3 licence, award the licence to the applicant who submitted
the highest bid.
(2)Where two or more applicants for a particular licence have submitted cash bids specifying an identical
amount which is higher than the amount of any other cash bid submitted in respect of the licence, then
(unless they propose to exercise their power under subsection (3) in relation to the licence) the
Commission shall invite those applicants to submit further cash bids in respect of that licence; and, in
relation to any person who has submitted a further cash bid in pursuance of this subsection, any reference
in this Part to his cash bid is a reference to that further bid.
(3)The Commission may disregard the requirement imposed by subsection (1) and award the licence to an
applicant who has not submitted the highest bid if it appears to them that there are exceptional
circumstances which make it appropriate for them to award the licence to that applicant.
(4)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (3), the Commission may regard the following
circumstances as exceptional circumstances which make it appropriate to award the licence to an applicant
who has not submitted the highest bid, namely where it appears to the Commission—
(a)that the quality of the service proposed by such an applicant is exceptionally high; and
(b)that the quality of that proposed service is substantially higher than the quality of the service proposed—
(i)by the applicant who has submitted the highest bid, or
(ii)in a case falling within subsection (2), by each of the applicants who have submitted equal highest bids;
and where it appears to the Commission, in the context of the licence, that any circumstances are to be
regarded as exceptional circumstances for the purposes of subsection (3), those circumstances may be so
regarded by them despite the fact that similar circumstances have been so regarded by them in the context
of any other licence or licences.
(5)If it appears to the Commission, in the case of the applicant to whom (apart from this subsection) they
would award the licence in accordance with the preceding provisions of this section, that there are grounds
for suspecting that any relevant source of funds is such that it would not be in the public interest for the
licence to be awarded to him—
(a)they shall refer his application to the Secretary of State, together with—
(i)a copy of all documents submitted to them by the applicant, and
(ii)a summary of their deliberations on the application; and
(b)they shall not award the licence to him unless the Secretary of State has given his approval.
(6)On such a reference the Secretary of State may only refuse to give his approval to the licence being
awarded to the applicant in question if he is satisfied that any relevant source of funds is such that it would
not be in the public interest for the licence to be so awarded.
(7)In subsections (5) and (6) “relevant source of funds”, in relation to an applicant, means any source of
funds to which he might (directly or indirectly) have recourse for the purpose of—
(a)paying any amounts payable by him by virtue of section 19(1), or
(b)otherwise financing the provision of his proposed service.
(8)In a case where any requirement such as is mentioned in section 5(1)(b) operates to preclude the
Commission from awarding a licence to the applicant to whom (apart from any such requirement) they
would have awarded it in accordance with the preceding provisions of this section, they shall award the
licence in accordance with rules made by them for regulating the awarding of licences in such cases; and
any such rules may provide for the awarding of licences by reference to orders of preference notified to the
Commission by applicants at the time of making their applications.
(9)Any such rules shall be published by the Commission in such manner as they consider appropriate, but
shall not come into force unless they have been approved by the Secretary of State.
(10)Where the Commission are, by virtue of subsection (5), precluded from awarding the licence to an
applicant, the preceding provisions of this section shall (subject to subsection (14)) have effect as if that
person had not made an application for the licence.
(11)Where the Commission have awarded a Channel 3 licence to any person in accordance with this
section, they shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after awarding the licence—
(a)publish the matters specified in subsection (12) in such manner as they consider appropriate; and
(b)grant the licence to that person.
(12)The matters referred to in subsection (11)(a) are—
(a)the name of the person to whom the licence has been awarded and the amount of his cash bid;
(b)the name of every other applicant in whose case it appeared to the Commission that his proposed
service would comply with the requirements specified in section 16(2) or (3) (as the case may be);
(c)where the licence has, by virtue of subsection (3) above, been awarded to an applicant who has not
submitted the highest cash bid, the Commission’s reasons for the licence having been so awarded; and
(d)such other information as the Commission consider appropriate.
(13)In a case where the licence has been awarded to any person by virtue of the operation of this section,
in accordance with any provision of this Part, on the revocation of an earlier grant of the licence, subsection
(12) shall have effect as if—
(a)paragraph (b) were omitted; and
(b)the matters specified in that subsection included an indication of the circumstances in which the licence
has been awarded to that person.
(14)Subsections (1) to (9) shall not have effect as mentioned in subsection (10) if the Commission decide
that it would be desirable to publish a fresh notice under section 15(1) in respect of the grant of the licence;
and similarly, where any of the following provisions of this Part provides, in connection with the revocation
of a licence, for this section to have effect as if the former holder of the licence had not made an application
for it, this section shall not so have effect if the Commission decide that it would be desirable to publish a
further notice under this Part in respect of the grant of a further licence to provide the service in question.
18Failure to begin providing licensed service and financial penalties on revocation of licence
(1)If at any time after a Channel 3 licence has been granted to any person but before the licence has come
into force—
(a)that person indicates to the Commission that he does not intend to provide the service in question, or
(b)the Commission for any other reason have reasonable grounds for believing that that person will not
provide that service once the licence has come into force,
then, subject to subsection (2)—
(i)the Commission shall serve on him a notice revoking the licence as from the time the notice is served on
him, and
(ii)section 17 shall (subject to section 17(14)) have effect as if he had not made an application for the
licence.
(2)Subsection (1) shall not apply in the case of any person by virtue of paragraph (b) of that subsection
unless the Commission have served on him a notice stating their grounds for believing that he will not
provide the service in question once his licence has come into force; and they shall not serve such a notice
on him unless they have given him a reasonable opportunity of making representations to them about the
matters complained of.
(3)Where the Commission revoke a Channel 3 licence under this section or under any other provision of
this Part, they shall serve on the licence holder a notice requiring him to pay to them, within a specified
period, a financial penalty of the prescribed amount.
(4)In subsection (3) “the prescribed amount” means—
(a)where—
(i)the licence is revoked under this section, or
(ii)the first complete accounting period of the licence holder falling within the period for which the licence is
in force has not yet ended,
7 per cent. of the amount which the Commission estimate would have been the qualifying revenue for that
accounting period (as determined in accordance with section 19(2) to (6)); and
(b)in any other case, 7 per cent. of the qualifying revenue for the last complete accounting period of the
licence holder so falling (as so determined).
(5)Any financial penalty payable by any body by virtue of subsection (3) shall, in addition to being
recoverable from that body as provided by section 68(5), be recoverable by the Commission as a debt due
to them from any person who controls that body.
19Additional payments to be made in respect of Channel 3 licences
(1)A Channel 3 licence shall include conditions requiring the licence holder to pay to the Commission (in
addition to any fees required to be so paid by virtue of section 4(1)(b))—
(a)in respect of the first complete calendar year falling within the period for which the licence is in force, the
amount specified in his cash bid;
(b)in respect of each subsequent year falling wholly or partly within that period, the amount so specified as
increased by the appropriate percentage; and
(c)in respect of each accounting period of his falling within the period referred to in paragraph (a), an
amount representing such percentage of the qualifying revenue for that accounting period as was specified
in relation to the licence under section 15(1)(d)(ii).
(2)For the purposes of subsection (1)(c) the qualifying revenue for any accounting period of the licence
holder shall (subject to subsection (6)) consist of all payments received or to be received by him or by any
connected person—
(a)in consideration of the inclusion in the licensed service in that period of advertisements or other
programmes, or
(b)in respect of charges made in that period for the reception of programmes included in that service.
(3)If, in connection with the inclusion of any advertisements or other programmes whose inclusion is paid
for by payments falling within subsection (2)(a), any payments are made to the licence holder or any
connected person to meet any payments payable by the licence holder by virtue of subsection (1)(c), those
payments shall be regarded as made in consideration of the inclusion of the programmes in question.
(4)In the case of an advertisement included under arrangements made between—
(a)the licence holder or any connected person, and
(b)a person acting as an advertising agent,
the amount of any receipt by the licence holder or any connected person that represents a payment by the
advertiser from which the advertising agent has deducted any amount by way of commission shall, except in
a case falling within subsection (5), be the amount of the payment by the advertiser after the deduction of
the commission.
(5)If the amount deducted by way of commission as mentioned in subsection (4) exceeds 15 per cent. of
the payment by the advertiser, the amount of the receipt in question shall be taken to be the amount of the
payment less 15 per cent.
(6)If, in any accounting period of the licence holder, the licence holder or any connected person derives, in
relation to any programme to be included in the licensed service, any financial benefit (whether direct or
indirect) from payments made by any person, by way of sponsorship, for the purpose of defraying or
contributing towards costs incurred or to be incurred in connection with that programme, the qualifying
revenue for that accounting period shall be taken for the purposes of subsection (1)(c) to include the
amount of the financial benefit so derived by the licence holder or the connected person, as the case may
be.
(7)A Channel 3 licence may include conditions—
(a)enabling the Commission to estimate before the beginning of an accounting period the amount due for
that period by virtue of subsection (1)(c); and
(b)requiring the licence holder to pay the estimated amount by monthly instalments throughout that period.
(8)Such a licence may in particular include conditions—
(a)authorising the Commission to revise any estimate on one or more occasions, and to adjust the
instalments payable by the licence holder to take account of the revised estimate;
(b)providing for the adjustment of any overpayment or underpayment.
(9)Where—
(a)the first complete accounting period of the licence holder falling within the period referred to in
subsection (1)(a) (“the licence period”) does not begin at the same time as that period, or
(b)the last complete accounting period of his falling within the licence period does not end at the same time
as that period,
any reference in subsection (1)(c) to an accounting period of his shall include a reference to such part of the
accounting period preceding that first complete accounting period, or (as the case may be) following that last
complete accounting period, as falls within the licence period; and other references to accounting periods in
this Part shall be construed accordingly.
(10)In this Part “the appropriate percentage”, in relation to any year (“the relevant year”), means the
percentage which corresponds to the percentage increase between—
(a)the retail prices index for the month of November in the year preceding the first complete calendar year
falling within the period for which the licence in question is in force; and
(b)the retail prices index for the month of November in the year preceding the relevant year;
and for this purpose “the retail prices index” means the general index of prices (for all items) published by
the Central Statistical Office of the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
20Duration and renewal of Channel 3 licences
(1)A Channel 3 licence shall (subject to the provisions of this Part) continue in force for a period of ten
years, and may (subject to the following provisions of this section) be renewed on one or more occasions
for a period of ten years beginning with the date of renewal.
(2)An application for the renewal of a Channel 3 licence under subsection (1) may be made by the licence
holder not earlier than four years before the date on which it would otherwise cease to be in force and not
later than the relevant date.
(3)Where any such application is made before the relevant date, the Commission may postpone the
consideration of it by them for as long as they think appropriate having regard to subsection (8).
(4)Where an application for the renewal of a Channel 3 licence has been duly made to the Commission,
they may only (subject to subsection (5)) refuse the application if—
(a)they are not satisfied that the applicant would, if his licence were renewed, provide a service which
complied—
(i)with the conditions included in the licence in pursuance of subsection (1) of section 33 (whether as
originally imposed or as varied under subsection (3) of that section), and
(ii)with the requirements specified in section 16(2) or (3) (as the case may be); or
(b)they propose to grant a fresh Channel 3 licence for the provision of a service which would differ from that
provided by the applicant under his licence as respects either—
(i)the area for which it would be provided, or
(ii)the times of the day or days of the week between or on which it would be provided,
or both.
(5)Section 17(5) to (7) shall apply in relation to an applicant for the renewal of a Channel 3 licence as those
provisions apply in relation to such an applicant as is mentioned in section 17(5), but as if any reference to
the awarding of such a licence to the applicant were a reference to the renewal of the applicant’s licence
under this section.
(6)On the grant of any such application the Commission—
(a)shall determine an amount which is to be payable to the Commission by the applicant in respect of the
first complete calendar year falling within the period for which the licence is to be renewed; and
(b)may specify a different percentage from that specified under section 15(1)(d)(ii) as the percentage of
qualifying revenue for each accounting period of his that will be payable by the applicant in pursuance of
section 19(1)(c) during the period for which the licence is to be renewed.
(7)The amount determined by the Commission under subsection (6)(a) in connection with the renewal of a
licence shall be such amount as would, in their opinion, be payable to them by virtue of section 19(1)(a) if
they were granting a fresh licence to provide the Channel 3 service in question.
(8)Where the Commission have granted a person’s application under this section they shall formally renew
his licence not later than the relevant date or, if that is not reasonably practicable, as soon after that date as
is reasonably practicable; and they shall not so renew his licence unless they have notified him of—
(a)the amount determined by them under subsection (6)(a), and
(b)any percentage specified by them under subsection (6)(b),
and he has, within such period as is specified in that notification, notified them that he consents to the licence
being renewed on those terms.
(9)Where a Channel 3 licence has been renewed under this section—
(a)any conditions included in it in pursuance of section 19 shall have effect during the period for which the
licence has been renewed—
(i)as if the amount determined by the Commission under subsection (6)(a) above were an amount specified
in a cash bid submitted by the licence holder, and
(ii)subject to any determination made under subsection (6)(b) above;
(b)(subject to paragraph (a)) that section shall have effect in relation to the period for which the licence has
been renewed as it has effect in relation to the period for which a Channel 3 licence is originally in force;
and
(c)the reference in section 42(4) to the end of the period for which a Channel 3 licence is to continue in
force shall, in relation to the licence, be construed as a reference to the end of the period for which it has
been renewed.
(10)In this section “the relevant date”, in relation to a Channel 3 licence, means the date which the
Commission determine to be that by which they would need to publish a notice under section 15(1) if they
were to grant, as from the date on which that licence would expire if not renewed, a fresh licence to provide
the Channel 3 service formerly provided under that licence.
21Restriction on changes in control over Channel 3 licence holder
(1)Where—
(a)any change in the persons having control over—
(i)a body to which a Channel 3 licence has been awarded or transferred in accordance with this Part of this
Act, or
(ii)an associated programme provider,
takes place within the relevant period, and
(b)that change takes place without having been previously approved for the purposes of this section by the
Commission,
then (subject to subsection (4)) the Commission may, if the licence has not yet been granted, refuse to grant
it to the body referred to in paragraph (a)(i) above or, if it has already been granted, serve on that body a
notice revoking it.
(2)In subsection (1)—
• “associated programme provider”, in relation to such a body as is mentioned in paragraph (a)(i) of that subsection,
means any body which is connected with that body and appears to the Commission to be, or to be likely to be,
involved to any extent in the provision of programmes for inclusion in the licensed service; and
• “the relevant period”, in relation to a Channel 3 licence, means the period beginning with the date of the award of
the licence and ending on the first anniversary of the date of its coming into force;
and paragraph 3 in Part I of Schedule 2 to this Act shall have effect for the purposes of this subsection as if
a body to which a Channel 3 licence has been awarded but not yet granted were the holder of such a licence.
(3)The Commission shall refuse to approve for the purposes of this section such a change as is mentioned
in subsection (1)(a)—
(a)if it appears to them that the change would be prejudicial to the provision under the licence, by the body
referred to in subsection (1)(a)(i), of a service which accords with the proposals submitted under section
15(3)(b) by that body (or, as the case may be, by the person to whom the licence was originally awarded),
or
(b)it appears to them that the change would be prejudicial to the provision of Channel 3 as such a
nationwide system of services as is mentioned in section 14(1);
and the Commission may refuse so to approve any such change if, in any circumstances not falling within
paragraph (a) or (b) above, they consider it appropriate to do so.
(4)The Commission shall not under subsection (1) refuse to grant a licence to, or serve a notice on, any
body unless they have given it a reasonable opportunity of making representations to them about the
matters complained of.
(5)Where under subsection (1) the Commission refuse to grant a licence to any body, section 17 shall
(subject to section 17(14)) have effect as if that body had not made an application for the licence; and,
where under that subsection they serve on any body a notice revoking its licence, subsections (6) and (7)
of section 42 shall apply in relation to that notice as they apply in relation to a notice served under
subsection (3) of that section.
22Temporary provision of regional Channel 3 service for additional area
(1)Where it appears to the Commission—
(a)that (whether as a result of the revocation of an existing regional Channel 3 licence or for any other
reason) there will be, in the case of a particular area determined under section 14(2), a temporary lack of
any regional Channel 3 service licensed to be provided for that area, but
(b)that it would be reasonably practicable for the holder of a licence to provide a regional Channel 3 service
for any other such area to provide his licensed service for the area referred to in paragraph (a) as well,
the Commission may invite the holder of that licence temporarily to provide his licensed service for that
additional area.
(2)If the holder of that licence agrees so to provide his licensed service, the Commission shall authorise the
provision of that service for the additional area in question, during such period as they may determine, by
means of a variation of the licence to that effect.
Channel 4
23The Channel Four Television Corporation
(1)There shall be a corporation to be called the Channel Four Television Corporation (in this Part referred
to as “the Corporation”).
(2)The Corporation shall consist of—
(a)a chairman and a deputy chairman appointed by the Commission; and
(b)such number of other members, not being less than eleven nor more than thirteen, as the Commission
may from time to time determine.
(3)The other members referred to in subsection (2)(b) shall consist of—
(a)persons appointed by the Commission; and
(b)ex-officio members of the Corporation;
and the total number of members appointed by the Commission under subsection (2)(a) and paragraph (a)
above shall exceed the number of ex-officio members.
(4)Any appointment made by the Commission under subsection (2)(a) or (3)(a) shall require the approval of
the Secretary of State.
(5)For the purposes of subsection (3) the following persons shall be ex-officio members of the Corporation,
namely—
(a)the chief executive of the Corporation; and
(b)such other employees of the Corporation as may for the time being be nominated by the chief executive
and the chairman of the Corporation acting jointly.
(6)Schedule 3 to this Act shall have effect with respect to the Corporation.
24Channel 4 to be provided by Corporation as licensed service
(1)The function of the Corporation shall be to secure the continued provision (subject to and in accordance
with the provisions of this Part) of the television broadcasting service known as Channel 4.
(2)All the shares in the body corporate referred to in section 12(2) of the 1981 Act (activities to be carried
on by subsidiary of Independent Broadcasting Authority) shall vest in the Corporation on 1st January 1993.
(3)Channel 4 shall be provided by the Corporation under a licence granted to them by the Commission, and
shall be so provided for so much of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland as may from time to time be
reasonably practicable.
(4)The licence to be granted to the Corporation by the Commission in pursuance of subsection (3) shall
continue in force for a period of ten years beginning with 1st January 1993, and may be renewed by the
Commission on one or more occasions for a period of ten years beginning with the date of renewal.
25Conditions to be included in Channel 4 licence
(1)The licence granted to the Corporation in pursuance of section 24(3) shall include such conditions as
appear to the Commission to be appropriate for securing not only that Channel 4 complies with the
requirements specified in subsection (2) but also—
(a)that Channel 4 programmes contain a suitable proportion of matter calculated to appeal to tastes and
interests not generally catered for by Channel 3, and
(b)that innovation and experiment in the form and content of those programmes are encouraged,
and generally that Channel 4 is given a distinctive character of its own.
(2)The requirements referred to in subsection (1) are—
(a)that Channel 4 is provided as a public service for disseminating information, education and
entertainment;
(b)that Channel 4 programmes maintain—
(i)a high general standard in all respects (and, in particular, in respect of their content and quality), and
(ii)a wide range in their subject matter, having regard both to the programmes as a whole and also to the
days of the week on which, and the times of the day at which, the programmes are broadcast;
(c)(without prejudice to so much of paragraph (a) as relates to the dissemination of education) that a
suitable proportion of Channel 4 programmes are of an educational nature;
(d)that a sufficient amount of time is given in Channel 4 programmes to news programmes and current
affairs programmes which are of high quality;
(e)that a proper proportion of the matter included in Channel 4 programmes is of European origin; and
(f)that in each year not less than the prescribed percentage of the total amount of time allocated to the
broadcasting of qualifying programmes on Channel 4 is allocated to the broadcasting of a range and
diversity of independent productions.
(3)In applying subsection (2)(e) the Commission shall have regard to such of the international obligations of
the United Kingdom as the Secretary of State may notify to them for the purposes of this subsection.
(4)In subsection (2)(f)—
(a)“qualifying programmes” and “independent productions” have the same meaning as in section 16(2)(h),
and “the prescribed percentage” means the percentage for the time being specified in section 16(2)(h); and
(b)the reference to a range of independent productions is a reference to a range of such productions in
terms of cost of acquisition as well as in terms of the types of programme involved.
(5)The licence referred to in subsection (1) shall also include conditions requiring the Corporation not to be
involved in the making of programmes to be broadcast on Channel 4 except to such extent as the
Commission may allow.
(6)In this section “programme” does not include an advertisement.
26Revenue deficits of Corporation to be funded by Channel 3 licensees
(1)The Commission shall, before the beginning of the year 1993 and each subsequent year—
(a)estimate the amount of the Corporation’s qualifying revenue for that year;
(b)estimate the amount of the total television revenues for that year; and
(c)estimate the Corporation’s prescribed minimum income for that year;
and the Commission may, on one or more occasions, revise any estimate made by them under this
subsection.
(2)For the purposes of this section—
(a)the Corporation’s prescribed minimum income for any year shall be 14 per cent. of the total television
revenues for that year; and
(b)“total television revenues” means, in relation to any year, the aggregate of the qualifying revenues for
that year of the following, namely—
(i)all holders of Channel 3 or Channel 5 licences;
(ii)the Welsh Authority; and
(iii)the Corporation itself.
(3)If, in the case of any year, the aggregate of the following amounts, namely—
(a)the amount of the Corporation’s qualifying revenue for that year as estimated by the Commission under
subsection (1), and
(b)any amount which, at the beginning of that year, is for the time being standing to the credit of any such
reserve fund as is mentioned in section 27(3),
is less than the amount of the Corporation’s prescribed minimum income for that year as estimated by the
Commission under subsection (1), then (subject to subsection (4)) the amount of the difference shall be
raised by the Commission by means of a levy imposed on all persons who are for the time being holders of
Channel 3 licences.
(4)The aggregate amount payable by virtue of any levy under subsection (3) shall not exceed 2 per cent. of
the amount estimated by the Commission for the year in question under subsection (1)(b); and the amount
to be paid by each of the persons subject to the levy shall be such proportion of that aggregate amount as
is determined by the Commission in relation to him (and different proportions may be so determined in
relation to different persons).
(5)Every Channel 3 licence shall include conditions—
(a)requiring the holder of the licence to pay to the Commission, by monthly instalments, any amount which
he is liable to pay by virtue of subsections (3) and (4);
(b)authorising the Commission to adjust the instalments payable by the holder of the licence to take
account of any revised estimate made by them under subsection (1); and
(c)providing for the adjustment of any overpayment or underpayment.
(6)Any amount received by the Commission by virtue of subsection (5)(a) shall be transmitted by them to
the Corporation.
(7)Where, in respect of any year—
(a)the Commission have imposed a levy under subsection (3), and
(b)the aggregate amount transmitted by them to the Corporation under subsection (6) exceeds the relevant
amount,
the Commission shall notify the Corporation of that fact; and the Corporation shall, as soon as reasonably
practicable after receiving such a notification, repay to the Commission the amount of that excess.
(8)In subsection (7) “the relevant amount” means the amount by which the aggregate of the following
amounts, namely—
(a)the Corporation’s qualifying revenue for the year in question, and
(b)any such amount as is mentioned in subsection (3)(b),
is less than the Corporation’s prescribed minimum income for that year.
(9)Section 19(2) to (6) shall have effect, with any necessary modifications, for the purpose of enabling the
Commission to estimate or determine a person’s qualifying revenue for any year for the purposes of this
section.
(10)The Secretary of State may by order amend subsection (2) or (4) above by substituting a different
percentage for the percentage for the time being specified there; but no such order may be made before
the end of the year 1997.
(11)An order shall not be made under subsection (10) unless a draft of it has been laid before and
approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.
27Application of excess revenues of Corporation
(1)Where the qualifying revenue of the Corporation for any year exceeds the Corporation’s prescribed
minimum income for that year, the Corporation shall—
(a)pay one half of the excess to the Commission; and
(b)apply the other half in accordance with subsection (3).
(2)Where the Commission receive any amount under subsection (1)(a) in respect of any year, they shall
distribute that amount (“the relevant amount”) between the holders of Channel 3 licences in such a way that
each of them receives such proportion of the relevant amount as corresponds to the proportion of the
aggregate amount referred to in subsection (4) of section 26 which he would, in the opinion of the
Commission, have been required to pay if a levy had been imposed for that year under subsection (3) of
that section.
(3)Where subsection (1)(b) has effect in relation to any amount—
(a)half of that amount shall be carried by the Corporation to the credit of a reserve fund established by
them under this subsection, and
(b)the other half may be applied by the Corporation towards meeting current expenditure incurred by them
in connection with the provision of Channel 4, but to the extent that it is not so applied shall be carried to
the credit of that fund;
and (subject to the following provisions of this section) the management and application of that fund shall be
as the Corporation may determine.
(4)Subject to subsection (5), no part of that fund shall be applied otherwise than for the purposes of
Channel 4; and no direction may be given by the Secretary of State under that subsection with respect to
the application of any amount for the time being standing to the credit of that fund which has been taken
into account by the Commission for the purposes of section 26(3)(b) or (8)(b).
(5)The Secretary of State may, with the approval of the Treasury, give to the Corporation such directions as
he thinks fit with respect to the management and application of that fund (including directions requiring the
whole or part of it to be paid into the Consolidated Fund); and the Corporation shall comply with any such
directions.
(6)In subsection (1) above the reference to the Corporation’s prescribed minimum income for any year shall
be construed in accordance with section 26(2); and subsections (2) to (6) of section 19 shall have effect for
determining the Corporation’s qualifying revenue for any year for the purposes of subsection (1) above as
they have effect for determining a person’s qualifying revenue for any accounting period of his for the
purposes of subsection (1)(c) of that section.
Channel 5
28Channel 5
(1)The Commission shall do all that they can to secure the provision of a television broadcasting service for
any such minimum area of the United Kingdom as may be determined by them in accordance with
subsection (2); and any such service shall be known as Channel 5.
(2)In determining the minimum area of the United Kingdom for which Channel 5 is to be provided the
Commission shall have regard to the following consideration, namely that the service should, so far as is
reasonably practicable, make the most effective use of the frequencies on which it is to be provided.
(3)If the Commission so determine, Channel 5 shall be provided under a particular licence only between
such times of the day or on such days of the week (or both) as they may determine.
(4)Where the Commission have granted a licence to provide Channel 5, they may, if it appears to them to
be appropriate to do so in view of any lack of facilities available for transmitting the service, dispense with
any requirement to provide the service for such part of the area referred to in subsection (2) as they may
determine; and any such dispensation shall have effect for such period as they may determine.
29Application to Channel 5 of provisions relating to Channel 3
(1)Subject to subsections (2) and (3), sections 15 to 21 shall apply in relation to a Channel 5 licence as
they apply in relation to a regional Channel 3 licence.
(2)In its application in relation to a Channel 5 licence—
(a)section 15(1)(b)(i) shall be read as referring to any such minimum area of the United Kingdom as is
determined by the Commission in accordance with section 28(2); and
(b)section 16(2) shall (except where subsection (3) below applies) have effect with the omission of
paragraphs (c) and (d).
(3)Where the Commission make a determination under section 28(3), section 16(2) shall, in its application
in relation to each Channel 5 licence, have effect to such extent as they may determine to be appropriate
having regard to the nature of the service to be provided under that licence.
30Initial Channel 5 licensee required to retune equipment susceptible to interference
(1)A Channel 5 licence which is in force at the commencement of the provision of Channel 5 shall include
conditions—
(a)requiring the holder of the licence to make arrangements for any relevant equipment to be retuned or
otherwise modified—
(i)at the request of the person by whom the equipment is kept (being a request made before such date as
is specified in the conditions), and
(ii)without charge to that person,
so far as is necessary to prevent the equipment from suffering interference caused by the transmission of
Channel 5;
(b)requiring all work falling to be carried out under the arrangements—
(i)to be carried out in a proper manner, and
(ii)to be completed within such period as is specified in the conditions; and
(c)enabling the Commission to determine whether work carried out under the arrangements is carried out in
a proper manner.
(2)Any such Channel 5 licence shall also include conditions requiring the holder of the licence to publicise,
in such manner as may be approved by the Commission, information with respect to—
(a)the likelihood of different kinds of equipment suffering interference caused by the transmission of
Channel 5;
(b)the arrangements which the holder of the licence is required to make by virtue of conditions imposed in
pursuance of subsection (1); and
(c)the kinds of equipment in relation to which those arrangements are to be so made.
(3)The holder of a Channel 5 licence shall not be required, by virtue of conditions imposed in pursuance of
subsection (1), to make any such arrangements as are mentioned in that subsection in relation to any
relevant equipment—
(a)unless the equipment—
(i)is, on the date of the making of such a request as is referred to in paragraph (a)(i) of that subsection, kept
by the person in question wholly or mainly for domestic purposes, and
(ii)was so kept by that person on the commencement date (if that date occurred before the date mentioned
in sub-paragraph (i) above); or
(b)if the equipment would not be liable to suffer interference caused by the transmission of Channel 5 but
for the installation at the place where the equipment is kept of any apparatus for enabling that service to be
received there;
and, where any relevant equipment has been retuned or otherwise modified in accordance with any such
conditions, the holder of such a licence shall not be required by virtue of any such conditions to make
arrangements on any subsequent occasion for the retuning or other modification of that equipment.
(4)Any dispute as to when the commencement date occurred in the case of any relevant equipment shall
be determined by the Commission.
(5)Where—
(a)in accordance with section 28(3), more than one Channel 5 licence is in force at the same time, and
(b)each of the licences includes such conditions as are mentioned in subsections (1) and (2),
the holders of the licences shall each comply with those conditions to such extent as the Commission may
determine in relation to him.
(6)Where the holder of a Channel 5 licence is required, by virtue of conditions imposed in pursuance of
subsection (1), to make any such arrangements as are mentioned in that subsection in relation to any
relevant equipment, those conditions shall be taken as requiring him in addition to make arrangements for
any television set connected to that equipment to be retuned—
(a)at the request of the person by whom the equipment is kept, and
(b)without charge to that person,
so far as is necessary to enable it to be used in conjunction with the equipment (as retuned or otherwise
modified); and subsections (1)(b) and (c) and (2)(b) shall have effect in relation to those arrangements as
they have effect in relation to any such arrangements as are mentioned in subsection (1)(a).
(7)In this section—
• “the commencement date”, in relation to any relevant equipment, means the date when Channel 5 began to be
provided for reception in an area which includes the place where the equipment is kept on the date of the making
of such a request as is referred to in subsection (1)(a)(i); and
• “relevant equipment” means any equipment which is capable of transmitting self-generated electromagnetic signals
for reception by a television set connected to it and which is liable, if used without being retuned or otherwise
modified, to suffer interference caused by the transmission of Channel 5.
Provision of news programmes
31Provision of news on Channels 3 and 5
(1)A Channel 3 or Channel 5 licence shall include conditions requiring the licence holder—
(a)to broadcast in the licensed service news programmes of high quality dealing with national and
international matters; and
(b)to broadcast such programmes in that service at intervals throughout the period for which the service is
provided, and in particular (except in the case of a national Channel 3 licence) at peak viewing times.
(2)A regional Channel 3 licence shall, in addition, include conditions requiring the news programmes
broadcast by the licence holder in compliance with conditions imposed in pursuance of subsection (1) to be
programmes provided by a nominated news provider which are—
(a)presented live, and
(b)broadcast simultaneously with the broadcasts of news programmes provided by the same nominated
news provider which are made by other holders of regional Channel 3 licences in compliance with
conditions so imposed.
(3)In subsection (2) “nominated news provider” means a body corporate for the time being nominated for
the purposes of that subsection under section 32.
32Nomination of bodies to provide news for regional Channel 3 services
(1)With a view to enabling them to nominate bodies corporate as nominated news providers for the
purposes of section 31(2), the Commission shall invite bodies corporate appearing to them to be qualified
for nomination to make applications to be so nominated; and any such invitations shall be issued at a time
that is, in their opinion, appropriate for securing that at least one such body is so nominated by the time the
first notice is published by them under section 15(1).
(2)Where a body corporate—
(a)applies to the Commission (whether in pursuance of any such invitation or not) to be nominated under
this section as a nominated news provider, and
(b)appears to the Commission to be qualified for nomination,
the Commission shall so nominate that body unless they are satisfied that to do so would be likely, in view
of the number of bodies already so nominated, to be prejudicial to the provision of high quality news
programmes for broadcasting in regional Channel 3 services (taken as a whole).
(3)Subject to subsections (4) and (5), any nomination made by the Commission under this section shall
remain in force for a period of ten years, and at the end of that period may be renewed by the Commission
for a further period of ten years.
(4)Where the Commission have refused to nominate a body corporate under this section on the ground that
they are satisfied as mentioned in subsection (2), the Commission shall from time to time thereafter, at
such intervals as they may determine, review the performance as nominated news providers of all of the
bodies for the time being nominated under this section; and if on any such review they are satisfied, in the
case of such body so nominated as they may determine, that another body corporate which—
(a)is not a nominated news provider, but
(b)appears to them to be qualified for nomination,
would offer a better service than the first-mentioned body as respects the provision of high quality news
programmes for broadcasting in regional Channel 3 services, they shall (subject to subsection (6)) by notice
terminate that body’s nomination, and shall nominate the other body under this section in its place.
(5)If at any time the Commission—
(a)are for any reason dissatisfied in the case of any nominated news provider with the performance of that
body as a nominated news provider, and
(b)are satisfied that to terminate that body’s nomination would not be prejudicial to the provision of high
quality news programmes for broadcasting in regional Channel 3 services (taken as a whole),
they shall (subject to subsection (6)) by notice terminate that body’s nomination.
(6)The Commission shall not terminate a body’s nomination under subsection (4) unless they have given
the body a reasonable opportunity of making representations to them about the proposed termination of its
nomination; and they shall not terminate a body’s nomination under subsection (5) unless they have given
the body a reasonable opportunity of making representations to them about the matters complained of.
(7)Before nominating, or terminating the nomination of, any body under this section the Commission shall
consult every person who is the holder of a licence to provide a regional Channel 3 service.
(8)Any instrument by which a body is nominated under this section shall include conditions—
(a)imposing limits on the extent to which persons of any specified class or description may be participants
in the nominated news provider;
(b)requiring that body to provide the Commission with such information as they may reasonably require for
the purpose of determining whether any of those limits has been exceeded; and
(c)enabling the Commission to terminate that body’s nomination if satisfied that any of those limits has
been exceeded;
and any such instrument may provide for any of those limits to apply only after the expiry of a specified period.
(9)The limits imposed in pursuance of subsection (8) shall secure—
(a)that no person is a participant with more than a 20 per cent. interest in the nominated news provider;
and
(b)that any participants in the nominated news provider who are holders of licences to provide regional
Channel 3 services, when taken together—
(i)hold or are beneficially entitled to less than 50 per cent. of the shares in that body; and
(ii)possess less than 50 per cent. of the voting power in it.
(10)Any limit imposed in accordance with subsection (9)(a) shall have effect in relation to a particular
participant as if he and every person connected with him were one person; and for this purpose the
following persons shall be treated as connected with a particular participant, namely—
(a)a person who controls the participant;
(b)an associate of the participant or of a person falling within paragraph (a); and
(c)a body which is controlled by the participant or by any associate of the participant.
(11)Subject to the provisions of subsections (9) and (10), the limits imposed in pursuance of subsection (8)
shall be such as the Commission may determine.
(12)A body corporate shall be disqualified for being nominated under this section if, by virtue of any
provision in Part II of Schedule 2 to this Act, it would be a disqualified person in relation to any description
of licence granted by the Commission; and any reference in this section to a body corporate appearing to
the Commission to be qualified for nomination is a reference to a body corporate appearing to them to be
both—
(a)effectively equipped and adequately financed to provide high quality news programmes for broadcasting
in regional Channel 3 services; and
(b)not disqualified for being nominated under this section by virtue of this subsection.
(13)In this section—
(a)references to a nominated news provider are references to a body corporate for the time being
nominated under this section; and
(b)references to nomination under this section are references to nomination under this section for the
purposes of section 31(2);
and subsections (8) to (10) shall be construed in accordance with Part I of Schedule 2 to this Act.
Miscellaneous provisions relating to Channels 3, 4 and 5
33Conditions requiring holder of Channel 3 or Channel 5 licence to deliver promised service
(1)Any Channel 3 or Channel 5 licence shall include such conditions as appear to the Commission to be
appropriate for securing—
(a)that the service provided under the licence accords with the proposals submitted by the licence holder
under subsection (3)(b) of section 15; and
(b)the implementation of the proposals submitted by him under subsection (3)(c) and (d), or (as the case
may) subsection (3)(c) to (e), of that section.
(2)In subsection (1) the reference to section 15 is, in relation to a Channel 5 licence, a reference to that
section as applied by section 29.
(3)Any conditions imposed in pursuance of subsection (1) may be varied by the Commission with the
consent of the licence holder (and section 3(4)(b) shall accordingly not apply to any such variation).
34Schools programmes
(1)The Commission shall do all that they can to secure that a suitable proportion of the programmes which
are included in Channel 3 services and Channels 4 and 5 (taken as a whole) are schools programmes.
(2)Accordingly, any Channel 3 licence or licence to provide Channel 4 or 5 may include—
(a)conditions requiring the licence holder to produce, or finance the production of, schools programmes;
(b)conditions requiring the licence holder to acquire schools programmes provided by other persons;
(c)conditions requiring the licence holder to ensure that schools programmes included in the licensed
service—
(i)are of high quality, and
(ii)are suitable to meet the needs of schools in the area or areas in the United Kingdom for which the
service is provided;
(d)conditions specifying the minimum number of hours in term time or within normal school hours that are
to be allocated to the broadcasting of schools programmes in the licensed service;
(e)conditions requiring the licence holder to provide such material for use in connection with the schools
programmes broadcast by him as may be necessary to secure that effective use is made of those
programmes in schools; and
(f)conditions requiring the licence holder from time to time to consult such bodies or other persons who are
concerned with, or have an interest in, schools or the production of schools programmes as the
Commission think fit.
(3)In this section “schools programmes” means programmes which are intended for use in schools.
35Subtitling for the deaf
(1)A Channel 3 or Channel 5 licence shall include—
(a)conditions—
(i)specifying the relevant minimum number of hours in a week for the purposes of this section, and
(ii)requiring programmes with subtitling to be broadcast in the licensed service during not less than that
number of hours in each week; and
(b)conditions requiring the holder of the licence to attain such technical standards relating to the provision
of subtitling as are specified in the conditions.
(2)Subject to subsections (3) and (4), the relevant minimum number of hours in a week for the purposes of
this section is—
(a)in relation to Channel 3 services—
(i)for the year which includes the commencement of this section, such number of hours in a week as the
Commission shall determine in order to achieve an increase of at least ten per cent. over the average
number of hours in a week during which programmes with subtitling were, during the year immediately
preceding that year, broadcast on ITV (as defined by section 10(2) of the 1981 Act); and
(ii)for each successive year, such number of hours in a week as the Commission shall determine, being a
number greater than that for the previous year; and
(b)in relation to Channel 5—
(i)for the year which includes the commencement of the provision of Channel 5, such number of hours in a
week as the Commission shall determine in order to secure that the proportion of the programmes
broadcast on Channel 5 in a week which is represented by programmes with subtitling is the same as that
achieved in relation to Channel 3 services by virtue of paragraph (a)(i); and
(ii)for each successive year, such number of hours in a week as the Commission shall determine, being a
number greater than that for the previous year.
(3)The Commission shall make such determinations under subsection (2) as are appropriate to secure that,
subject to subsection (4), the relevant minimum number of hours in a week for the purposes of this section
represents—
(a)in the case of Channel 3 services—
(i)for the year 1998, 50 per cent. of the average number of hours in a week during which programmes
were, during the year 1997, broadcast on Channel 3; and
(ii)for the year 1999 and each successive year, the greatest number of hours in a week that appears to the
Commission to be reasonably practicable; and
(b)in the case of Channel 5—
(i)for the year which includes the fifth anniversary of the date of the commencement of the provision of
Channel 5, 50 per cent. of the average number of hours in a week during which programmes were, during
the year preceding that year, broadcast on Channel 5; and
(ii)for the year following that year and each successive year, the greatest number of hours in a week that
appears to the Commission to be reasonably practicable.
(4)In the case of—
(a)a Channel 3 service provided as mentioned in section 14(4) or (5), or
(b)a Channel 5 service provided as mentioned in section 28(3),
the relevant minimum number of hours in a week for the purposes of this section shall for any year be such
number of hours in a week as the Commission shall determine, being such proportion of the number of hours
in a week determined by the Commission for that year under subsection (2)(a) or (b) (as the case may be)
as appears to them to be appropriate.
(5)As soon as the Commission have made any determination under this section (other than under
subsection (2)(a)(i) or (b)(i))—
(a)they shall notify the holder of every licence to which the determination relates of the determination; and
(b)every such licence shall have effect as if for the number for the time being specified in the conditions
included in the licence in pursuance of subsection (1)(a)(i) there were substituted the new number
determined by the Commission.
(6)Where any week falls—
(a)partly within one year to which subsection (2)(a) or (b) applies, and
(b)partly within another such year,
that week shall be treated for the purposes of this section as falling wholly within the earlier of those years.
(7)The holder of a Channel 3 or Channel 5 licence shall not impose charges for providing subtitling in
respect of any programme broadcast in his licensed service.
(8)In this section—
• “on Channel 3” means in Channel 3 services taken as a whole;
• “on Channel 5” means in the television broadcasting service referred to in section 28(1), taken as a whole;
• “subtitling” means subtitling for the deaf, whether provided by means of a teletext service or otherwise.
36Party political broadcasts
(1)Subject to subsection (2), any regional Channel 3 licence or licence to provide Channel 4 or 5 shall
include—
(a)conditions requiring the licence holder to include party political broadcasts in the licensed service; and
(b)conditions requiring the licence holder to observe such rules with respect to party political broadcasts as
the Commission may determine.
(2)Where any determination under section 28(3) is in force, a licence to provide Channel 5 may (but need
not) include any such conditions as are mentioned in subsection (1)(a) and (b).
(3)Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (b) of subsection (1), the Commission may determine
for the purposes of that subsection—
(a)the political parties on whose behalf party political broadcasts may be made; and
(b)in relation to any political party on whose behalf such broadcasts may be made, the length and
frequency of such broadcasts.
(4)Any rules made by the Commission for the purposes of this section may make different provision for
different cases or circumstances.
37Announcements of programme schedules
(1)Any Channel 3 licence or licence to provide Channel 4 may include conditions requiring the licence
holder to include in the licensed service such announcements concerning relevant programme schedules
as the Commission may determine.
(2)In this section “relevant programme schedules” means—
(a)in relation to a Channel 3 licence, programme schedules for programmes to be broadcast on Channel 4
and, where any part of the area for which the licensed service is to be provided is in Wales, programme
schedules for programmes to be broadcast on S4C; and
(b)in relation to the licence to provide Channel 4, programme schedules for programmes to be included in
any Channel 3 service.
38Promotion of equal opportunities in relation to employment by licence holder
(1)Any Channel 3 licence or licence to provide Channel 4 or Channel 5 shall include conditions requiring
the licence holder—
(a)to make arrangements for promoting, in relation to employment by him, equality of opportunity between
men and women and between persons of different racial groups; and
(b)to review those arrangements from time to time.
(2)In subsection (1) “racial group” has the same meaning as in the [1976 c. 74.] Race Relations Act 1976.
39Networking arrangements between holders of regional Channel 3 licences
(1)This section has effect with respect to the making of arrangements which—
(a)apply to all the holders of regional Channel 3 licences, and
(b)provide for programmes made, commissioned or acquired by or on behalf of one or more of the holders
of such licences to be available for broadcasting in all regional Channel 3 services,
being arrangements made for the purpose of enabling regional Channel 3 services (taken as a whole) to be
a nationwide system of such services which is able to compete effectively with other television programme
services provided in the United Kingdom; and any such arrangements are referred to in this section as
“networking arrangements”.
(2)Any application for a regional Channel 3 licence shall, in addition to being accompanied by any such
proposals as are mentioned in section 15(3)(b) to (e), be accompanied by the applicant’s proposals for
participating in networking arrangements made under this section; and—
(a)where a person has duly made such an application, the Commission—
(i)shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the closing date for applications for the licence, send
details of his proposals for participating in such arrangements to the Director General of Fair Trading, and
(ii)(without prejudice to the operation of section 16(1)) shall not proceed to consider whether to award him
the licence as mentioned in that provision unless it appears to the Commission that any such proposals are
satisfactory; and
(b)section 33 shall apply to any such proposals as it applies to the proposals submitted by the applicant
under section 15(3)(c) to (e).
(3)The Commission may publish, in such manner as they consider appropriate, general guidance to
applicants for a regional Channel 3 licence as to the kinds of proposals which they would consider
satisfactory for the purposes of subsection (2)(a); but before doing so the Commission—
(a)shall consult the Director General of Fair Trading, and
(b)if he requests them to make any change in the guidance, shall incorporate the change in the guidance.
(4)Each regional Channel 3 licence shall include conditions requiring the licence holder to do all that he can
to secure—
(a)(in the case of a licence granted before the relevant date) that, by that date, networking arrangements
have been made which—
(i)have been entered into by all the holders of regional Channel 3 licences, and
(ii)have been approved by the Commission; and
(b)(in any case) that, so long as he provides his licensed service, there are in force networking
arrangements which have been so entered into and approved (unless there are for the time being in force
any arrangements made by the Commission under subsection (5)).
(5)If—
(a)no such arrangements as are mentioned in subsection (4)(a) are made by the relevant date, or
(b)any such arrangements are so made but cease to be in force at any time before 1st January 1995,
the Commission may themselves draw up such networking arrangements as they consider appropriate; and,
if they do so—
(i)they shall notify all the holders of regional Channel 3 licences of those arrangements, and
(ii)those arrangements shall (subject to subsection (6)) come into force on a date determined by the
Commission;
and each regional Channel 3 licence shall include conditions requiring the licence holder to give effect to any
arrangements made by the Commission under this subsection as for the time being in force.
(6)No arrangements made by the Commission under subsection (5) shall come into force at any time after
31st December 1994.
(7)Where—
(a)any such arrangements have come into force in accordance with subsection (6), but
(b)any networking arrangements are subsequently—
(i)entered into by all the holders of regional Channel 3 licences, and
(ii)approved by the Commission,
the arrangements referred to in paragraph (a) shall cease to have effect on the coming into force of the
arrangements referred to in paragraph (b).
(8)Where any arrangements have been approved by the Commission under subsection (4) or (7)(b), no
modification of those arrangements shall be made by the holders of regional Channel 3 licences unless it
too has been so approved.
(9)Where any arrangements have been made by the Commission under subsection (5), they may (whether
before or after the date specified in subsection (6)) make such modification of those arrangements as they
consider appropriate; and, if they do so—
(a)they shall notify all the holders of regional Channel 3 licences of the modification, and
(b)the modification shall come into force on a date determined by the Commission.
(10)Without prejudice to the generality of their power to refuse to approve any arrangements or
modification under subsection (4), (7)(b) or (8), the Commission shall refuse to do so if they are not
satisfied that the arrangements in question, or (as the case may be) those arrangements as proposed to be
modified, would be appropriate for the purpose mentioned in subsection (1).
(11)Where the Commission have—
(a)approved any arrangements or modification under subsection (4), (7)(b) or (8), or
(b)given with respect to any arrangements or modification the notification required by subsection (5)(i) or
(9)(a),
they shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after giving their approval or (as the case may be) that
notification—
(i)publish details of the arrangements or modification in such manner as they consider appropriate, and
(ii)comply with the appropriate requirement specified in subsection (12)(a) or (b).
(12)The appropriate requirement referred to in paragraph (ii) of subsection (11) is—
(a)in the case of any such arrangements as are referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of that subsection, to
refer those arrangements to the Director General of Fair Trading, and
(b)in the case of any such modification as is so referred to, to inform him of that modification;
and Schedule 4 to this Act shall have effect with respect to any reference made under paragraph (a) above
and matters arising out of any such reference, including the subsequent modification of the arrangements to
which it relates.
(13)In this section “the relevant date” means the date which the Commission determine to be that by which
any such arrangements as are mentioned in subsection (4) would need to have been made by the holders
of regional Channel 3 licences in order for the arrangements to be fully in operation at the time when those
persons begin to provide their licensed services.
Enforcement of licences
40Power to direct licensee to broadcast correction or apology or not to repeat programme
(1)If the Commission are satisfied—
(a)that the holder of a Channel 3 or Channel 5 licence has failed to comply with any condition of the
licence, and
(b)that that failure can be appropriately remedied by the inclusion in the licensed service of a correction or
apology (or both) under this subsection,
they may (subject to subsection (2)) direct the licence holder to include in the licensed service a correction
or apology (or both) in such form, and at such time or times, as they may determine.
(2)The Commission shall not give any person a direction under subsection (1) unless they have given him
a reasonable opportunity of making representations to them about the matters complained of.
(3)Where the holder of a licence includes a correction or apology in the licensed service in pursuance of a
direction under subsection (1), he may announce that he is doing so in pursuance of such a direction.
(4)If the Commission are satisfied that the inclusion by the holder of a Channel 3 or Channel 5 licence of
any programme in the licensed service involved a failure by him to comply with any condition of the licence,
they may direct him not to include that programme in that service on any future occasion.
(5)This section shall apply in relation to Channel 4 as if any reference to a Channel 3 licence were a
reference to the licence to provide Channel 4.
41Power to impose financial penalty or shorten licence period
(1)If the Commission are satisfied that the holder of a Channel 3 or Channel 5 licence has failed to comply
with any condition of the licence or with any direction given by the Commission under or by virtue of any
provision of this Part, they may (subject to the following provisions of this section) serve on him—
(a)a notice requiring him to pay, within a specified period, a specified financial penalty to the Commission;
or
(b)a notice reducing the period for which the licence is to be in force by a specified period not exceeding
two years.
(2)The amount of any financial penalty imposed on any person in pursuance of subsection (1)(a)—
(a)shall, if such a penalty has not previously been so imposed on that person during any period for which
his licence has been in force (“the relevant period”), not exceed 3 per cent. of the qualifying revenue for his
last complete accounting period (as determined in accordance with section 19(2) to (6)); and
(b)shall, in any other case, not exceed 5 per cent. of the qualifying revenue for that accounting period (as
so determined);
and in relation to a person whose first complete accounting period falling within the relevant period has not
yet ended, paragraphs (a) and (b) above shall be construed as referring to 3, or (as the case may be) 5, per
cent. of the amount which the Commission estimate to be the qualifying revenue for that accounting period
(as so determined).
(3)The Commission shall not serve on any person such a notice as is mentioned in subsection (1)(a) or (b)
unless they have given him a reasonable opportunity of making representations to them about the matters
complained of.
(4)Where a licence is due to expire on a particular date by virtue of a notice served on any person under
subsection (1)(b), the Commission may, on the application of that person, revoke that notice by a further
notice served on him at any time before that date, if they are satisfied that, since the date of the earlier
notice, his conduct in relation to the operation of the licensed service has been such as to justify the
revocation of that notice.
(5)It is hereby declared that any exercise by the Commission of their powers under subsection (1) of this
section in respect of any failure to comply with any condition of a licence shall not preclude any exercise by
them of their powers under section 40 in respect of that failure.
(6)This section shall apply in relation to Channel 4 as if—
(a)any reference to a Channel 3 licence were a reference to the licence to provide Channel 4; and
(b)subsection (1)(b) were omitted.
42Power to revoke Channel 3 or 5 licence
(1)If the Commission are satisfied—
(a)that the holder of a Channel 3 or Channel 5 licence is failing to comply with any condition of the licence
or with any direction given by them under or by virtue of any provision of this Part, and
(b)that that failure is such that, if not remedied, it would justify the revocation of the licence,
they shall (subject to subsection (8)) serve on the holder of the licence a notice under subsection (2).
(2)A notice under this subsection is a notice—
(a)stating that the Commission are satisfied as mentioned in subsection (1);
(b)specifying the respects in which, in their opinion, the licence holder is failing to comply with any such
condition or direction as is there mentioned; and
(c)stating that, unless the licence holder takes, within such period as is specified in the notice, such steps
to remedy the failure as are so specified, the Commission will revoke his licence under subsection (3).
(3)If at the end of the period specified in a notice under subsection (2) the Commission are satisfied—
(a)that the person on whom the notice was served has failed to take the steps specified in it, and
(b)that it is necessary in the public interest to revoke his licence,
they shall (subject to subsection (8)) serve on that person a notice revoking his licence.
(4)If the Commission are satisfied in the case of any Channel 3 or Channel 5 licence—
(a)that the holder of the licence has ceased to provide the licensed service before the end of the period for
which the licence is to continue in force, and
(b)that it is appropriate for them to do so,
they shall (subject to subsection (8)) serve on him a notice revoking his licence.
(5)If the Commission are satisfied—
(a)that the holder of a Channel 3 or Channel 5 licence provided them, in connection with his application for
the licence, with information which was false in a material particular, or
(b)that, in connection with his application for the licence, the holder of such a licence withheld any material
information with the intention of causing them to be misled,
they may (subject to subsection (8)) serve on him a notice revoking his licence.
(6)Subject to subsection (7), any notice served under subsection (3), (4) or (5) shall take effect as from the
time when it is served on the licence holder.
(7)If it appears to the Commission to be appropriate to do so for the purpose of preserving continuity in the
provision of the service in question, they may provide in any such notice for it to take effect as from a date
specified in it.
(8)The Commission shall not serve any notice on a person under this section unless they have given him a
reasonable opportunity of making representations to them about the matters complained of.
CHAPTER IIISATELLITE TELEVISION SERVICES 43Domestic and non-domestic satellite services
(1)In this Part “domestic satellite service” means a television broadcasting service where the television
programmes included in the service are transmitted by satellite from a place in the United Kingdom—
(a)on an allocated frequency, and
(b)for general reception in the United Kingdom.
(2)In this Part “non-domestic satellite service” means—
(a)a service which consists in the transmission of television programmes by satellite—
(i)otherwise than on an allocated frequency, and
(ii)for general reception in the United Kingdom or in any prescribed country (or both),
where the programmes are transmitted from a place in the United Kingdom; or
(b)a service which consists in the transmission of television programmes by satellite—
(i)from a place which is neither in the United Kingdom nor in any prescribed country, but
(ii)for such reception as is mentioned in paragraph (a) (ii),
if and to the extent that the programmes included in it consist of material provided by a person in the United
Kingdom who is in a position to determine what is to be included in the service (so far as it consists of
programme material provided by him).
(3)For the purposes of this Part non-domestic satellite services shall be regarded as provided by the
following persons—
(a)a service falling within subsection (2)(a)—
(i)shall, if and to the extent that the programmes included in it consist of material provided by a person in
the United Kingdom who is in a position to determine what is to be included in the service (so far as it
consists of programme material provided by him), be regarded as provided by that person (whether the
programmes are transmitted by him or not), but
(ii)shall otherwise be regarded as provided by the person by whom the programmes are transmitted; and
(b)a service falling within subsection (2)(b) shall be regarded as provided by the person by whom the
programme material in question is provided as mentioned in that provision.
(4)In this section—
• “allocated frequency” means a frequency allocated to the United Kingdom for broadcasting by satellite;
• “prescribed country” means any country specified in an order made by the Secretary of State for the purposes of
this subsection.
44Licensing etc. of domestic satellite services
(1)The Commission may grant such licences to provide domestic satellite services as they may determine.
(2)Without prejudice to the generality of section 3(2), a licence to provide a domestic satellite service may
authorise the provision of a service which to any extent consists in the simultaneous transmission of
different programmes on different frequencies.
(3)Subject to subsection (4), the following provisions, namely—
(a)sections 15 to 20,
(b)section 33, and
(c)sections 38 and 40 to 42,
shall apply in relation to a licence to provide a domestic satellite service as they apply in relation to a licence
to provide a Channel 3 service.
(4)In its application in relation to a licence to provide a domestic satellite service—
(a)section 15(1) shall have effect with the omission of paragraph (b);
(b)section 16 shall have effect as if the licence were a licence to provide a regional Channel 3 licence, but
with the omission of paragraphs (a) to (f) of subsection (2);
(c)section 18 shall have effect with the omission of subsections (3) to (5); and
(d)section 20 shall have effect—
(i)with the substitution in subsection (1) of “fifteen years” for “ten years” in both places where those words
occur, and
(ii)with the omission of subsection (4)(b).
45Licensing etc. of non-domestic satellite services
(1)An application for a licence to provide a non-domestic satellite service shall—
(a)be made in such manner as the Commission may determine; and
(b)be accompanied by such fee (if any) as they may determine.
(2)Where such an application is duly made to the Commission, they may only refuse to grant the licence
applied for if it appears to them that the service which would be provided under the licence would not
comply with the requirements of section 6(1).
(3)Section 44(2) shall apply to a licence to provide a non-domestic satellite service as it applies to a licence
to provide a domestic satellite service.
(4)Any licence granted by the Commission to provide a non-domestic satellite service shall (subject to the
provisions of this Part) continue in force for a period of ten years.
(5)Subject to subsections (6) and (7), sections 40 to 42 shall apply in relation to such a licence as they
apply in relation to a licence to provide a Channel 3 service.
(6)In its application in relation to a licence to provide a non-domestic satellite service, section 41 shall have
effect with the omission of subsection (2); and the maximum amount which the holder of such a licence
may be required to pay by way of a financial penalty imposed in pursuance of subsection (1)(a) of that
section shall instead be £50,000.
(7)Section 42 shall apply in relation to such a licence with the omission of subsection (7).
(8)The Secretary of State may by order amend subsection (6) by substituting a different sum for the sum
for the time being specified there.
(9)Any order under subsection (8) shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either
House of Parliament.
CHAPTER IVLICENSABLE PROGRAMME SERVICES 46Licensable programme services
(1)In this Part “licensable programme service” means (subject to subsection (2)) a service consisting in the
provision by any person of relevant programmes with a view to their being conveyed by means of a
telecommunication system—
(a)for reception in two or more dwelling-houses in the United Kingdom otherwise than for the purpose of
being received there by persons who have a business interest in receiving them, or
(b)for reception at any place, or for simultaneous reception at two or more places, in the United Kingdom
for the purpose of being presented there either to members of the public or to a group or groups of persons
some or all of whom do not have a business interest in receiving them,
whether the telecommunication system is run by the person so providing the programmes or by some other
person, and whether the programmes are to be so conveyed as mentioned in paragraph (a) for simultaneous
reception or for reception at different times in response to requests made by different users of the service.
(2)Subsection (1) does not apply to—
(a)a service where the programmes are provided for transmission in the course of the provision of a
television broadcasting service or a non-domestic satellite service;
(b)a service where the running of the telecommunication system does not require to be licensed under Part
II of the [1984 c. 12.] Telecommunications Act 1984; or
(c)a two-way service, that is to say a service of which it is an essential feature that while visual images or
sounds (or both) are being conveyed by the person providing the service there will or may be sent from
each place of reception, by means of the same telecommunication system or (as the case may be) the part
of it by means of which they are conveyed, visual images or sounds (or both) for reception by the person
providing the service or other persons receiving it (other than signals sent for the operation or control of the
service).
(3)It is hereby declared that the person who does either or both of the following things, that is to say—
(a)uses a telecommunication system for conveying relevant programmes as mentioned in subsection (1),
or
(b)runs a telecommunication system which is so used,
is not to be regarded as providing a licensable programme service in respect of any such programmes except
to the extent that they are provided by that person with a view to their being so conveyed by means of that
system.
(4)It is hereby also declared that where—
(a)any service constitutes such a service as is mentioned in subsection (1), and
(b)the relevant programmes in respect of which the service is provided are provided for transmission in the
course of the provision of any additional service,
that service is licensable under section 47 as a licensable programme service, and not otherwise; and in this
subsection “additional service” means an additional service within the meaning of this Part or Part III.
(5)In this section “relevant programme” means a television programme other than one consisting wholly or
mainly of non-representational images (within the meaning of section 2(6)); and for the purposes of this
section a person has a business interest in receiving programmes if he has an interest in receiving them for
the purposes of his business, trade, profession or employment.
47Licensing etc. of licensable programme services
(1)An application for a licence to provide a licensable programme service shall—
(a)be made in such manner as the Commission may determine; and
(b)be accompanied by such fee (if any) as they may determine.
(2)Where such an application is duly made to the Commission, they may only refuse to grant the licence
applied for if it appears to them that the service which would be provided under the licence would not
comply with the requirements of section 6(1) (whether the Commission were to make a determination
under subsection (4) below or not).
(3)Any licence granted by the Commission to provide a licensable programme service shall (subject to the
provisions of this Part) continue in force for such period not exceeding ten years as may be specified in the
licence.
(4)If the Commission—
(a)are satisfied that a particular licensable programme service is to be provided with a view to its
programmes being conveyed for reception only in a particular area or locality in the United Kingdom, and
(b)consider that it is appropriate to do so,
they may, when licensing the service, determine that section 6 shall, in its application in relation to that
service, have effect subject to the modifications specified in subsection (5).
(5)The modifications of section 6 are as follows—
(a)the following paragraph shall be substituted for paragraph (c) of subsection (1)—
“(c)that undue prominence is not given in its programmes to the views and opinions of particular persons or
bodies on matters of political or industrial controversy or relating to current public policy;”;
(b)the following subsection shall be substituted for subsection (2)—
“(2)In applying subsection (1)(c) to any licensed service, the programmes included in that service shall be
taken as a whole.”;
and
(c)the following provisions shall be omitted, namely—
(i)subsections (3) and (5) to (7), and
(ii)in subsection (4), the words from the beginning to “subsection (1),”.
(6)The Commission shall—
(a)draw up, and from time to time review, a code giving guidance as to the rules to be observed in
connection with the application of section 6(1)(c) (as substituted by subsection (5) above) in relation to a
service in respect of which a determination under subsection (4) above is in force; and
(b)do all that they can to secure that the provisions of the code are observed in the provision of any such
service.
(7)The Commission shall publish the code drawn up under subsection (6), and every revision of it, in such
manner as they consider appropriate.
(8)Subject to subsections (9) and (10), sections 40 to 42 shall apply in relation to a licence to provide a
licensable programme service as they apply in relation to a licence to provide a Channel 3 service.
(9)In its application in relation to such a licence, section 41 shall have effect with the omission of subsection
(2); and the maximum amount which the holder of such a licence may be required to pay by way of a
financial penalty imposed in pursuance of subsection (1)(a) of that section shall instead be £50,000.
(10)Section 42 shall apply in relation to such a licence with the omission of subsection (7).
(11)The Secretary of State may by order amend subsection (9) above by substituting a different sum for the
sum for the time being specified there.
(12)Any order under subsection (11) shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either
House of Parliament.
CHAPTER VADDITIONAL SERVICES PROVIDED ON TELEVISION BROADCASTING FREQUENCIES 48Additional services
(1)In this Part “additional service” means any service which consists in the sending of telecommunication
signals for transmission by wireless telegraphy by means of the use of the spare capacity within the signals
carrying any television broadcasting service provided—
(a)on any frequency assigned under section 65(1) (other than a frequency which, in pursuance of section
73(2), is assigned by the Commission to a local delivery service within the meaning of Part II), or
(b)on any other allocated frequency notified to the Commission by the Secretary of State.
(2)For the purposes of this Part the spare capacity within the signals carrying any such broadcasting
service shall be taken to be—
(a)where the service is provided on a frequency falling within subsection (1)(a) above, any part of those
signals which is not required for the purposes of the provision of that service and is determined by the
Commission to be available for the provision of additional services;
(b)where the service is provided on a frequency notified to the Commission under subsection (1)(b) above,
such part of those signals as the Secretary of State may specify when making the notification;
and references in this Part to spare capacity shall be construed accordingly.
(3)The Commission shall, when determining under subsection (2)(a) the extent and nature of the spare
capacity available for the provision of additional services in the case of any frequency, have regard—
(a)if it is a frequency on which a Channel 3 service or Channel 5 is provided, to the obligations of the
person providing that service as respects the provision of subtitling in accordance with conditions imposed
in pursuance of section 35;
(b)if it is a frequency on which Channel 4 is provided, to the need for subtitling to be provided in connection
with programmes on Channel 4; and
(c)if it is a frequency falling within either of paragraphs (a) and (b), to any need of the person providing the
service in question to be able to use part of the signals carrying it for providing services (other than
subtitling) which are ancillary to programmes included in the service and directly related to their contents.
(4)A person holding a licence to provide a Channel 3 service or Channel 4 or 5 shall be taken for the
purposes of this Part to be authorised by his licence—
(a)to provide subtitling as mentioned in subsection (3)(a) or (b); and
(b)to provide any such services as are mentioned in subsection (3)(c).
(5)The Secretary of State may, when making any notification under subsection (1)(b), specify a date
beyond which the frequency in question is not to be used for the provision of additional services; and any
such notification shall accordingly cease to have effect on that date.
(6)In this section—
• “allocated frequency” means a frequency allocated to the United Kingdom for the provision of television
broadcasting services;
• “subtitling” means subtitling for the deaf provided by means of a teletext service; and
• “telecommunication signals” means anything falling within paragraphs (a) to (d) of section 4(1) of the [1984 c.
12.] Telecommunications Act 1984 (meaning of “telecommunication system”).
49Licensing of additional services
(1)Subject to subsection (2), the Commission shall do all that they can to secure that, in the case of each of
the following frequencies, namely—
(a)any frequencies falling within section 48(1)(a) on which television broadcasting services are provided,
and
(b)any frequencies notified to the Commission under section 48(1)(b),
all of the spare capacity available for the provision of additional services on that frequency is used for the
provision of such services under additional services licences granted by the Commission in accordance with
this section.
(2)The Commission shall do all that they can to secure, in relation to the combined spare capacity available
for the provision of additional services on frequencies on which Channel 3 services and Channel 4 are
respectively provided, that a single teletext service is provided on that spare capacity; but any such service
shall be provided only on so much of that spare capacity as the Secretary of State may approve.
(3)In relation to so much of any such service as is provided for reception wholly or mainly in Wales,
references in subsection (2) to any such combined spare capacity as is there mentioned shall be construed
as references to the spare capacity available for the provision of additional services on frequencies on
which S4C is provided; and the Secretary of State shall exercise his powers under section 48(1)(b) and
(2)(b) in such manner as he considers appropriate to take account of this subsection.
(4)An additional services licence may relate to the use of spare capacity within more than one frequency;
and two or more additional services licences may relate to the use of spare capacity within the same
frequency where it is to be used at different times, or in different areas, in the case of each of those
licences.
(5)An additional services licence may include provisions enabling the licence holder, subject to and in
accordance with such conditions as the Commission may impose, to authorise any person to whom this
subsection applies to provide any additional service on the spare capacity allocated by the licence.
(6)Subsection (5) applies to any person who is not a disqualified person in relation to an additional services
licence by virtue of Part II of Schedule 2 to this Act.
(7)Any conditions included in an additional services licence shall apply in relation to the provision of
additional services by a person authorised as mentioned in subsection (5) as they apply in relation to the
provision of such services by the licence holder; and any failure by such a person to comply with any such
conditions shall be treated for the purposes of this Part as a failure on the part of the licence holder to
comply with those conditions.
(8)Every licence under this Part to provide a television broadcasting service shall include such conditions
as appear to the Commission to be appropriate for securing that the licence holder grants—
(a)to any person who holds a licence to provide additional services on the frequency on which that
broadcasting service is provided, and
(b)to any person who is authorised by any such person as mentioned in subsection (5) to provide additional
services on that frequency,
access to facilities reasonably required by that person for the purposes of, or in connection with, the provision
of any such additional services.
(9)Any person who grants to any other person access to facilities in accordance with conditions imposed
under subsection (8) may require that other person to pay a reasonable charge in respect thereof; and any
dispute as to the amount of any such charge shall be determined by the Commission.
(10)In this Part “additional services licence” means a licence to provide additional services.
50Applications for additional services licences
(1)Where the Commission propose to grant a licence to provide additional services they shall publish, in
such manner as they consider appropriate, a notice—
(a)stating that they propose to grant such a licence;
(b)specifying—
(i)the television broadcasting service or services on whose frequency or frequencies the services are to be
provided, and
(ii)(subject to the approval of the Secretary of State) the extent and nature of the spare capacity which is to
be allocated by the licence;
(c)inviting applications for the licence and specifying the closing date for such applications; and
(d)specifying—
(i)the fee payable on any application made in pursuance of the notice, and
(ii)the percentage of qualifying revenue for each accounting period that would be payable by an applicant in
pursuance of section 52(1)(c) if he were granted the licence.
(2)The Commission may, if they think fit, specify under subsection (1)(d)(ii)—
(a)different percentages in relation to different accounting periods falling within the period for which the
licence would be in force;
(b)a nil percentage in relation to any accounting period so falling.
(3)Any application made in pursuance of a notice under this section must be in writing and accompanied
by—
(a)the fee specified in the notice under subsection (1)(d)(i);
(b)a technical plan indicating—
(i)the nature of any additional services which the applicant proposes to provide, and
(ii)so far as known to the applicant, the nature of any additional services which any other person proposes
to provide in accordance with section 49(5);
(c)the applicant’s cash bid in respect of the licence; and
(d)such information as the Commission may reasonably require as to the applicant’s present financial
position and his projected financial position during the period for which the licence would be in force.
(4)At any time after receiving such an application and before determining it the Commission may require
the applicant to furnish additional information under subsection (3)(b) or (d).
(5)Any information to be furnished to the Commission under this section shall, if they so require, be in such
form or verified in such manner as they may specify.
(6)The Commission shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the date specified in a notice under this
section as the closing date for applications, publish in such manner as they consider appropriate—
(a)the name of every person who has made an application to them in pursuance of the notice;
(b)particulars of the technical plan submitted by him under subsection (3)(b); and
(c)such other information connected with his application as the Commission consider appropriate.
(7)The provisions of this section and sections 51 and 53 shall, in relation to the teletext service referred to
in section 49(2), have effect subject to the provisions of Schedule 5 to this Act.
51Procedure to be followed by Commission in connection with consideration of applications for, and awarding of, licences
(1)Where a person has made an application for an additional services licence in accordance with section
50, the Commission shall not proceed to consider whether to award him the licence on the basis of his
cash bid in accordance with subsections (3) and (4) below unless it appears to them—
(a)that the technical plan submitted under section 50(3)(b) is, so far as it involves the use of any
telecommunication system, acceptable to the relevant licensing authorities; and
(b)that the services proposed to be provided under the licence would be capable of being maintained
throughout the period for which the licence would be in force;
and any reference to an applicant in section 17 (as applied by subsection (3) below) is accordingly a reference
to an applicant in whose case it appears to the Commission that the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b)
above are satisfied.
(2)Before forming any view as to whether the requirement specified in subsection (1)(a) is satisfied in the
case of an applicant the Commission shall consult the relevant licensing authorities.
(3)Subject to subsection (4), section 17 shall apply in relation to an additional services licence as it applies
in relation to a Channel 3 licence.
(4)In the application of section 17 in relation to an additional services licence—
(a)the provisions of subsection (4) down to the end of paragraph (b) shall be omitted;
(b)in subsection (7)(a), the reference to section 19(1) shall be construed as a reference to section 52(1);
and
(c)subsection (12) shall have effect with the substitution of the following paragraph for paragraph (b)—
“(b)the name of every other applicant in whose case it appeared to the Commission that the requirement
specified in section 51(1)(a) was satisfied;”.
(5)If at any time after an additional services licence has been granted to any person but before the licence
has come into force—
(a)that person indicates to the Commission that none of the services in question will be provided once the
licence has come into force, or
(b)the Commission for any other reason have reasonable grounds for believing that none of those services
will be so provided,
then, subject to subsection (6)—
(i)the Commission shall serve on him a notice revoking the licence as from the time the notice is served on
him, and
(ii)section 17 (as applied by subsection (3) above) shall, subject to section 17(14), have effect as if he had
not made an application for the licence.
(6)Subsection (5) shall not apply in the case of any person by virtue of paragraph (b) of that subsection
unless the Commission have served on him a notice stating their grounds for believing that none of the
services in question will be provided once his licence has come into force; and they shall not serve such a
notice on him unless they have given him a reasonable opportunity of making representations to them
about the matters complained of.
(7)In this section “the relevant licensing authorities” means the Secretary of State and the Director General
of Telecommunications.
52Additional payments to be made in respect of additional services licences
(1)An additional services licence shall include conditions requiring the licence holder to pay to the
Commission (in addition to any fees required to be so paid by virtue of section 4(1)(b))—
(a)in respect of the first complete calendar year falling within the period for which the licence is in force, the
amount specified in his cash bid;
(b)in respect of each subsequent year falling wholly or partly within that period, the amount so specified as
increased by the appropriate percentage; and
(c)in respect of each accounting period of his falling within the period referred to in paragraph (a), an
amount representing such percentage of the qualifying revenue for that accounting period as was specified
in relation to the licence under section 50(1)(d)(ii).
(2)For the purposes of subsection (1)(c) the qualifying revenue for any accounting period of the licence
holder shall consist of all amounts which are received or to be received by him or by any connected person
and are referable to the right under his licence to use, or to authorise any other person to use, in that period
the spare capacity allocated by the licence.
(3)An additional services licence may include conditions—
(a)enabling the Commission to estimate before the beginning of an accounting period the amount due for
that period by virtue of subsection (1)(c); and
(b)requiring the licence holder to pay the estimated amount by monthly instalments throughout that period.
(4)Such a licence may in particular include conditions—
(a)authorising the Commission to revise any estimate on one or more occasions, and to adjust the
instalments payable by the licence holder to take account of the revised estimate;
(b)providing for the adjustment of any overpayment or underpayment.
(5)Where—
(a)the first complete accounting period of the licence holder falling within the period referred to in
subsection (1)(a) (“the licence period”) does not begin at the same time as that period, or
(b)the last complete accounting period of his falling within the licence period does not end at the same time
as that period,
any reference in subsection (1)(c) to an accounting period of his shall include a reference to such part of the
accounting period preceding that first complete accounting period, or (as the case may be) following that last
complete accounting period, as falls within the licence period; and other references to accounting periods in
this Part shall be construed accordingly.
53Duration of licences, and renewal of licences for provision of services on assigned frequencies
(1)A licence for the provision of additional services on a frequency notified to the Commission under
section 48(1)(b) shall not continue in force beyond such date as may be specified by the Secretary of State
in relation to that frequency under section 48(5); and a licence for the provision of such services on a
frequency assigned under section 65(1)—
(a)shall, subject to the provisions of this Part, continue in force for a period of ten years, and
(b)may (subject to the following provisions of this section) be renewed on one or more occasions for a
period of ten years beginning with the date of renewal.
(2)An application for the renewal of a licence under subsection (1) may be made by the licence holder not
earlier than four years before the date on which it would otherwise cease to be in force and not later than
the relevant date.
(3)In its application to a licence for the provision of additional services on a frequency used for the
broadcasting of a domestic satellite service—
(a)subsection (1) shall have effect with the substitution of “fifteen years” for “ten years” in both places
where those words occur; and
(b)subsection (2) shall have effect with the substitution of “five years” for “four years”.
(4)Where an application is made for the renewal of a licence under subsection (1) before the relevant date,
the Commission may postpone the consideration of it by them for as long as they think appropriate having
regard to subsection (9).
(5)Where an application for the renewal of an additional services licence has been duly made to the
Commission, they may only (subject to subsection (6)) refuse the application if—
(a)they are not satisfied that any additional service specified in the technical plan submitted under section
50(3)(b) would, if the licence were renewed, be provided as proposed in that plan, or
(b)they propose to grant a fresh additional services licence for the provision of any additional service which
would differ in any material respect from any such service authorised to be provided under the applicant’s
licence, or
(c)they propose to determine that all or part of the spare capacity allocated by the licence is to cease to be
available for the provision of additional services in order that it may be used by any relevant person for the
purpose of enhancing the technical quality of his television broadcasting service;
and in paragraph (c) “relevant person” means the person providing a television broadcasting service on
whose frequency the licensed service has been provided.
(6)Section 17(5) to (7) shall apply in relation to an applicant for the renewal of an additional services licence
as those provisions apply in relation to such an applicant as is mentioned in section 17(5), but as if—
(a)any reference to the awarding of a Channel 3 licence to the applicant were a reference to the renewal of
the applicant’s licence under this section; and
(b)in section 17(7), the reference to section 19(1) were a reference to section 52(1).
(7)On the grant of any such application the Commission—
(a)shall determine an amount which is to be payable to the Commission by the licence holder in respect of
the first complete calendar year falling within the period for which the licence is to be renewed; and
(b)may specify a different percentage from that specified under section 50(1)(d)(ii) as the percentage of
qualifying revenue for each accounting period of his that will be payable by the applicant in pursuance of
section 52(1)(c) during the period for which the licence is to be renewed;
and the Commission may specify under paragraph (b) either of the things mentioned in section 50(2).
(8)The amount determined by the Commission under subsection (7)(a) in connection with the renewal of a
licence shall be such amount as would, in their opinion, be payable to them by virtue of section 52(1)(a) if
they were granting a fresh licence to provide the additional services in question.
(9)Where the Commission have granted a person’s application under this section they shall formally renew
his licence not later than the relevant date or, if that is not reasonably practicable, as soon after that date as
is reasonably practicable; and they shall not so renew his licence unless they have notified him of—
(a)the amount determined by them under subsection (7)(a), and
(b)any percentage specified by them under subsection (7)(b),
and he has, within such period as is specified in that notification, notified them that he consents to the licence
being renewed on those terms.
(10)Where an additional services licence is renewed under this section—
(a)any conditions included in it in pursuance of section 52 shall have effect during the period for which the
licence has been renewed—
(i)as if the amount determined by the Commission under subsection (7)(a) above were an amount specified
in a cash bid submitted by the licence holder, and
(ii)subject to any determination made under subsection (7)(b) above; and
(b)(subject to paragraph (a)) that section shall have effect in relation to the period for which the licence has
been renewed as it has effect in relation to the period for which an additional services licence is originally in
force.
(11)In this section “the relevant date”, in relation to an additional services licence, means the date which
the Commission determine to be that by which they would need to publish a notice under section 50 if they
were to grant, as from the date on which that licence would expire if not renewed, a fresh licence to provide
the additional services formerly provided under that licence.
54Additional services not to interfere with other transmissions
(1)An additional services licence may include such conditions as the Commission consider appropriate for
securing that the provision of any additional service under the licence does not cause any interference
with—
(a)the television broadcasting service or services on whose frequency or frequencies it is provided, or
(b)any other wireless telegraphy transmissions.
(2)Before imposing any conditions in pursuance of subsection (1) the Commission shall consult the
relevant licensing authorities (within the meaning of section 51).
55Enforcement of additional services licences
(1)If the Commission are satisfied that the holder of an additional services licence has failed to comply with
any condition of the licence or with any direction given by the Commission under or by virtue of any
provision of this Part, they may (subject to subsection (3)) serve on him a notice requiring him to pay, within
a specified period, a specified financial penalty to the Commission.
(2)The amount of any financial penalty imposed on any person in pursuance of subsection (1)—
(a)shall, if such a penalty has not previously been so imposed on that person during any period for which
his licence has been in force (“the relevant period”), not exceed 3 per cent. of the qualifying revenue for his
last complete accounting period falling within the relevant period (as determined in accordance with section
52(2)); and
(b)shall, in any other case, not exceed 5 per cent. of the qualifying revenue for that accounting period (as
so determined);
and, in relation to a person whose first complete accounting period falling within the relevant period has not
yet ended, paragraphs (a) and (b) above shall be construed as referring to 3, or (as the case may be) 5, per
cent. of the amount which the Commission estimate to be the qualifying revenue for that accounting period
(as so determined).
(3)The Commission shall not serve on any person a notice under subsection (1) unless they have given
him a reasonable opportunity of making representations to them about the matters complained of.
(4)Section 42 shall apply in relation to an additional services licence as it applies in relation to a licence to
provide a Channel 3 service, but with the omission of subsection (7).
CHAPTER VITELEVISION BROADCASTING BY WELSH AUTHORITY 56Welsh Authority to continue in existence as Sianel Pedwar Cymru
(1)The authority which at the commencement of this section is called the Welsh Fourth Channel Authority
shall continue in existence as a body corporate but—
(a)shall be known as Sianel Pedwar Cymru (or S4C); and
(b)shall be constituted in accordance with, and have the functions conferred by, this Act;
and in this Act references to the Welsh Authority are references to that authority.
(2)The Welsh Authority shall consist of—
(a)a chairman appointed by the Secretary of State; and
(b)such number of other members appointed by the Secretary of State, not being less than four nor more
than eight, as he may from time to time determine.
(3)Schedule 6 to this Act shall have effect with respect to the Welsh Authority.
57Function and duties of Welsh Authority
(1)The function of the Welsh Authority shall be to provide a television broadcasting service of high quality
for reception wholly or mainly in Wales to be known as Sianel Pedwar Cymru (or S4C); and in this Part
references to S4C are references to that service.
(2)It shall be the duty of the Welsh Authority—
(a)to provide S4C as a public service for disseminating information, education and entertainment;
(b)to ensure that a substantial proportion of the programmes broadcast on S4C are in Welsh and that the
programmes broadcast on S4C between 6.30 pm and 10 pm consist mainly of programmes in Welsh; and
(c)to ensure that the programmes in Welsh which are broadcast on S4C maintain—
(i)a high general standard in all respects (and, in particular, in respect of their content and quality), and
(ii)a wide range in their subject matter, having regard both to the programmes as a whole and also to the
days of the week on which, and the times of the day at which, the programmes are broadcast.
(3)The Welsh Authority shall secure that, during any period allocated by them to the broadcasting of a
programme not in Welsh, the programme broadcast by them on S4C is normally a programme which is
being, has been or is to be broadcast on Channel 4.
(4)The Welsh Authority may use part of the signals carrying S4C to provide—
(a)subtitling in connection with programmes on S4C, and
(b)other services which are ancillary to such programmes and directly related to their contents;
and in this subsection “subtitling” means any subtitling provided by means of a teletext service.
(5)In this section and section 58 “programme” does not include an advertisement.
58Sources of programmes for S4C
(1)For the purpose of enabling the Welsh Authority to comply with their duty under section 57(2)(b) it shall
be the duty of the BBC to provide the Authority (free of charge) with sufficient television programmes in
Welsh to occupy not less than ten hours' transmission time per week, and to do so in a way which meets
the reasonable requirements of the Authority.
(2)It shall be the duty of the Channel Four Television Corporation—
(a)to provide the Welsh Authority with programme schedules for the programmes broadcast on Channel 4,
including information as to the periods available for the broadcasting of advertisements, far enough in
advance to enable the Welsh Authority to comply with section 57(3); and
(b)to provide the Welsh Authority (free of charge) with any programmes which are required by the Authority
for the purpose of complying with that provision.
(3)The programmes broadcast on S4C may, to the extent that they are not provided under subsection (1)
or (2), be obtained by the Welsh Authority from such persons as they think fit.
(4)Where any programmes provided under subsection (2) each form part of a series of programmes, the
Welsh Authority shall ensure that the intervals between those programmes when broadcast on S4C
normally correspond to the intervals between them when broadcast on Channel 4.
(5)The Welsh Authority shall publish, in such manner as they consider appropriate, advance notice of the
programme schedules for the programmes to be broadcast on S4C.
59Requirements to be complied with in relation to S4C programmes
(1)The Welsh Authority shall ensure that the following requirements are complied with in relation to S4C,
namely—
(a)that nothing is included in its programmes which offends against good taste or decency or is likely to
encourage or incite to crime or to lead to disorder or to be offensive to public feeling;
(b)that any news given (in whatever form) in its programmes is presented with due accuracy and
impartiality;
(c)that due impartiality is preserved on the part of the Authority as respects matters of political or industrial
controversy or relating to current public policy;
(d)that due responsibility is exercised with respect to the content of any of its programmes which are
religious programmes, and that in particular any such programmes do not involve—
(i)any improper exploitation of any susceptibilities of those watching the programmes, or
(ii)any abusive treatment of the religious views and beliefs of those belonging to a particular religion or
religious denomination; and
(e)that its programmes do not include any technical device which, by using images of very brief duration or
by any other means, exploits the possibility of conveying a message to, or otherwise influencing the minds
of, persons watching the programmes without their being aware, or fully aware, of what has occurred.
(2)In applying subsection (1)(c) a series of programmes may be considered as a whole.
(3)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the Welsh Authority shall ensure that there are
excluded from the programmes broadcast on S4C all expressions of the views and opinions of the
Authority on matters (other than broadcasting) which are of political or industrial controversy or relate to
current public policy.
(4)The code referred to in section 6(3) shall have effect in relation to the application of subsection (1)(c)
above in relation to S4C as it has effect in relation to the application of section 6(1)(c) in relation to a
licensed service; and the code referred to in section 7 shall have effect in relation to S4C as it has effect in
relation to a licensed service.
(5)The Welsh Authority shall observe the provisions of those codes (as they have effect in accordance with
subsection (4)) in the provision of S4C.
60Advertising on S4C
(1)The Welsh Authority shall ensure that the following rules are complied with in relation to S4C, namely—
(a)S4C must not include—
(i)any advertisement which is inserted by or on behalf of any body whose objects are wholly or mainly of a
political nature,
(ii)any advertisement which is directed towards any political end, or
(iii)any advertisement which has any relation to any industrial dispute (other than an advertisement of a
public service nature inserted by, or on behalf of, a government department);
(b)in the acceptance of advertisements for inclusion in S4C there must be no unreasonable discrimination
either against or in favour of any particular advertiser; and
(c)(except in the case of any programme to which the Welsh Authority determine that this paragraph is not
to apply) S4C must not include a programme which is sponsored by any person whose business consists,
wholly or mainly, in the manufacture or supply of a product, or in the provision of a service, which the
Welsh Authority are prohibited from advertising by virtue of subsection (2) or (4) below.
(2)The code under section 9 shall have effect in relation to advertisements broadcast on S4C as it has
effect in relation to advertisements broadcast on Channel 4; and the Welsh Authority shall observe the
provisions of that code (as it so has effect) in the provision of S4C.
(3)Where the Commission give any directions under subsection (7) of that section to the Channel Four
Television Corporation, they shall send a copy of those directions to the Welsh Authority; and, so long as
the directions remain in force, the Welsh Authority shall, in broadcasting advertisements on S4C, give
effect to the provisions of the directions as if they were provisions regulating the times when
advertisements are to be allowed to be broadcast on S4C.
(4)The Welsh Authority shall—
(a)from time to time consult the Secretary of State as to the classes and descriptions of advertisements
which must not be broadcast on S4C and the methods of advertising or sponsorship which must not be
employed in, or in connection with, the provision of S4C; and
(b)carry out any directions which he may give to them in respect of such matters.
(5)The Welsh Authority shall not act as an advertising agent.
(6)After consultation with the Welsh Authority the Secretary of State may make regulations amending,
repealing or adding to the rules specified in subsection (1); but no such regulations shall be made unless a
draft of the regulations has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.
61Funding of Welsh Authority
(1)The Secretary of State shall, for the year 1993 and each subsequent year, pay to the Welsh Authority an
amount representing 32 per cent. of the total television revenues for the preceding year.
(2)The Commission shall, before the beginning of each of those years (“the relevant year”)—
(a)estimate the amount of the total television revenues for the preceding year; and
(b)notify the Secretary of State of that estimated amount;
and the Secretary of State shall at the beginning of the relevant year pay to the Welsh Authority, by way of
an interim payment for that year, an amount representing 32 per cent. of that estimated amount.
(3)Once the Commission have finally determined the amount of the total television revenues for a particular
year, they shall notify the Secretary of State of the amount so determined by them; and on receiving any
such notification the Secretary of State shall, in respect of the year following that year—
(a)pay to the Welsh Authority any amount payable by him by virtue of subsection (1), after taking into
account the interim payment made for that year under subsection (2), or
(b)notify the Welsh Authority of the amount of any overpayment made by him by means of any such interim
payment.
(4)The Welsh Authority shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving any notification under
subsection (3)(b), pay to the Secretary of State the amount specified in the notification.
(5)In this section “total television revenues”—
(a)in relation to the year 1992, means the aggregate of the qualifying revenues for that year of—
(i)the TV programme contractors (as defined by section 10(2) of the 1981 Act), and
(ii)the body corporate referred to in section 12(2) of that Act; and
(b)in relation to any subsequent year, has the meaning given by section 26(2);
and section 19(2) to (6) shall have effect, with any necessary modifications, for the purpose of enabling the
Commission to estimate or determine a person’s qualifying revenue for any year for the purposes of this
subsection.
(6)Any sums required by the Secretary of State under this section shall be paid out of money provided by
Parliament.
(7)The Secretary of State may, after consulting the Commission and the Welsh Authority, by order amend
each of subsections (1) and (2) by substituting a different percentage for the percentage for the time being
specified there; but no such order may be made before the end of the year 1997 unless the Secretary of
State is satisfied that it is necessary to make the order having regard to the cost to the Authority of
transmitting S4C.
(8)An order shall not be made under subsection (7) unless a draft of it has been laid before and approved
by a resolution of each House of Parliament.
62Information to be supplied to Commission by Welsh Authority
The Welsh Authority shall provide the Commission with such forecasts, estimates, information and
documents as the Commission may reasonably require for the purpose of enabling them to perform their
functions under sections 26 and 61.
63Government control over S4C
(1)If it appears to him to be necessary or expedient to do so in connection with his functions as such, the
Secretary of State or any other Minister of the Crown may at any time by notice require the Welsh Authority
to broadcast, at such times as may be specified in the notice, any announcement specified in the notice,
with or without visual images of any picture, scene or object mentioned in the announcement; and it shall
be the duty of the Authority to comply with the notice.
(2)Where the Welsh Authority broadcast any announcement in pursuance of a notice under subsection (1),
they may announce that they are doing so in pursuance of such a notice.
(3)The Secretary of State may at any time by notice require the Welsh Authority to refrain from
broadcasting any matter or classes of matter specified in the notice; and it shall be the duty of the Authority
to comply with the notice.
(4)Where the Secretary of State has given the Welsh Authority a notice under subsection (3), the Authority
may broadcast an announcement of the giving of the notice or, when it has been revoked or has expired, of
its revocation or expiration.
(5)The powers conferred by this section are in addition to any power specifically conferred on the Secretary
of State by any other provision of this Act.
64Audience research by Welsh Authority
(1)The Welsh Authority shall make arrangements for ascertaining—
(a)the state of public opinion concerning programmes broadcast on S4C;
(b)any effects of such programmes on the attitudes or behaviour of persons who watch them; and
(c)the types of programme that members of the public would like to be broadcast on S4C.
(2)Those arrangements shall—
(a)secure that, so far as is reasonably practicable, any research undertaken in pursuance of the
arrangements is undertaken by persons who are neither members nor employees of the Welsh Authority;
and
(b)include provision for full consideration by the Authority of the results of any such research.
CHAPTER VIISUPPLEMENTAL 65Assignment of frequencies by Secretary of State
(1)The Secretary of State may by notice assign to the Commission, for the purpose of the provision of
services falling to be licensed by them under this Part or Part II, such frequencies as he may determine;
and any frequency so assigned shall be taken to be so assigned for the purpose only of being used for the
provision of one or more of those services.
(2)Any frequency assigned by the Secretary of State under subsection (1) may be so assigned for use only
in such area or areas as may be specified by the Secretary of State when making the assignment.
(3)The Secretary of State may by notice assign to the Welsh Authority for the purpose of the provision of
S4C such frequencies as he may determine; and any such frequencies shall be taken to be so assigned for
the purpose only of being used for the provision of that service and any services which they are authorised
to provide by virtue of section 57(4).
(4)The Secretary of State may by notice revoke the assignment under subsection (1) or (3) of any
frequency specified in the notice, and (in the case of a frequency assigned to the Commission) may do so
whether or not the frequency is for the time being one on which there is being provided a service licensed
under this Part or Part II.
66Requirements relating to transmission and distribution of services
(1)During such period as the Secretary of State may by order specify, all Channel 3 services shall be
broadcast for general reception by a single person under arrangements made with him by the persons
licensed to provide those services; and every Channel 3 licence shall include such conditions as appear to
the Commission to be appropriate—
(a)for securing that result and
(b)for securing that the costs incurred in respect of the broadcasting of those services (taken as a whole)
during that period in accordance with those arrangements are shared by those persons in such manner as
may be approved by the Secretary of State.
(2)Any Channel 3 licence shall include such conditions as appear to the Commission to be appropriate for
securing that the costs incurred in respect of the distribution of Channel 3 services (taken as a whole)
during such period as the Secretary of State may by order specify are shared by the persons licensed to
provide those services in such manner as may be approved by the Secretary of State.
In this subsection “distribution”, in relation to Channel 3 services, means the conveyance of those services
(by whatever means and whether directly or indirectly) to the broadcasting stations from which they are
broadcast for general reception.
(3)The Secretary of State may, at any time during the period referred to in subsection (1) or (2), by order
provide for that period to be extended by such further period as is specified in the order; and any conditions
included in a Channel 3 licence in pursuance of that subsection shall accordingly, in any such case, have
effect in relation to that period as so extended.
(4)Any Channel 3 licence or licence to provide Channel 4 or 5 shall include such conditions as appear to
the Commission to be appropriate for requiring the signals carrying the licensed service to attain high
standards in terms of technical quality and reliability throughout so much of the relevant area as is for the
time being reasonably practicable.
(5)Before imposing any conditions in pursuance of subsection (4) the Commission shall consult the
Secretary of State as to how much of the relevant area is to be specified in the conditions as the area
throughout which the required standards are to be attained.
(6)In subsections (4) and (5) “the relevant area”—
(a)in relation to a Channel 3 or Channel 5 licence, means the area for which the licensed service is to be
provided; and
(b)in relation to the licence to provide Channel 4, means England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
(7)The Welsh Authority shall do all that they can to ensure that the signals carrying S4C attain high
standards in terms of technical quality and reliability throughout so much of Wales as is for the time being
reasonably practicable.
(8)Any order under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House
of Parliament.
67Computation of qualifying revenue
Part I of Schedule 7 (which contains provisions relating to the computation of qualifying revenue for the
purposes of this Part and Part II) shall have effect.
68Certain receipts of Commission to be paid into Consolidated Fund
(1)Where, in respect of any licence granted under this Part or Part II, the Commission receive any of the
amounts specified in subsection (2), that amount shall not form part of the revenues of the Commission but
shall—
(a)if the licence is for the provision of a service for any area in Great Britain, be paid into the Consolidated
Fund of the United Kingdom;
(b)if the licence is for the provision of a service for Northern Ireland, be paid into the Consolidated Fund of
Northern Ireland; or
(c)if the licence is for the provision of a service for the whole or part of Great Britain and for the whole or
part of Northern Ireland, be paid into both of those Funds in such proportions as the Commission consider
appropriate.
(2)The amounts referred to in subsection (1) are—
(a)any amount payable to the Commission by virtue of section 19(1), 52(1) or 77(1);
(b)any amount payable to them by virtue of section 18(3); and
(c)any amount payable to them by virtue of section 41(1)(a) or 55(1).
(3)Any reference in subsection (2)(a), (b) or (c) to any provision of this Part includes a reference to that
provision as applied by any other provision of this Part or Part II.
(4)Subsection (1) shall not be construed as applying to any amount which is required by the Commission
for the making of an adjustment in respect of an overpayment made by any person.
(5)Any amount payable by any person to the Commission under or by virtue of this Part or Part II shall be
recoverable by them as a debt due to them from that person; and, where any amount is so payable by a
person as the holder of a licence granted under this Part or Part II, his liability to pay it shall not be affected
by his licence ceasing (for any reason) to be in force.
(6)The Commission shall, in respect of each financial year, prepare an account showing—
(a)all such amounts falling within subsection (1) as have been received by them, and
(b)the sums paid into the Consolidated Funds of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland respectively
under that subsection in respect of those amounts,
and shall send that account to the Comptroller and Auditor General not later than the end of the month of
November following the financial year to which it relates; and the Comptroller and Auditor General shall
examine, certify and report on the account and lay copies of it, together with his report, before each House
of Parliament.
69Frequency planning and research and development
(1)The Commission may make arrangements for such work relating to frequency planning to be carried out
as they consider appropriate in connection with the discharge of their functions.
(2)Any such work shall be directed towards securing that the frequencies assigned to the Commission
under this Act are used as efficiently as is reasonably practicable.
(3)The Commission may—
(a)make arrangements for such research and development work to be carried out as they consider
appropriate in connection with the discharge of their functions;
(b)promote the carrying out by other persons of research and development work relating to television
broadcasting.
(4)The Commission shall consult the persons holding licences under this Part or Part II as to the
arrangements to be made by the Commission in pursuance of subsection (3)(a).
(5)The Commission shall secure that, so far as is reasonably practicable—
(a)any work carried out under arrangements made in pursuance of subsection (1) or (3) is carried out,
under the supervision of the Commission, by persons who are neither members nor employees of the
Commission; and
(b)any work carried out under arrangements made in pursuance of subsection (3)(a) is to a substantial
extent financed by persons other than the Commission.
70Representation by Commission of Government and other interests in connection with broadcasting matters
The functions of the Commission shall include representing, at the request of the Secretary of State—
(a)Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom, and
(b)persons providing television programme services,
on bodies concerned with the regulation (whether nationally or internationally) of matters relating to television
broadcasting.
71Interpretation of Part I
(1)In this Part (unless the context otherwise requires)—
• “the 1981 Act” means the [1981 c. 68.] Broadcasting Act 1981;
• “additional service” and “additional services licence” have the meaning given by section 48(1) and section 49(10)
respectively;
• “the appropriate percentage”, in relation to any year, has the meaning given by section 19(10);
• “cash bid”, in relation to a licence, has the meaning given by section 15(7);
• “Channel 3” means the system of television broadcasting services established by the Commission under section
14, and “a Channel 3 licence” means a licence to provide one of the services comprised within that system;
• “Channel 4” means the television broadcasting service referred to in section 24(1), and “on Channel 4” means in
that service;
• “Channel 5” means the television broadcasting service referred to in section 28(1), and “a Channel 5 licence”
means a licence to provide that service;
• “the Commission” means the Independent Television Commission established by section 1;
• “the Corporation” means the Channel Four Television Corporation established by section 23;
• “domestic satellite service” has the meaning given by section 43(1);
• “licence” means a licence under this Part, and “licensed” shall be construed accordingly;
• “licensable programme service” has the meaning given by section 46(1);
• “national Channel 3 service” has the meaning given by section 14(6), and “a national Channel 3 licence” means a
licence to provide a national Channel 3 service;
• “non-domestic satellite service” has the meaning given by section 43(2);
• “regional Channel 3 service” has the meaning given by section 14(6), and “a regional Channel 3 licence” means a
licence to provide a regional Channel 3 service;
• “S4C” means the television broadcasting service referred to in section 57(1), and “on S4C” means in that service;
• “spare capacity” shall be construed in accordance with section 48(2);
• “television broadcasting service” has the meaning given by section 2(5);
• “television programme service” has the meaning given by section 2(4).
(2)Where the person who is for the time being the holder of any licence (“the present licence holder”) is not
the person to whom the licence was originally granted, any reference in this Part (however expressed) to
the holder of the licence shall be construed, in relation to any time falling before the date when the present
licence holder became the holder of it, as including a reference to a person who was previously the holder
of the licence.
PART IILOCAL DELIVERY SERVICES Preliminary
72Local delivery services
(1)In this Part “local delivery service” means a service provided by any person which—
(a)consists in the use of a telecommunication system (whether run by that or any other person) for the
purpose of the delivery of one or more of the services specified in subsection (2) for simultaneous reception
in two or more dwelling-houses in the United Kingdom; and
(b)is of a class or description specified in an order made by the Secretary of State.
(2)The services referred to in subsection (1)(a) are—
(a)any television broadcasting service (within the meaning of Part I of this Act) whether provided by the
holder of a licence under that Part or by the BBC or the Welsh Authority;
(b)any non-domestic satellite service (within the meaning of that Part);
(c)any licensable programme service (within the meaning of that Part);
(d)any sound broadcasting service to which section 84 applies or which is provided by the BBC; and
(e)any licensable sound programme service (as defined by section 112(1)).
(3)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1)(b) any class or description of service specified in an
order under that provision may be framed by reference to—
(a)the nature of the telecommunication system by means of which the service is provided, or
(b)the nature of the programmes, or any of the programmes, delivered by the service.
(4)Any order under subsection (1)(b) shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either
House of Parliament.
(5)In this Part—
• “the Commission” means the Independent Television Commission;
• “licence” means (unless the context otherwise requires) a licence under this Part;
• “local delivery licence” means a licence to provide a local delivery service.
Licensing of local delivery services
73Licensing of local delivery services
(1)The Commission may grant such licences to provide local delivery services as they may determine.
(2)Local delivery licences shall authorise the provision of local delivery services for such areas in the
United Kingdom as the Commission may determine; and, where such licences authorise the provision of
such services to any extent by wireless telegraphy, they shall be so provided on frequencies assigned to
those services by the Commission.
(3)Subject to subsection (4), sections 3, 4 and 5 shall apply to local delivery licences as they apply to
licences granted by the Commission under Part I of this Act.
(4)In the application of those sections to local delivery licences—
(a)section 3(1) shall have effect as if the words “or Part II” were added at the end;
(b)any reference in any other provision of those sections to Part I of this Act shall be construed as including
a reference to this Part of this Act; and
(c)section 3(5) shall have effect as if the first reference to section 19(1) included a reference to section
77(1).
(5)A local delivery licence may include provisions enabling the licence holder, subject to and in accordance
with such conditions as the Commission may impose, to authorise any person to whom this subsection
applies to undertake to any extent the provision of the licensed service on behalf of the licence holder.
(6)Subsection (5) applies to any person who is not a disqualified person in relation to a local delivery
licence by virtue of Part II of Schedule 2 to this Act.
(7)Any conditions included in a local delivery licence shall apply in relation to the provision of the licensed
service to any extent by a person authorised as mentioned in subsection (5) as they apply in relation to the
provision of the service by the licence holder; and any failure by such a person to comply with any such
conditions shall be treated for the purposes of this Part as a failure on the part of the licence holder to
comply with those conditions.
74Applications for local delivery licences
(1)Where the Commission propose to grant a licence to provide a local delivery service they shall publish,
in such manner as they consider appropriate, a notice—
(a)stating that they propose to grant such a licence;
(b)specifying—
(i)the area in the United Kingdom for which the service is to be provided, and
(ii)any frequencies that would be available for it to be provided by wireless telegraphy should it be desired
so to provide it;
(c)inviting applications for the licence and specifying the closing date for such applications; and
(d)specifying—
(i)the fee payable on any application made in pursuance of the notice, and
(ii)the percentage of qualifying revenue for each accounting period that would be payable by an applicant in
pursuance of section 77(1)(c) if he were granted the licence.
(2)The Commission may, if they think fit, specify under subsection (1)(d)(ii)—
(a)different percentages in relation to different accounting periods falling within the period for which the
licence would be in force;
(b)a nil percentage in relation to any accounting period so falling.
(3)Any application made in pursuance of a notice under this section must be in writing and accompanied
by—
(a)the fee specified in the notice under subsection (1)(d)(i);
(b)a technical plan relating to the service which the applicant proposes to provide and indicating—
(i)the parts of the area specified under subsection (1)(b)(i) which would be covered by that service,
(ii)the timetable in accordance with which that coverage would be achieved,
(iii)the technical means by which it would be achieved, and
(iv)the extent (if any) to which he proposes that the provision of the service should be undertaken by some
other person in accordance with section 73(5);
(c)the applicant’s cash bid in respect of the licence;
(d)such information as the Commission may reasonably require as to the applicant’s present financial
position and his projected financial position during the period for which the licence would be in force; and
(e)such other information as the Commission may reasonably require for the purpose of considering the
application.
(4)At any time after receiving such an application and before determining it the Commission may require
the applicant to furnish additional information under subsection (3)(b), (d) or (e).
(5)Any information to be furnished to the Commission under this section shall, if they so require, be in such
form or verified in such manner as they may specify.
(6)The Commission shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the date specified in a notice under this
section as the closing date for applications, publish in such manner as they consider appropriate—
(a)the name of every person who has made an application to them in pursuance of the notice;
(b)particulars of the technical plan submitted by him under subsection (3)(b); and
(c)such other information connected with his application as the Commission consider appropriate.
(7)In this Part—
(a)“cash bid”, in relation to a local delivery licence, means an offer to pay to the Commission a specified
amount of money in respect of the first complete calendar year falling within the period for which the licence
is in force (being an amount which, as increased by the appropriate percentage, is also to be payable in
respect of subsequent years falling wholly or partly within that period); and
(b)“the appropriate percentage”, in relation to any year, has the meaning given by section 19(10).
75Procedure to be followed by Commission in connection with consideration of applications for licences
(1)Where a person has made an application for a local delivery licence in accordance with section 74, the
Commission shall not proceed to consider whether to award him the licence on the basis of his cash bid in
accordance with section 76 unless it appears to them—
(a)that any telecommunication system proposed to be used by the applicant in the provision of his
proposed service would be acceptable to the relevant licensing authorities and would be capable of being
established in accordance with the timetable indicated by him in the technical plan submitted under section
74(3)(b); and
(b)that he would be able to maintain that service throughout the period for which the licence would be in
force;
and any reference to an applicant in section 76 (except in subsection (12)(b)) is accordingly a reference to
an applicant in whose case it appears to the Commission that the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b)
above are satisfied.
(2)Before forming any view as to whether the requirements of subsection (1)(a) are satisfied in the case of
an applicant the Commission shall consult the relevant licensing authorities; and in that provision and this
subsection “the relevant licensing authorities” means—
(a)where any telecommunication system proposed to be used as mentioned in that provision would be
required to be licensed under the [1949 c. 54.] Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949, the Secretary of State; and
(b)where any telecommunication system proposed to be so used would be required to be licensed under
Part II of the [1984 c. 12.] Telecommunications Act 1984, the Secretary of State and the Director General of
Telecommunications.
76Award of licence to person submitting highest cash bid
(1)Subject to the following provisions of this section, the Commission shall, after considering all the cash
bids submitted by the applicants for a local delivery licence, award the licence to the applicant who
submitted the highest bid.
(2)Where two or more applicants for a particular licence have submitted cash bids specifying an identical
amount which is higher than the amount of any other cash bid submitted in respect of the licence, then
(unless they propose to exercise their power under subsection (3) in relation to the licence) the
Commission shall invite those applicants to submit further cash bids in respect of that licence; and, in
relation to any person who has submitted a further cash bid in pursuance of this subsection, any reference
in this Part to his cash bid is a reference to that further bid.
(3)The Commission may disregard the requirement imposed by subsection (1) and award the licence to an
applicant who has not submitted the highest bid if it appears to them that there are exceptional
circumstances which make it appropriate for them to award the licence to that applicant.
(4)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (3), the Commission may regard the following
circumstances as exceptional circumstances which make it appropriate to award the licence to an applicant
who has not submitted the highest bid, namely where it appears to them that the coverage proposed to be
achieved by such an applicant, as indicated in the technical plan submitted by him under section 74(3)(b),
is substantially greater than that proposed to be achieved—
(a)by the applicant who submitted the highest bid, or
(b)in a case falling within subsection (2), by each of the applicants who have submitted equal highest bids,
as indicated in the technical plan submitted by him under that provision; and where it appears to the
Commission, in the context of the licence, that any circumstances are to be regarded as exceptional
circumstances for the purposes of subsection (3), those circumstances may be so regarded by them despite
the fact that similar circumstances have been so regarded by them in the context of any other licence or
licences.
(5)If it appears to the Commission, in the case of the applicant to whom (apart from this subsection) they
would award the licence in accordance with the preceding provisions of this section, that there are grounds
for suspecting that any relevant source of funds is such that it would not be in the public interest for the
licence to be awarded to him—
(a)they shall refer his application to the Secretary of State, together with—
(i)a copy of all documents submitted to them by the applicant, and
(ii)a summary of their deliberations on the application; and
(b)they shall not award the licence to him unless the Secretary of State has given his approval.
(6)On such a reference the Secretary of State may only refuse to give his approval to the licence being
awarded to the applicant in question if he is satisfied that any relevant source of funds is such that it would
not be in the public interest for the licence to be so awarded.
(7)In subsections (5) and (6) “relevant source of funds”, in relation to an applicant, means any source of
funds to which he might (directly or indirectly) have recourse for the purpose of—
(a)paying any amounts payable by him by virtue of section 77(1), or
(b)otherwise financing the provision of his proposed service.
(8)In a case where any requirement such as is mentioned in section 5(1)(b) (as it applies by virtue of
section 73(3)) operates to preclude the Commission from awarding a licence to the applicant to whom
(apart from any such requirement) they would have awarded it in accordance with the preceding provisions
of this section, they shall award the licence in accordance with rules made by them for regulating the
awarding of licences in such cases; and any such rules may provide for the awarding of licences by
reference to orders of preference notified to the Commission by applicants at the time of making their
applications.
(9)Any such rules shall be published by the Commission in such manner as they consider appropriate, but
shall not come into force unless they have been approved by the Secretary of State.
(10)Where the Commission are, by virtue of subsection (5), precluded from awarding the licence to an
applicant, the preceding provisions of this section shall (subject to subsection (16)) have effect as if that
person had not made an application for the licence.
(11)Where the Commission have awarded a local delivery licence to any person in accordance with this
section, they shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after awarding the licence—
(a)publish the matters specified in subsection (12) in such manner as they consider appropriate; and
(b)grant the licence to that person.
(12)The matters referred to in subsection (11)(a) are—
(a)the name of the applicant to whom the licence has been awarded and the amount of his cash bid;
(b)the name of every other applicant in whose case it appeared to the Commission that the requirements of
section 75(1)(a) were satisfied;
(c)where the licence has, by virtue of subsection (3) above, been awarded to an applicant who has not
submitted the highest cash bid, the Commission’s reasons for the licence having been so awarded; and
(d)such other information as the Commission consider appropriate.
(13)If at any time after a local delivery licence has been granted to any person but before the licence has
come into force—
(a)that person indicates to the Commission that he does not intend to provide the service in question, or
(b)the Commission for any other reason have reasonable grounds for believing that that person will not
provide that service once the licence has come into force,
then, subject to subsections (14) and (16)—
(i)the Commission shall serve on him a notice revoking the licence as from the time the notice is served on
him, and
(ii)this section shall have effect as if he had not made an application for the licence.
(14)Subsection (13) shall not apply in the case of any person by virtue of paragraph (b) of that subsection
unless the Commission have served on him a notice stating their grounds for believing that he will not
provide the service in question once his licence has come into force; and they shall not serve such a notice
on him unless they have given him a reasonable opportunity of making representations to them about the
matters complained of.
(15)In a case where a local delivery licence has been awarded to any person by virtue of the operation of
this section, in accordance with any provision of this Part, on the revocation of an earlier grant of the
licence, subsection (12) shall have effect as if—
(a)paragraph (b) were omitted; and
(b)the matters specified in that subsection included an indication of the circumstances in which the licence
has been awarded to that person.
(16)Subsections (1) to (9) shall not have effect as mentioned in subsection (10) if the Commission decide
that it would be desirable to publish a fresh notice under section 74 in respect of the grant of the licence;
and similarly this section shall not have effect as mentioned in subsection (13) if the Commission decide
that it would be desirable to publish such a notice in respect of the grant of a further licence to provide the
local delivery service in question.
77Additional payments to be made in respect of local delivery licences
(1)A local delivery licence shall include conditions requiring the licence holder to pay to the Commission (in
addition to any fees required to be so paid by virtue of section 4(1)(b), as applied by section 73(3))—
(a)in respect of the first complete calendar year falling within the period for which the licence is in force, the
amount specified in his cash bid;
(b)in respect of each subsequent year falling wholly or partly within that period, the amount so specified as
increased by the appropriate percentage; and
(c)in respect of each accounting period of his falling within the period referred to in paragraph (a), an
amount representing such percentage of the qualifying revenue for that accounting period as was specified
in relation to the licence under section 74(1)(d)(ii).
(2)For the purposes of subsection (1)(c) the qualifying revenue for any accounting period of the licence
holder shall consist of all payments which are received or to be received by him, or by any person
connected with him, and are derived from the delivery in that period, in accordance with his licence, of
services falling within section 72(2) (whether their delivery is undertaken by him or by any person
authorised by him as mentioned in section 73(5)).
(3)A local delivery licence may include conditions—
(a)enabling the Commission to estimate before the beginning of an accounting period the amount due for
that period by virtue of subsection (1)(c); and
(b)requiring the licence holder to pay the estimated amount by monthly instalments throughout that period.
(4)Such a licence may in particular include conditions—
(a)authorising the Commission to revise any estimate on one or more occasions, and to adjust the
instalments payable by the licence holder to take account of the revised estimate;
(b)providing for the adjustment of any overpayment or underpayment.
(5)Where—
(a)the first complete accounting period of the licence holder falling within the period referred to in
subsection (1)(a) (“the licence period”) does not begin at the same time as that period, or
(b)the last complete accounting period of his falling within the licence period does not end at the same time
as that period,
any reference in subsection (1)(c) to an accounting period of his shall include a reference to such part of the
accounting period preceding that first complete accounting period, or (as the case may be) following that last
complete accounting period, as falls within the licence period; and other references to accounting periods in
this Part shall be construed accordingly.
(6)Part I of Schedule 7 has effect for the purposes of this section.
78Duration and renewal of local delivery licences
(1)A local delivery licence shall, subject to the provisions of this Part, continue in force for a period of fifteen
years, and may (subject to the following provisions of this section) be renewed on one or more occasions
for a period of fifteen years beginning with the date of renewal.
(2)An application for the renewal of a local delivery licence under subsection (1) may be made by the
licence holder not earlier than five years before the date on which it would otherwise cease to be in force
and not later than the relevant date.
(3)Where any such application is made before the relevant date, the Commission may postpone the
consideration of it by them for as long as they think appropriate having regard to subsection (8).
(4)Where an application for the renewal of a local delivery licence has been duly made to the Commission,
they may only (subject to subsection (5)) refuse the application if—
(a)they propose to grant a fresh local delivery licence for the provision of a service which would be provided
for a different area from that for which the applicant’s service is provided under his licence; or
(b)in the case of an applicant who has not achieved the coverage set out in the technical plan submitted
under section 74(3)(b), either—
(i)they are not satisfied that he would, if his licence were renewed, be able to achieve that coverage in
accordance with the timetable indicated in the plan, or
(ii)the period within which it was to be achieved has expired.
(5)Section 76(5) to (7) shall apply in relation to an applicant for the renewal of a local delivery licence as
those provisions apply in relation to such an applicant as is mentioned in section 76(5), but as if any
reference to the awarding of such a licence to the applicant were a reference to the renewal of the
applicant’s licence under this section.
(6)On the grant of any such application the Commission—
(a)shall determine an amount which is to be payable to the Commission by the applicant in respect of the
first complete calendar year falling within the period for which the licence is to be renewed; and
(b)may specify a different percentage from that specified under section 74(1)(d)(ii) as the percentage of
qualifying revenue for each accounting period of his that will be payable by the applicant in pursuance of
section 77(1)(c) during the period for which the licence is to be renewed;
and the Commission may specify under paragraph (b) either of the things mentioned in section 74(2).
(7)The amount determined by the Commission under subsection (6)(a) in connection with the renewal of a
licence shall be such amount as would, in their opinion, be payable to them by virtue of section 77(1)(a) if
they were granting a fresh licence to provide the local delivery service in question.
(8)Where the Commission have granted a person’s application under this section they shall formally renew
his licence not later than the relevant date or, if that is not reasonably practicable, as soon after that date as
is reasonably practicable; and they shall not so renew his licence unless they have notified him of—
(a)the amount determined by them under subsection (6)(a), and
(b)any percentage specified by them under subsection (6)(b),
and he has, within such period as is specified in that notification, notified them that he consents to the licence
being renewed on those terms.
(9)Where a local delivery licence is renewed under this section—
(a)any conditions included in it in pursuance of section 77 shall have effect during the period for which the
licence has been renewed—
(i)as if the amount determined by the Commission under subsection (6)(a) above were an amount specified
in a cash bid submitted by the licence holder, and
(ii)subject to any determination made under subsection (6)(b) above; and
(b)(subject to paragraph (a)) that section shall have effect in relation to the period for which the licence has
been renewed as it has effect in relation to the period for which a local delivery licence is originally in force.
(10)In this section “the relevant date”, in relation to a local delivery licence, means the date which the
Commission determine to be that by which they would need to publish a notice under section 74 if they
were to grant, as from the date on which that licence would expire if not renewed, a fresh licence to provide
the local delivery service formerly provided under that licence.
Regulation of delivery of certain programmes
79Regulation of delivery of programmes provided by licence holder and foreign satellite programmes
(1)Without prejudice to the generality of section 3(2) or (as the case may be) section 86(2), a licence to
provide such a service as is mentioned in section 72(2)(c) or (e) may, where it is granted to the holder of a
local delivery licence, authorise the provision by that person of programmes for delivery on all or any of the
channels on which his local delivery service is provided.
(2)Where any licensed local delivery service consists in or includes relaying (complete and unchanged) any
foreign satellite programmes, the following provisions, namely—
(a)section 6(1) so far as relating to the requirements specified in paragraphs (a), (d) and (e) of that
provision, and
(b)section 7,
shall have effect as if the delivery of those programmes constituted the provision of a service licensed under
Part I of this Act.
(3)Accordingly, any reference in those provisions to programmes included in a licensed service shall,
where those provisions have effect as mentioned in subsection (2) above, be construed as a reference to
any such programmes as are mentioned in that subsection.
(4)The holder of a local delivery licence shall be taken to be authorised by his licence to include in the
licensed service advertisements which are inserted by him and are not included in any service falling within
section 72(2); but, if any such advertisements are so included by him, sections 8 and 9 shall have effect as
if the delivery of those advertisements constituted the provision of a service licensed under Part I of this Act
and he were the holder of a licence in force under that Part.
(5)In subsection (2) “foreign satellite programme” means a programme transmitted by satellite from a place
outside the United Kingdom, other than a programme so transmitted from within any country specified in an
order made by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this subsection.
80Directions requiring licence holder to cease relaying foreign television programmes
(1)If the Commission are satisfied that it is appropriate to do so in pursuance of any international
agreement to which the United Kingdom is for the time being a party, they may give to the holder of a local
delivery licence a direction requiring him not to relay television programmes which—
(a)are transmitted from a place outside the United Kingdom, and
(b)are included in any service specified or described in the direction.
(2)Any direction under this section may describe a service for the purposes of subsection (1)(b) by
reference to such matters as the Commission think fit.
(3)Any such direction shall, according to its terms, have effect either during a specified period or for an
indefinite period.
Enforcement of licences
81Enforcement of local delivery licences
(1)Subject to subsections (2) and (4), sections 41 and 42 shall apply in relation to a local delivery licence as
they apply in relation to a licence to provide a Channel 3 service.
(2)In its application in relation to a local delivery licence—
(a)section 41 shall have effect—
(i)with the substitution in subsection (2) of “section 77(2)” for “section 19(2) to (6)”, and
(ii)with the omission of subsection (5); and
(b)section 42 shall have effect with the omission of subsection (7);
and the reference to Part I of this Act in subsection (1) of each of those sections shall be construed as
including a reference to this Part of this Act.
(3)A local delivery licence shall include a condition requiring the licensed service to be established by the
licence holder in accordance with the timetable indicated in the technical plan submitted under section
74(3)(b).
(4)The Commission shall not revoke any local delivery licence under section 42 (as applied by subsection
(1) above) by reason of the failure of the licence holder to comply with any such condition as is mentioned
in subsection (3) above unless they are satisfied, after consulting the Secretary of State and the Director
General of Telecommunications, that it would have been reasonably practicable for the licence holder to
comply with it.
Prohibition on providing unlicensed local delivery services
82Prohibition on providing local delivery services without a licence
(1)Any person who provides any local delivery service without being authorised to do so by or under a
licence under this Part shall be guilty of an offence.
(2)A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable—
(a)on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;
(b)on conviction on indictment, to a fine.
(3)No proceedings in respect of an offence under this section shall be instituted—
(a)in England and Wales, except by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions;
(b)in Northern Ireland, except by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern
Ireland.
(4)Without prejudice to subsection (2) above, compliance with this section shall be enforceable by civil
proceedings by the Crown for an injunction or interdict or for any other appropriate relief.
PART IIIINDEPENDENT RADIO SERVICES CHAPTER IREGULATION BY AUTHORITY OF INDEPENDENT RADIO SERVICES GENERALLY Establishment of Radio Authority
83The Radio Authority
(1)There shall be an authority to be called the Radio Authority (in this Part referred to as “the Authority”).
(2)The Authority shall consist of—
(a)a chairman and a deputy chairman appointed by the Secretary of State; and
(b)such number of other members appointed by the Secretary of State, not being less than four nor more
than ten, as he may from time to time determine.
(3)Schedule 8 to this Act shall have effect with respect to the Authority.
Function of Authority
84Regulation by Authority of independent radio services
(1)It shall be the function of the Authority to regulate, in accordance with this Part, the provision of the
following services, namely—
(a)sound broadcasting services to which this section applies and which are provided from places in the
United Kingdom;
(b)licensable sound programme services (as defined by section 112(1)) which are provided from places in
the United Kingdom by persons other than the BBC; and
(c)additional services (as defined by section 114(1)) which are provided from places in the United Kingdom;
and in this Part “independent radio service” means a service falling within paragraph (a), (b) or (c) above.
(2)This section applies to—
(a)any sound broadcasting service which is provided, on a frequency or frequencies assigned to the
Authority under subsection (4)—
(i)for any such minimum area of the United Kingdom as the Authority may determine in accordance with
section 98(2) (a “national service”), or
(ii)for a particular area or locality in the United Kingdom (a “local service”), or
(iii)for a particular establishment or other defined location, or a particular event, in the United Kingdom (a
“restricted service”); and
(b)any sound broadcasting service (other than one provided by the BBC) which consists—
(i)in the transmission of sound programmes by satellite from a place in the United Kingdom for general
reception there, or
(ii)in the transmission of such programmes by satellite from a place outside the United Kingdom for general
reception there, if and to the extent that the programmes included in the service consist of material
provided by a person in the United Kingdom who is in a position to determine what is to be included in the
service (so far as it consists of programme material provided by him),
and any such service is referred to in this Part as a “satellite service”.
(3)For the purposes of this Part satellite services shall be regarded as provided by the following persons—
(a)a service falling within subsection (2)(b)(i)—
(i)shall, if and to the extent that the programmes included in it consist of material provided by a person in
the United Kingdom who is in a position to determine what is to be included in the service (so far as it
consists of programme material provided by him), be regarded as provided by that person (whether the
programmes are transmitted by him or not), but
(ii)shall otherwise be regarded as provided by the person by whom the programmes are transmitted; and
(b)a service falling within subsection (2)(b)(ii) shall be regarded as provided by the person by whom the
programme material in question is provided as mentioned in that provision.
(4)For the purposes of this Part the Secretary of State may by notice assign to the Authority such
frequencies as he may determine; and any frequency so assigned shall be taken to be so assigned for the
purpose only of being used for the provision of one or more independent radio services.
(5)Any frequency assigned by the Secretary of State under subsection (4) may be so assigned for use only
in such area or areas as may be specified by the Secretary of State when making the assignment.
(6)The Secretary of State may by notice revoke the assignment under subsection (4) of any frequency
specified in the notice, and may do so whether or not that frequency is for the time being one on which an
independent radio service is being provided.
85Licensing functions of Authority
(1)Subject to subsection (2), the Authority may, in accordance with the following provisions of this Part,
grant such licences to provide independent radio services as they may determine.
(2)The Authority shall do all that they can to secure the provision within the United Kingdom of—
(a)a diversity of national services each catering for tastes and interests different from those catered for by
the others and of which—
(i)one is a service the greater part of which consists in the broadcasting of spoken material, and
(ii)another is a service which consists, wholly or mainly, in the broadcasting of music which, in the opinion
of the Authority, is not pop music; and
(b)a range and diversity of local services.
(3)It shall be the duty of the Authority to discharge their functions as respects the licensing of independent
radio services in the manner which they consider is best calculated—
(a)to facilitate the provision of licensed services which (taken as a whole) are of high quality and offer a
wide range of programmes calculated to appeal to a variety of tastes and interests; and
(b)to ensure fair and effective competition in the provision of such services and services connected with
them.
(4)Subsection (3)(b) shall not be construed as affecting the discharge by the Director General of Fair
Trading, the Secretary of State or the Monopolies and Mergers Commission of any of his or their functions
in connection with competition.
(5)The Secretary of State may by order make such amendments of subsection (2)(a) as he considers
appropriate—
(a)for including in that provision a requirement that one of the national services there referred to should be
a service of a particular description, or
(b)for removing such a requirement from that provision;
and (without prejudice to the generality of section 200(2)(b)) any such order may make such consequential
amendments of section 98(1)(b)(iii) as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
(6)In subsection (2)(a)(ii) “pop music” includes rock music and other kinds of modern popular music which
are characterised by a strong rhythmic element and a reliance on electronic amplification for their
performance (whether or not, in the case of any particular piece of rock or other such music, the music in
question enjoys a current popularity as measured by the number of recordings sold).
(7)An order shall not be made under subsection (5) unless a draft of it has been laid before and approved
by a resolution of each House of Parliament.
General provisions about licences
86Licences under Part III
(1)A licence shall be in writing and (subject to the provisions of this Part) shall continue in force for such
period as may be specified in the licence.
(2)A licence may be granted by the Authority for the provision of such a service as is specified in the
licence or for the provision of a service of such a description as is so specified; and (without prejudice to
the generality of the preceding provision) a licence may be so granted for the provision of a service which
to any extent consists in the simultaneous broadcasting of different programmes on different frequencies.
(3)The following licences, namely—
(a)any licence to provide a national, local or satellite service,
(b)any licence to provide a licensable sound programme service, and
(c)any licence to provide additional services,
shall not continue in force for a period of more than eight years.
(4)The Authority—
(a)shall not grant a licence to any person unless they are satisfied that he is a fit and proper person to hold
it; and
(b)shall do all that they can to secure that, if they cease to be so satisfied in the case of any person holding
a licence, that person does not remain the holder of the licence;
and nothing in this Part shall be construed as affecting the operation of this subsection or of section 88(1) or
(2)(b) or (c) or 89(1).
(5)The Authority may vary a licence by a notice served on the licence holder if—
(a)in the case of a variation of the period for which the licence is to continue in force, the licence holder
consents; or
(b)in the case of any other variation, the licence holder has been given a reasonable opportunity of making
representations to the Authority about the variation.
(6)Paragraph (a) of subsection (5) does not affect the operation of section 110(1)(b); and that subsection
shall not authorise the variation of any conditions included in a licence in pursuance of section 102(1) or
section 118(1).
(7)A licence granted to any person under this Part shall not be transferable to any other person without the
previous consent in writing of the Authority.
(8)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (7), the Authority shall not give their consent for the
purposes of that subsection unless they are satisfied that any such other person would be in a position to
comply with all of the conditions included in the licence which would have effect during the period for which
it is to be in force.
(9)The holding by any person of a licence to provide any service shall not relieve him of any requirement to
hold a licence under section 1 of the [1949 c. 54.] Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 or section 7 of the [1984 c.
12.] Telecommunications Act 1984 in connection with the provision of that service.
87General licence conditions
(1)A licence may include—
(a)such conditions as appear to the Authority to be appropriate having regard to any duties which are or
may be imposed on them, or on the licence holder, by or under this Act;
(b)conditions enabling the Authority to supervise and enforce technical standards in connection with the
provision of the licensed service;
(c)conditions requiring the payment by the licence holder to the Authority (whether on the grant of the
licence or at such times thereafter as may be determined by or under the licence, or both) of a fee or fees
of an amount or amounts so determined;
(d)conditions requiring the licence holder to furnish the Authority, in such manner and at such times as they
may reasonably require, with such information as they may require for the purpose of exercising the
functions assigned to them by or under this Act;
(e)conditions requiring the licence holder, if found by the Authority to be in breach of any condition of his
licence, to reimburse to the Authority, in such circumstances as are specified in any conditions, any costs
reasonably incurred by them in connection with the breach of that condition;
(f)conditions providing for such incidental and supplemental matters as appear to the Authority to be
appropriate.
(2)A licence may in particular include—
(a)conditions requiring the licence holder—
(i)to comply with any direction given by the Authority as to such matters as are specified in the licence or
are of a description so specified, or
(ii)(except to the extent that the Authority consent to his doing or not doing them) not to do or to do such
things as are specified in the licence or are of a description so specified; and
(b)conditions requiring the licence holder to permit—
(i)any employee of, or person authorised by, the Authority, or
(ii)any officer of, or person authorised by, the Secretary of State,
to enter any premises which are used in connection with the broadcasting of the licensed service and to
inspect, examine, operate or test any equipment on the premises which is used in that connection.
(3)The fees required to be paid to the Authority by virtue of subsection (1)(c) shall be in accordance with
such tariff as may from time to time be fixed by the Authority; and the amount of any fee which is to be so
paid by the holder of a licence of a particular class or description shall be such as to represent what
appears to the Authority to be the appropriate contribution of the holder of such a licence towards meeting
the sums which the Authority regard as necessary in order to discharge their duty under paragraph 12(1) of
Schedule 8.
(4)A tariff fixed under subsection (3) may specify different fees in relation to different cases or
circumstances; and the Authority shall publish every such tariff in such manner as they consider
appropriate.
(5)Where the holder of any licence—
(a)is required by virtue of any condition imposed under this Part to provide the Authority with any
information, and
(b)in purported compliance with that condition provides them with any information which is false in a
material particular,
he shall be taken for the purposes of sections 110 and 111 to have failed to comply with that condition.
(6)Nothing in this Act which authorises or requires the inclusion in a licence of conditions relating to any
particular matter or having effect for any particular purpose shall be taken as derogating from the generality
of subsection (1).
88Restrictions on the holding of licences
(1)The Authority shall do all that they can to secure—
(a)that a person does not become or remain the holder of a licence if he is a person who is a disqualified
person in relation to that licence by virtue of Part II of Schedule 2 to this Act; and
(b)that any requirements imposed by or under Parts III to V of that Schedule are complied with by or in
relation to persons holding licences in relation to which those requirements apply.
(2)The Authority may accordingly—
(a)require any applicant for a licence to provide them with such information as they may reasonably require
for the purpose of determining—
(i)whether he is such a disqualified person as is mentioned in subsection (1)(a),
(ii)whether any such requirements as are mentioned in subsection (1)(b) would preclude them from
granting a licence to him, and
(iii)if so, what steps would be required to be taken by or in relation to him in order for any such
requirements to be complied with;
(b)revoke the award of a licence to a body where a relevant change takes place after the award, but before
the grant, of the licence;
(c)make the grant of a licence to any person conditional on the taking of any specified steps that appear to
them to be required to be taken as mentioned in paragraph (a)(iii);
(d)impose conditions in any licence enabling them to require the licence holder, if a body corporate, to give
to them advance notice of proposals affecting—
(i)shareholdings in the body, or
(ii)the directors of the body,
where such proposals are known to the body;
(e)impose conditions in any licence enabling them to give the licence holder directions requiring him to
take, or arrange for the taking of, any specified steps appearing to them to be required to be taken in order
for any such requirements as are mentioned in subsection (1)(b) to be complied with.
(3)Where the Authority—
(a)revoke the award of any licence in pursuance of subsection (2)(b), or
(b)determine that any condition imposed by them in relation to any licence in pursuance of subsection
(2)(c) has not been satisfied,
any provisions of this Part relating to the awarding of licences of the kind in question shall (subject to
subsection (4)) have effect as if the person to whom the licence was awarded or granted had not made an
application for it.
(4)Those provisions shall not so have effect if the Authority decide that it would be desirable to publish a
fresh notice under this Part in respect of the grant of a licence, or (as the case may be) a further licence, to
provide the service in question.
(5)Every licence shall include such conditions as the Authority consider necessary or expedient to ensure
that where—
(a)the holder of the licence is a body, and
(b)a relevant change takes place after the grant of the licence,
the Authority may revoke the licence by notice served on the holder of the licence and taking effect forthwith
or on a date specified in the notice.
(6)The Authority shall not serve any such notice on the licence holder unless they have given him a
reasonable opportunity of making representations to them about the matters complained of.
(7)In this section “relevant change”, in relation to a body to which a licence has been awarded or granted,
means—
(a)any change affecting the nature or characteristics of the body, or
(b)any change in the persons having control over or interests in the body,
being (in either case) a change which is such that, if it fell to the Authority to determine whether to award the
licence to the body in the new circumstances of the case, they would be induced by the change to refrain
from so awarding it.
89Disqualification for holding licence on grounds of conviction for transmitting offence
(1)Subject to subsection (2), a person shall be disqualified for holding a licence under this Part if within the
last five years he has been convicted of—
(a)an offence under section 1 of the [1949 c. 54.] Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 (licensing of wireless
telegraphy) which involved the making of any transmission by wireless telegraphy otherwise than under
and in accordance with a licence under that section;
(b)an offence under the [1967 c. 41.] Marine, &c., Broadcasting (Offences) Act 1967; or
(c)an offence under section 97 below.
(2)Subsection (1)(a) and (b) do not apply to any offence committed before 1st January 1989.
(3)Every licence granted under this Part shall include conditions requiring the holder of the licence to do all
that he can to ensure that no person who is disqualified for holding a licence by virtue of subsection (1) is
concerned in the operation of any station for wireless telegraphy used in the provision of the licensed
service.
General provisions about licensed services
90General requirements as to licensed services
(1)The Authority shall do all that they can to secure that every licensed service complies with the following
requirements, namely—
(a)that nothing is included in its programmes which offends against good taste or decency or is likely to
encourage or incite to crime or to lead to disorder or to be offensive to public feeling;
(b)that any news given (in whatever form) in its programmes is presented with due accuracy and
impartiality; and
(c)that its programmes do not include any technique which exploits the possibility of conveying a message
to, or otherwise influencing the minds of, persons listening to the programmes without their being aware, or
fully aware, of what has occurred.
(2)The Authority shall, in the case of every licensed service which is a national, local, satellite or licensable
sound programme service, do all that they can to secure that the service complies with the following
additional requirements, namely—
(a)the appropriate requirement specified in subsection (3);
(b)that (without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1)(b) or (3)(a)) there are excluded from its
programmes all expressions of the views and opinions of the person providing the service on matters (other
than sound broadcasting) which are of political or industrial controversy or relate to current public policy;
and
(c)that due responsibility is exercised with respect to the content of any of its programmes which are
religious programmes, and that in particular any such programmes do not involve—
(i)any improper exploitation of any susceptibilities of those listening to the programmes, or
(ii)any abusive treatment of the religious views and beliefs of those belonging to a particular religion or
religious denomination.
(3)The appropriate requirement referred to in subsection (2)(a) is—
(a)where the licensed service is a national service, that due impartiality is preserved on the part of the
person providing the service as respects matters of political or industrial controversy or relating to current
public policy;
(b)where the licensed service is a local, satellite or licensable sound programme service, that undue
prominence is not given in its programmes to the views and opinions of particular persons or bodies on
such matters.
(4)In applying subsection (3)(a) to a national service a series of programmes may be considered as a
whole; and in applying subsection (3)(b) to a local, satellite or licensable sound programme service the
programmes included in that service shall be taken as a whole.
(5)The Authority shall—
(a)draw up, and from time to time review, a code giving guidance—
(i)as to the rules to be observed in determining what constitutes a series of programmes for the purposes of
subsection (4),
(ii)as to the rules to be observed in other respects in connection with the application of subsection (3)(a) in
relation to a national service, and
(iii)as to the rules to be observed in connection with the application of subsection (3)(b) in relation to a
local, satellite or licensable sound programme service; and
(b)do all that they can to secure that the provisions of the code are observed in the provision of licensed
services;
and the Authority may make different provision in the code for different cases or circumstances.
(6)The Authority shall publish the code drawn up under subsection (5), and every revision of it, in such
manner as they consider appropriate.
(7)Nothing in this section or in sections 91 to 96 has effect in relation to any licensed service which is an
additional service.
91General code for programmes
(1)The Authority shall draw up, and from time to time review, a code giving guidance—
(a)as to the rules to be observed with respect to the inclusion in programmes of sounds suggestive of
violence, particularly in circumstances such that large numbers of children and young persons may be
expected to be listening to the programmes;
(b)as to the rules to be observed with respect to the inclusion in programmes of appeals for donations; and
(c)as to such other matters concerning standards and practice for programmes as the Authority may
consider suitable for inclusion in the code;
and the Authority shall do all that they can to secure that the provisions of the code are observed in the
provision of licensed services.
(2)In considering what other matters ought to be included in the code in pursuance of subsection (1)(c), the
Authority shall have special regard to programmes included in licensed services in circumstances such that
large numbers of children and young persons may be expected to be listening to the programmes.
(3)Before drawing up or revising the code under this section the Authority shall (to such extent as they
consider it reasonably practicable to do so) consult every person who is the holder of a licence under this
Part.
(4)The Authority shall publish the code drawn up under this section, and every revision of it, in such
manner as they consider appropriate.
92General provisions as to advertisements
(1)The Authority shall do all that they can to secure that the rules specified in subsection (2) are complied
with in relation to licensed services.
(2)Those rules are as follows—
(a)a licensed service must not include—
(i)any advertisement which is inserted by or on behalf of any body whose objects are wholly or mainly of a
political nature,
(ii)any advertisement which is directed towards any political end, or
(iii)any advertisement which has any relation to any industrial dispute (other than an advertisement of a
public service nature inserted by, or on behalf of, a government department);
(b)in the acceptance of advertisements for inclusion in a licensed service there must be no unreasonable
discrimination either against or in favour of any particular advertiser; and
(c)a licensed service must not, without the previous approval of the Authority, include a programme which
is sponsored by any person whose business consists, wholly or mainly, in the manufacture or supply of a
product, or in the provision of a service, which the licence holder is prohibited from advertising by virtue of
any provision of section 93.
(3)Nothing in subsection (2) shall be construed as prohibiting the inclusion in a licensed service of any
party political broadcast which complies with the rules (so far as applicable) made by the Authority for the
purposes of section 107.
(4)After consultation with the Authority the Secretary of State may make regulations amending, repealing,
or adding to the rules specified in subsection (2); but no such regulations shall be made unless a draft of
the regulations has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.
(5)The Authority shall not act as an advertising agent.
93Control of advertisements
(1)It shall be the duty of the Authority—
(a)after the appropriate consultation, to draw up, and from time to time review, a code—
(i)governing standards and practice in advertising and in the sponsoring of programmes, and
(ii)prescribing the advertisements and methods of advertising or sponsorship to be prohibited, or to be
prohibited in particular circumstances; and
(b)to do all that they can to secure that the provisions of the code are observed in the provision of licensed
services;
and the Authority may make different provision in the code for different kinds of licensed services.
(2)In subsection (1) “the appropriate consultation” means consultation with—
(a)the Independent Television Commission,
(b)such bodies or persons appearing to the Authority to represent each of the following, namely—
(i)listeners,
(ii)advertisers, and
(iii)professional organisations qualified to give advice in relation to the advertising of particular products,
as the Authority think fit, and
(c)such other bodies or persons who are concerned with standards of conduct in advertising as the
Authority think fit,
and (to the extent that the Authority consider such consultation to be reasonably practicable) consultation
with every person who is the holder of a licence under this Part.
(3)The Authority shall publish the code drawn up under this section, and every revision of it, in such
manner as they consider appropriate.
(4)The Authority shall—
(a)from time to time consult the Secretary of State as to the classes and descriptions of advertisements
which must not be included in licensed services and the methods of advertising or sponsorship which must
not be employed in, or in connection with, the provision of such services; and
(b)carry out any directions which he may give to them in respect of such matters.
(5)The Authority may, in the discharge of a general responsibility with respect to advertisements and
methods of advertising and sponsorship, impose requirements as to advertisements or methods of
advertising or sponsorship which go beyond the requirements imposed by the code.
(6)The methods of control exercisable by the Authority for the purpose of securing that the provisions of the
code are complied with, and for the purpose of securing compliance with requirements imposed under
subsection (5) which go beyond the requirements of the code, shall include a power to give directions to
the holder of a licence—
(a)with respect to the classes and descriptions of advertisements and methods of advertising or
sponsorship to be excluded, or to be excluded in particular circumstances; or
(b)with respect to the exclusion of a particular advertisement, or its exclusion in particular circumstances.
(7)Directions under this section may be, to any degree, either general or specific and qualified or
unqualified.
(8)The Authority shall, in drawing up or revising the code, take account of such of the international
obligations of the United Kingdom as the Secretary of State may notify to them for the purposes of this
subsection.
94Government control over licensed services
(1)If it appears to him to be necessary or expedient to do so in connection with his functions as such, the
Secretary of State or any other Minister of the Crown may at any time by notice require the Authority to
direct the holders of any licences specified in the notice to publish in their licensed services, at such times
as may be specified in the notice, such announcement as is so specified; and it shall be the duty of the
Authority to comply with the notice.
(2)Where the holder of a licence publishes any announcement in pursuance of a direction under subsection
(1), he may announce that he is doing so in pursuance of such a direction.
(3)The Secretary of State may at any time by notice require the Authority to direct the holders of any
licences specified in the notice to refrain from including in the programmes included in their licensed
services any matter or classes of matter specified in the notice; and it shall be the duty of the Authority to
comply with the notice.
(4)Where the Authority—
(a)have given the holder of any licence a direction in accordance with a notice under subsection (3), or
(b)in consequence of the revocation by the Secretary of State of such a notice, have revoked such a
direction,
or where such a notice has expired, the holder of the licence in question may publish in the licensed service
an announcement of the giving or revocation of the direction or of the expiration of the notice, as the case
may be.
(5)The powers conferred by this section are in addition to any power specifically conferred on the Secretary
of State by any other provision of this Act.
(6)In relation to any licensed service provided from a place in Northern Ireland, the reference in subsection
(1) to a Minister of the Crown includes a reference to the head of any Northern Ireland department.
95Monitoring by Authority of programmes included in licensed services
(1)For the purpose of maintaining supervision over the programmes included in licensed services the
Authority may make and use recordings of those programmes or any part of them.
(2)A licence shall include conditions requiring the licence holder—
(a)to retain, for a period not exceeding 42 days, a recording of every programme included in the licensed
service;
(b)at the request of the Authority, to produce to them any such recording for examination or reproduction;
(c)at the request of the Authority, to produce to them any script or transcript of a programme included in the
licensed service which he is able to produce to them.
(3)Nothing in this Part shall be construed as requiring the Authority, in the discharge of their duties under
this Part as respects licensed services and the programmes included in them, to listen to such programmes
in advance of their being included in such services.
96Audience research
(1)The Authority shall make arrangements—
(a)for ascertaining the state of public opinion concerning programmes included in licensed services; and
(b)for the purpose of assisting them to perform their functions under Chapter II in connection with the
programmes to be included in national and local services, for ascertaining the types of programme that
members of the public would like to be included in licensed services.
(2)Those arrangements shall—
(a)secure that, so far as is reasonably practicable, any research undertaken in pursuance of the
arrangements is undertaken by persons who are neither members nor employees of the Authority; and
(b)include provision for full consideration by the Authority of the results of any such research.
Prohibition on providing unlicensed independent radio services
97Prohibition on providing independent radio services without a licence
(1)Subject to subsection (2), any person who provides any independent radio service without being
authorised to do so by or under a licence under this Part shall be guilty of an offence.
(2)The Secretary of State may, after consultation with the Authority, by order provide that subsection (1)
shall not apply to such services or descriptions of services as are specified in the order.
(3)A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable—
(a)on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;
(b)on conviction on indictment, to a fine.
(4)No proceedings in respect of an offence under this section shall be instituted—
(a)in England and Wales, except by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions;
(b)in Northern Ireland, except by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern
Ireland.
(5)Without prejudice to subsection (3) above, compliance with this section shall be enforceable by civil
proceedings by the Crown for an injunction or interdict or for any other appropriate relief.
(6)Any order under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House
of Parliament.
CHAPTER IISOUND BROADCASTING SERVICES National services
98Applications for national licences
(1)Where the Authority propose to grant a licence to provide a national service, they shall publish, in such
manner as they consider appropriate, a notice—
(a)stating that they propose to grant such a licence;
(b)specifying—
(i)the period for which the licence is to be granted,
(ii)the minimum area of the United Kingdom for which the service is to be provided,
(iii)if the service is to be one falling within section 85(2)(a)(i) or (ii), that the service is to be such a service,
and
(iv)if there is any existing licensed national service, that the service is to be one which caters for tastes and
interests different from those already catered for by any such service (as described in the notice);
(c)inviting applications for the licence and specifying the closing date for such applications; and
(d)specifying—
(i)the fee payable on any application made in pursuance of the notice, and
(ii)the percentage of qualifying revenue for each accounting period that would be payable by an applicant in
pursuance of section 102(1)(c) if he were granted the licence.
(2)In determining the minimum area of the United Kingdom for which a national service is to be provided
the Authority shall have regard to the following considerations, namely—
(a)that the service in question should, so far as is reasonably practicable, make the most effective use of
the frequency or frequencies on which it is to be provided; but
(b)that the area for which it is to be provided should not be so extensive that the costs of providing it would
be likely to affect the ability of the person providing the service to maintain it.
(3)Any application made in pursuance of a notice under this section must be in writing and accompanied
by—
(a)the applicant’s proposals for providing a service that would both—
(i)comply with any requirement specified in the notice under subsection (1)(b)(iii) or (iv), and
(ii)consist of a diversity of programmes calculated to appeal to a variety of tastes and interests;
(b)the fee specified in the notice under subsection (1)(d)(i);
(c)the applicant’s proposals for training or retraining persons employed or to be employed by him in order
to help fit them for employment in, or in connection with, the making of programmes to be included in his
proposed service;
(d)the applicant’s cash bid in respect of the licence;
(e)such information as the Authority may reasonably require—
(i)as to the applicant’s present financial position and his projected financial position during the period for
which the licence would be in force, and
(ii)as to the arrangements which the applicant proposes to make for, and in connection with, the
transmission of his proposed service; and
(f)such other information as the Authority may reasonably require for the purpose of considering the
application.
(4)At any time after receiving such an application and before determining it the Authority may require the
applicant to furnish additional information under any of paragraphs (a), (c), (e) and (f) of subsection (3).
(5)Any information to be furnished to the Authority under this section shall, if they so require, be in such
form or verified in such manner as they may specify.
(6)The Authority shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the date specified in a notice under this
section as the closing date for applications, publish in such manner as they consider appropriate—
(a)the name of every person who has made an application to them in pursuance of the notice;
(b)the proposals submitted by him under subsection (3)(a); and
(c)such other information connected with his application as the Authority consider appropriate.
(7)In this section “programme” does not include an advertisement.
(8)In this Part “cash bid”, in relation to a licence, means an offer to pay to the Authority a specified amount
of money in respect of the first complete calendar year falling within the period for which the licence is in
force (being an amount which, as increased by the appropriate percentage, is also to be payable in respect
of subsequent years falling wholly or partly within that period).
99Procedure to be followed by Authority in connection with consideration of applications for national licences
(1)Where a person has made an application for a national licence in accordance with section 98, the
Authority shall not proceed to consider whether to award him the licence on the basis of his cash bid in
accordance with section 100 unless it appears to them—
(a)that his proposed service would both—
(i)comply with any requirement specified under subsection (1)(b)(iii) or (iv) of section 98, and
(ii)consist of such a diversity of programmes as is mentioned in subsection (3)(a) of that section; and
(b)that he would be able to maintain that service throughout the period for which the licence would be in
force.
(2)Any reference to an applicant in section 100 (except in section 100(9)(b)) is accordingly a reference to
an applicant in whose case it appears to the Authority that the requirements of subsection (1)(a) and (b)
above are satisfied.
100Award of national licence to person submitting highest cash bid
(1)Subject to the following provisions of this section, the Authority shall, after considering all the cash bids
submitted by the applicants for a national licence, award the licence to the applicant who submitted the
highest bid.
(2)Where two or more applicants for a particular licence have submitted cash bids specifying an identical
amount which is higher than the amount of any other cash bid submitted in respect of the licence, then
(unless they propose to exercise their power under subsection (3) in relation to the licence) the Authority
shall invite those applicants to submit further cash bids in respect of that licence; and, in relation to any
person who has submitted a further cash bid in pursuance of this subsection, any reference in this Part to
his cash bid is a reference to that further bid.
(3)The Authority may disregard the requirement imposed by subsection (1) and award the licence to an
applicant who has not submitted the highest bid if it appears to them that there are exceptional
circumstances which make it appropriate for them to award the licence to that applicant; and where it
appears to the Authority, in the context of the licence, that any circumstances are to be regarded as
exceptional circumstances for the purposes of this subsection, those circumstances may be so regarded by
them despite the fact that similar circumstances have been so regarded by them in the context of any other
licence or licences.
(4)If it appears to the Authority, in the case of the applicant to whom (apart from this subsection) they would
award the licence in accordance with the preceding provisions of this section, that there are grounds for
suspecting that any relevant source of funds is such that it would not be in the public interest for the licence
to be awarded to him—
(a)they shall refer his application to the Secretary of State, together with—
(i)a copy of all documents submitted to them by the applicant, and
(ii)a summary of their deliberations on the application; and
(b)they shall not award the licence to him unless the Secretary of State has given his approval.
(5)On such a reference the Secretary of State may only refuse to give his approval to the licence being
awarded to the applicant in question if he is satisfied that any relevant source of funds is such that it would
not be in the public interest for the licence to be so awarded.
(6)In subsections (4) and (5) “relevant source of funds”, in relation to an applicant, means any source of
funds to which he might (directly or indirectly) have recourse for the purpose of—
(a)paying any amounts payable by him by virtue of section 102(1), or
(b)otherwise financing the provision of his proposed service.
(7)Where the Authority are, by virtue of subsection (4), precluded from awarding the licence to an applicant,
the preceding provisions of this section shall (subject to subsection (11)) have effect as if that person had
not made an application for the licence.
(8)Where the Authority have awarded a national licence to any person in accordance with this section, they
shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after awarding the licence—
(a)publish the matters specified in subsection (9) in such manner as they consider appropriate; and
(b)grant the licence to that person.
(9)The matters referred to in subsection (8)(a) are—
(a)the name of the person to whom the licence has been awarded and the amount of his cash bid;
(b)the name of every other applicant in whose case it appeared to the Authority that the requirement
specified in section 99(1)(a) was satisfied;
(c)where the licence has, by virtue of subsection (3) above, been awarded to an applicant who has not
submitted the highest cash bid, the Authority’s reasons for the licence having been so awarded; and
(d)such other information as the Authority consider appropriate.
(10)In a case where the licence has been awarded to any person by virtue of the operation of this section,
in accordance with any provision of this Part, on the revocation of an earlier grant of the licence, subsection
(9) shall have effect as if—
(a)paragraph (b) were omitted; and
(b)the matters specified in that subsection included an indication of the circumstances in which the licence
has been awarded to that person.
(11)Subsections (1) to (6) shall not have effect as mentioned in subsection (7) if the Authority decide that it
would be desirable to publish a fresh notice under section 98 in respect of the grant of the licence; and
similarly, where any of the following provisions of this Part provides, in connection with the revocation of a
licence, for this section to have effect as if the former holder of the licence had not made an application for
it, this section shall not so have effect if the Authority decide that it would be desirable to publish a fresh
notice under this Part in respect of the grant of a further licence to provide the service in question.
101Failure to begin providing licensed service and financial penalties on revocation of licence
(1)If at any time after a national licence has been granted to any person but before the licence has come
into force—
(a)that person indicates to the Authority that he does not intend to provide the service in question, or
(b)the Authority for any other reason have reasonable grounds for believing that that person will not provide
that service once the licence has come into force,
then, subject to subsection (2)—
(i)the Authority shall serve on him a notice revoking the licence as from the time the notice is served on
him, and
(ii)section 100 shall (subject to section 100(11)) have effect as if he had not made an application for the
licence.
(2)Subsection (1) shall not apply in the case of any person by virtue of paragraph (b) of that subsection
unless the Authority have served on him a notice stating their grounds for believing that he will not provide
the service in question once his licence has come into force; and they shall not serve such a notice on him
unless they have given him a reasonable opportunity of making representations to them about the matters
complained of.
(3)Where the Authority revoke a national licence under this section or under any other provision of this
Part, they shall serve on the licence holder a notice requiring him to pay to them, within a specified period,
a financial penalty of the prescribed amount.
(4)In subsection (3) “the prescribed amount” means—
(a)where—
(i)the licence is revoked under this section, or
(ii)the first complete accounting period of the licence holder falling within the period for which the licence is
in force has not yet ended,
7 per cent. of the amount which the Authority estimate would have been the qualifying revenue for that
accounting period (as determined in accordance with section 102(2) to (6)); and
(b)in any other case, 7 per cent. of the qualifying revenue for the last complete accounting period of the
licence holder so falling (as so determined).
(5)Any financial penalty payable by any body by virtue of subsection (3) shall, in addition to being
recoverable from that body as provided by section 122(4), be recoverable by the Authority as a debt due to
them from any person who controls that body.
102Additional payments to be made in respect of national licences
(1)A national licence shall include conditions requiring the licence holder to pay to the Authority (in addition
to any fees required to be so paid by virtue of section 87(1)(c))—
(a)in respect of the first complete calendar year falling within the period for which the licence is in force, the
amount specified in his cash bid;
(b)in respect of each subsequent year falling wholly or partly within that period, the amount so specified as
increased by the appropriate percentage; and
(c)in respect of each accounting period of his falling within the period referred to in paragraph (a), an
amount representing such percentage of the qualifying revenue for that accounting period as was specified
in relation to the licence under section 98(1)(d)(ii).
(2)For the purposes of subsection (1)(c) the qualifying revenue for any accounting period of the licence
holder shall (subject to subsection (6)) consist of all payments received or to be received by him or by any
connected person—
(a)in consideration of the inclusion in the licensed service in that period of advertisements or other
programmes, or
(b)in respect of charges made in that period for the reception of programmes included in that service.
(3)If, in connection with the inclusion of any advertisements or other programmes whose inclusion is paid
for by payments falling within subsection (2), any payments are made to the licence holder or any
connected person to meet any payments payable by the licence holder by virtue of subsection (1)(c), those
payments shall be regarded as made in consideration of the inclusion of the programmes in question.
(4)In the case of an advertisement included under arrangements made between—
(a)the licence holder or any connected person, and
(b)a person acting as an advertising agent,
the amount of any receipt by the licence holder or any connected person that represents a payment by the
advertiser from which the advertising agent has deducted any amount by way of commission shall, except in
a case falling within subsection (5), be the amount of the payment by the advertiser after the deduction of
the commission.
(5)If the amount deducted by way of commission as mentioned in subsection (4) exceeds 15 per cent. of
the payment by the advertiser, the amount of the receipt in question shall be taken to be the amount of the
payment less 15 per cent.
(6)If, in any accounting period of the licence holder, the licence holder or any connected person derives, in
relation to any programme to be included in the licensed service, any financial benefit (whether direct or
indirect) from payments made by any person, by way of sponsorship, for the purpose of defraying or
contributing towards costs incurred or to be incurred in connection with that programme, the qualifying
revenue for that accounting period shall be taken for the purposes of subsection (1)(c) to include the
amount of the financial benefit so derived by the licence holder or the connected person, as the case may
be.
(7)A national licence may include conditions—
(a)enabling the Authority to estimate before the beginning of an accounting period the amount due for that
period by virtue of subsection (1)(c); and
(b)requiring the licence holder to pay the estimated amount by monthly instalments throughout that period.
(8)Such a licence may in particular include conditions—
(a)authorising the Authority to revise any estimate on one or more occasions, and to adjust the instalments
payable by the licence holder to take account of the revised estimate;
(b)providing for the adjustment of any overpayment or underpayment.
(9)Where—
(a)the first complete accounting period of the licence holder falling within the period referred to in
subsection (1)(a) (“the licence period”) does not begin at the same time as that period, or
(b)the last complete accounting period of his falling within the licence period does not end at the same time
as that period,
any reference in subsection (1)(c) to an accounting period of his shall include a reference to such part of the
accounting period preceding that first complete accounting period, or (as the case may be) following that last
complete accounting period, as falls within the licence period; and other references to accounting periods in
this Part shall be construed accordingly.
(10)In this Part “the appropriate percentage”, in relation to any year (“the relevant year”), means the
percentage which corresponds to the percentage increase between—
(a)the retail prices index for the month of November in the year preceding the first complete calendar year
falling within the period for which the licence in question is in force; and
(b)the retail prices index for the month of November in the year preceding the relevant year;
and for this purpose “the retail prices index” means the general index of prices (for all items) published by
the Central Statistical Office of the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
103Restriction on changes in control over holder of national licence
(1)Where—
(a)any change in the persons having control over—
(i)a body to which a national licence has been awarded or transferred in accordance with this Part of this
Act, or
(ii)an associated programme provider,
takes place within the relevant period, and
(b)that change takes place without having been previously approved for the purposes of this section by the
Authority,
then (subject to subsection (5)) the Authority may, if the licence has not yet been granted, refuse to grant it
to the body referred to in paragraph (a)(i) above or, if it has already been granted, serve on that body a notice
revoking it.
(2)In subsection (1)—
• “associated programme provider”, in relation to such a body as is mentioned in paragraph (a)(i) of that subsection,
means any body which is connected with that body and appears to the Authority to be, or to be likely to be, involved
to any extent in the provision of programmes for inclusion in the licensed service; and
• “the relevant period”, in relation to a national licence, means the period beginning with the date of the award of the
licence and ending on the first anniversary of the date of its coming into force;
and paragraph 3 in Part I of Schedule 2 to this Act shall have effect for the purposes of this subsection as if
a body to which a national licence has been awarded but not yet granted were the holder of such a licence.
(3)The Authority shall refuse to approve for the purposes of this section such a change as is mentioned in
subsection (1)(a) if it appears to them that the change would be prejudicial to the provision under the
licence, by the body referred to in subsection (1)(a)(i), of a service which accords with the proposals
submitted under section 98(3)(a) by that body (or, as the case may be, by the person to whom the licence
was originally awarded).
(4)The Authority may refuse so to approve any such change if, in any circumstances not falling within
subsection (3), they consider it appropriate to do so.
(5)The Authority shall not under subsection (1) refuse to grant a licence to, or serve a notice on, any body
unless they have given it a reasonable opportunity of making representations to them about the matters
complained of.
(6)Where under subsection (1) the Authority refuse to grant a licence to any body, section 100 shall
(subject to section 100(11)) have effect as if that body had not made an application for the licence; and,
where under that subsection they serve on any body a notice revoking its licence, subsections (6) and (7)
of section 111 shall apply in relation to that notice as they apply in relation to a notice served under
subsection (3) of that section.
Local and other services
104Applications for other licences
(1)Where the Authority propose to grant a licence to provide a local service, they shall publish, in such
manner as they consider appropriate, a notice—
(a)stating that they propose to grant such a licence;
(b)specifying the area or locality in the United Kingdom for which the service is to be provided;
(c)inviting applications for the licence and specifying the closing date for applications; and
(d)stating the fee payable on any application made in pursuance of the notice.
(2)Any application made in pursuance of a notice under subsection (1) must be in writing and accompanied
by—
(a)the fee specified in the notice under paragraph (d) of that subsection;
(b)the applicant’s proposals for providing a service that would—
(i)cater for the tastes and interests of persons living in the area or locality for which it would be provided or
for any particular tastes and interests of such persons, and
(ii)broaden the range of programmes available by way of local services to persons living in that area or
locality;
(c)such information as the Authority may reasonably require—
(i)as to the applicant’s present financial position and his projected financial position during the period for
which the licence would be in force, and
(ii)as to the arrangements which the applicant proposes to make for, and in connection with, the
transmission of his proposed service; and
(d)such other information as the Authority may reasonably require for the purpose of considering the
application.
(3)At any time after receiving such an application and before determining it the Authority may require the
applicant to furnish additional information under subsection (2)(b), (c) or (d).
(4)The Authority shall, at the request of any person and on the payment by him of such sum (if any) as the
Authority may reasonably require, make available for inspection by that person any information furnished
under subsection (2)(b) by the applicants for a local licence.
(5)Where the Authority propose, in the case of any local licence which is due to expire (otherwise than by
virtue of section 110), to grant a further licence to provide the service in question, they shall, in accordance
with subsection (1), publish a notice under that subsection relating to the proposed grant of the further
licence to provide that service, unless it appears to them that to do so would not serve to broaden the
range of programmes available by way of local services to persons living in the area or locality for which
that service has been provided.
(6)The following applications, namely—
(a)an application to be granted a local licence in a case where, in accordance with subsection (5), no notice
is to be published under subsection (1), or
(b)an application for a licence to provide a satellite or restricted service,
shall be made in such manner as the Authority may determine, and shall be accompanied by such fee (if
any) as the Authority may determine.
(7)In this section and sections 105 and 106 “programme” does not include an advertisement.
105Special requirements relating to grant of local licences
Where the Authority have published a notice under section 104(1), they shall, in determining whether, or to
whom, to grant the local licence in question, have regard to the following matters, namely—
(a)the ability of each of the applicants for the licence to maintain, throughout the period for which the
licence would be in force, the service which he proposes to provide;
(b)the extent to which any such proposed service would cater for the tastes and interests of persons living
in the area or locality for which the service would be provided, and, where it is proposed to cater for any
particular tastes and interests of such persons, the extent to which the service would cater for those tastes
and interests;
(c)the extent to which any such proposed service would broaden the range of programmes available by
way of local services to persons living in the area or locality for which it would be provided, and, in
particular, the extent to which the service would cater for tastes and interests different from those already
catered for by local services provided for that area or locality; and
(d)the extent to which any application for the licence is supported by persons living in that area or locality.
Miscellaneous provisions relating to national and local services
106Requirements as to character and coverage of national and local services
(1)A national or local licence shall include such conditions as appear to the Authority to be appropriate for
securing that the character of the licensed service, as proposed by the licence holder when making his
application, is maintained during the period for which the licence is in force, except to the extent that the
Authority consent to any departure on the grounds—
(a)that it would not narrow the range of programmes available by way of independent radio services to
persons living in the area or locality for which the service is licensed to be provided, or
(b)that it would not substantially alter the character of the service.
(2)A national or local licence shall include conditions requiring the licence holder to secure that the licensed
service serves so much of the area or locality for which it is licensed to be provided as is for the time being
reasonably practicable.
(3)A national licence shall include conditions enabling the Authority, where it appears to them to be
reasonably practicable for the licensed service to be provided for any additional area falling outside the
minimum area determined by them in accordance with section 98(2), to require the licence holder to
provide the licensed service for any such additional area.
(4)Subject to subsection (5), the Authority may, if they think fit, authorise the holder of a local licence, by
means of a variation of his licence to that effect, to provide the licensed service for any additional area or
locality adjoining the area or locality for which that service has previously been licensed to be provided.
(5)The Authority shall only exercise the power conferred on them by subsection (4) if it appears to them
that to do so would not result in a substantial increase in the area or locality for which the service in
question is licensed to be provided.
(6)As soon as practicable after the Authority have exercised that power in relation to any service, they shall
publish, in such manner as they consider appropriate, a notice—
(a)stating that they have exercised that power in relation to that service; and
(b)giving details of the additional area or locality for which that service is licensed to be provided.
107Party political broadcasts
(1)A national licence shall include—
(a)conditions requiring the licence holder to include party political broadcasts in the licensed service; and
(b)conditions requiring the licence holder to observe such rules with respect to party political broadcasts as
the Authority may determine.
(2)Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (b) of subsection (1), the Authority may determine for
the purposes of that subsection—
(a)the political parties on whose behalf party political broadcasts may be made; and
(b)in relation to any political party on whose behalf such broadcasts may be made, the length and
frequency of such broadcasts.
(3)Any rules made by the Authority for the purposes of this section may make different provision for
different cases or circumstances.
108Promotion of equal opportunities in relation to employment by holder of national licence
(1)A national licence shall include conditions requiring the licence holder—
(a)to make arrangements for promoting, in relation to employment by him, equality of opportunity between
men and women and between persons of different racial groups; and
(b)to review those arrangements from time to time.
(2)In subsection (1) “racial group” has the same meaning as in the [1976 c. 74.] Race Relations Act 1976.
Enforcement of licences
109Power to require scripts etc. or broadcasting of correction or apology
(1)If the Authority are satisfied that the holder of a licence granted under this Chapter has failed to comply
with any condition of the licence or with any direction given by the Authority under or by virtue of any
provision of this Part, they may serve on him a notice—
(a)stating that the Authority are so satisfied as respects any specified condition or direction;
(b)stating the effect of subsection (2); and
(c)specifying for the purposes of that subsection a period not exceeding twelve months.
(2)If, at any time during the period specified in a notice under subsection (1), the Authority are satisfied that
the licence holder has again failed to comply with any such condition or direction as is mentioned in that
subsection (whether or not the same as the one specified in the notice), the Authority may direct him—
(a)to provide the Authority in advance with such scripts and particulars of the programmes to be included in
the licensed service as are specified in the direction; and
(b)in relation to such of those programmes as will consist of or include recorded matter, to produce to the
Authority in advance for examination or reproduction such recordings of that matter as are so specified;
and a direction under this subsection shall have effect for such period, not exceeding six months, as is
specified in the direction.
(3)If the Authority are satisfied—
(a)that the holder of a licence has failed to comply with any condition of the licence, and
(b)that that failure can be appropriately remedied by the inclusion in the licensed service of a correction or
apology (or both) under this subsection,
they may (subject to subsection (4)) direct the licence holder to include in the licensed service a correction
or apology (or both) in such form, and at such time or times, as they may determine.
(4)The Authority shall not give any person a direction under subsection (3) unless they have given him a
reasonable opportunity of making representations to the Authority about the matters complained of.
(5)Where the holder of a licence includes a correction or apology in the licensed service in pursuance of a
direction under subsection (3), he may announce that he is doing so in pursuance of such a direction.
110Power to impose financial penalty or suspend or shorten licence period
(1)If the Authority are satisfied that the holder of a licence granted under this Chapter has failed to comply
with any condition of the licence or with any direction given by them under or by virtue of any provision of
this Part, they may (subject to the following provisions of this section) serve on him—
(a)a notice requiring him to pay, within a specified period, a specified financial penalty to the Authority;
(b)a notice reducing the period for which the licence is to be in force by a specified period not exceeding
two years; or
(c)a notice suspending the licence for a specified period not exceeding six months.
(2)The amount of any financial penalty imposed in pursuance of subsection (1)(a) on the holder of a
national licence—
(a)shall, if such a penalty has not previously been imposed on that person during any period for which his
licence has been in force (“the relevant period”), not exceed 3 per cent. of the qualifying revenue for his last
complete accounting period (as determined in accordance with section 102(2) to (6)); and
(b)shall, in any other case, not exceed 5 per cent. of the qualifying revenue for that accounting period (as
so determined);
and in relation to a person whose first complete accounting period falling within the relevant period has not
yet ended, paragraphs (a) and (b) above shall be construed as referring to 3, or (as the case may be) 5, per
cent. of the amount which the Authority estimate to be the qualifying revenue for that accounting period (as
so determined).
(3)The amount of any financial penalty imposed in pursuance of subsection (1)(a) on the holder of any
other licence shall not exceed £50,000.
(4)The Authority shall not serve on any person such a notice as is mentioned in subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c)
unless they have given him a reasonable opportunity of making representations to them about the matters
complained of.
(5)Where a licence is due to expire on a particular date by virtue of a notice served on any person under
subsection (1)(b), the Authority may, on the application of that person, revoke that notice by a further notice
served on him at any time before that date, if they are satisfied that, since the date of the earlier notice, his
conduct in relation to the operation of the licensed service has been such as to justify the revocation of that
notice.
(6)It is hereby declared that any exercise by the Authority of their powers under subsection (1) of this
section in respect of any failure to comply with any condition or direction shall not preclude any exercise by
them of their powers under section 109 in respect of that failure.
(7)The Secretary of State may by order amend subsection (3) by substituting a different sum for the sum
for the time being specified there; and any such order shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a
resolution of either House of Parliament.
111Power to revoke licences
(1)If the Authority are satisfied—
(a)that the holder of a licence granted under this Chapter is failing to comply with any condition of the
licence or with any direction given by them under or by virtue of any provision of this Part, and
(b)that that failure is such that, if not remedied, it would justify the revocation of the licence,
they shall (subject to subsection (8)) serve on the holder of the licence a notice under subsection (2).
(2)A notice under this subsection is a notice—
(a)stating that the Authority are satisfied as mentioned in subsection (1);
(b)specifying the respects in which, in their opinion, the licence holder is failing to comply with any such
condition or direction as is there mentioned; and
(c)stating that, unless the licence holder takes, within such period as is specified in the notice, such steps
to remedy the failure as are so specified, the Authority will revoke his licence under subsection (3).
(3)If at the end of the period specified in a notice under subsection (2) the Authority are satisfied—
(a)that the person on whom the notice was served has failed to take the steps specified in it, and
(b)that it is necessary in the public interest to revoke his licence,
they shall (subject to subsection (8)) serve on him a notice revoking his licence.
(4)If the Authority are satisfied in the case of any national licence—
(a)that the holder of the licence has ceased to provide the licensed service before the end of the period for
which the licence is to continue in force, and
(b)that it is appropriate for them to do so,
they shall (subject to subsection (8)) serve on him a notice revoking his licence.
(5)If the Authority are satisfied—
(a)that the holder of a licence granted under this Chapter provided them, in connection with his application
for the licence, with information which was false in a material particular, or
(b)that, in connection with his application for the licence, the holder of such a licence withheld any material
information with the intention of causing them to be misled,
they may (subject to subsection (8)) serve on him a notice revoking his licence.
(6)Subject to subsection (7), any notice served under subsection (3), (4) or (5) shall take effect as from the
time when it is served on the licence holder.
(7)If it appears to the Authority to be appropriate to do so for the purpose of preserving continuity in the
provision of the service in question, they may provide in any such notice for it to take effect as from a date
specified in it.
(8)The Authority shall not serve any notice on a person under this section unless they have given him a
reasonable opportunity of making representations to them about the matters complained of.
CHAPTER IIILICENSABLE SOUND PROGRAMME SERVICES 112Licensable sound programme services
(1)In this Part “licensable sound programme service” means (subject to subsection (2)) a service consisting
in the provision by any person of sound programmes with a view to their being conveyed, by means of a
telecommunication system, for reception—
(a)in two or more dwelling-houses in the United Kingdom, and
(b)otherwise than for the purpose of being received there by persons who have a business interest in
receiving them,
whether the telecommunication system is run by the person so providing the programmes or by some other
person, and whether the programmes are to be so conveyed for simultaneous reception or for reception at
different times in response to requests made by different users of the service.
(2)Subsection (1) does not apply to—
(a)a service where the programmes are provided for transmission in the course of the provision of a sound
broadcasting service;
(b)a service where the running of the telecommunication system does not require to be licensed under Part
II of the [1984 c. 12.] Telecommunications Act 1984; or
(c)a two-way service (as defined by section 46(2)(c)).
(3)It is hereby declared that the person who does either or both of the following things, that is to say—
(a)uses a telecommunication system for conveying sound programmes as mentioned in subsection (1), or
(b)runs a telecommunications system which is so used,
is not to be regarded as providing a licensable sound programme service in respect of any such programmes
except to the extent that they are provided by that person with a view to their being so conveyed by means
of that system.
(4)It is hereby also declared that where—
(a)any service constitutes such a service as is mentioned in subsection (1), and
(b)the sound programmes in respect of which the service is provided are provided for transmission in the
course of the provision of any additional service,
that service is licensable under section 113 as a licensable sound programme service, and not otherwise;
and in this subsection “additional service” means an additional service within the meaning of this Part or Part
I.
(5)For the purposes of this section a person has a business interest in receiving programmes if he has an
interest in receiving them for the purposes of his business, trade, profession or employment.
113Licensing etc. of licensable sound programme services
(1)An application for a licence to provide a licensable sound programme service shall—
(a)be made in such manner as the Authority may determine; and
(b)be accompanied by such fee (if any) as they may determine.
(2)Where such an application is duly made to the Authority, they may only refuse to grant the licence
applied for if it appears to them that the service which would be provided under the licence would not
comply with the requirements of section 90(1) and (2).
(3)Subject to subsection (4), sections 109 to 111 shall apply in relation to a licence to provide a licensable
sound programme service as they apply in relation to a licence granted under Chapter II of this Part.
(4)Section 111 shall apply in relation to such a licence with the omission of subsection (7).
CHAPTER IVADDITIONAL SERVICES PROVIDED ON SOUND BROADCASTING FREQUENCIES 114Additional services
(1)In this Part “additional service” means any service which consists in the sending of telecommunication
signals for transmission by wireless telegraphy by means of the use of the spare capacity within the signals
carrying any sound broadcasting service provided—
(a)on a frequency assigned under section 84(4), or
(b)on any other allocated frequency notified to the Authority by the Secretary of State.
(2)For the purposes of this Part the spare capacity within the signals carrying any such broadcasting
service shall be taken to be—
(a)where the service is provided on a frequency assigned under section 84(4), any part of those signals
which is not required for the purposes of the provision of that service and is determined by the Authority to
be available for the provision of additional services;
(b)where the service is provided on a frequency notified to the Authority under subsection (1)(b) above,
such part of those signals as the Secretary of State may specify when making the notification;
and references in this Part to spare capacity shall be construed accordingly.
(3)The Authority shall, when determining under subsection (2)(a) the extent and nature of the spare
capacity available for the provision of additional services in the case of any frequency on which a national
service is provided, have regard to any need of the person providing that service to be able to use part of
the signals carrying it for providing services which are ancillary to programmes included in the service.
(4)A person holding a national licence shall be taken for the purposes of this Part to be authorised by his
licence to provide any such services as are mentioned in subsection (3).
(5)The Secretary of State may, when making any notification under subsection (1)(b), specify a date
beyond which the frequency in question is not to be used for the provision of additional services; and any
such notification shall accordingly cease to have effect on that date.
(6)In this section—
• “allocated frequency” means a frequency allocated to the United Kingdom for the provision of sound broadcasting
services;
• “telecommunication signals” means anything falling within paragraphs (a) to (d) of section 4(1) of the [1984 c.
12.] Telecommunications Act 1984 (meaning of “telecommunication system”).
115Licensing of additional services
(1)The Authority shall do all that they can to secure that, in the case of each of the following frequencies,
namely—
(a)any frequencies assigned under section 84(4) and used for the provision of a national service, and
(b)any frequencies notified to the Authority under section 114(1)(b),
all of the spare capacity available for the provision of additional services on that frequency is used for the
provision of such services under additional services licences granted by the Authority in accordance with this
section.
(2)An additional services licence may relate to the use of spare capacity within more than one frequency;
and two or more additional services licences may relate to the use of spare capacity within the same
frequency where it is to be used at different times, or in different areas, in the case of each of those
licences.
(3)An additional services licence may include provisions enabling the licence holder, subject to and in
accordance with such conditions as the Authority may impose, to authorise any person to whom this
subsection applies to provide any additional service on the spare capacity allocated by the licence.
(4)Subsection (3) applies to any person who is not a disqualified person in relation to an additional services
licence by virtue of Part II of Schedule 2 to this Act.
(5)Any conditions included in an additional services licence shall apply in relation to the provision of
additional services by a person authorised as mentioned in subsection (3) as they apply in relation to the
provision of such services by the licence holder; and any failure by such a person to comply with any such
conditions shall be treated for the purposes of this Part as a failure on the part of the licence holder to
comply with those conditions.
(6)Every licence to provide a national service shall include such conditions as appear to the Authority to be
appropriate for securing that the licence holder grants—
(a)to any person who holds a licence to provide additional services on the frequency on which that national
service is provided, and
(b)to any person who is authorised by any such person as mentioned in subsection (3) to provide additional
services on that frequency,
access to facilities reasonably required by that person for the purposes of, or in connection with, the provision
of any such additional services.
(7)Any person who grants to any other person access to facilities in accordance with conditions imposed
under subsection (6) may require that other person to pay a reasonable charge in respect thereof; and any
dispute as to the amount of any such charge shall be determined by the Authority.
(8)The holder of a licence to provide a local, restricted or satellite service shall be taken for the purposes of
this Part to be authorised by his licence to provide, or to authorise another person to provide, additional
services on the frequency on which the licensed service is provided.
(9)In this Part “additional services licence” means a licence to provide additional services.
116Applications for additional services licences
(1)Where the Authority propose to grant a licence to provide additional services they shall publish, in such
manner as they consider appropriate, a notice—
(a)stating that they propose to grant such a licence;
(b)specifying—
(i)the period for which the licence is to be granted,
(ii)the sound broadcasting service or services on whose frequency or frequencies the services are to be
provided, and
(iii)(subject to the approval of the Secretary of State) the extent and nature of the spare capacity which is to
be allocated by the licence;
(c)inviting applications for the licence and specifying the closing date for such applications; and
(d)specifying—
(i)the fee payable on any application made in pursuance of the notice, and
(ii)the percentage of qualifying revenue for each accounting period that would be payable by an applicant in
pursuance of section 118(1)(c) if he were granted the licence.
(2)The Authority may, if they think fit, specify under subsection (1)(d)(ii)—
(a)different percentages in relation to different accounting periods falling within the period for which the
licence would be in force;
(b)a nil percentage in relation to any accounting period so falling.
(3)Any application made in pursuance of a notice under this section must be in writing and accompanied
by—
(a)the fee specified in the notice under subsection (1)(d)(i);
(b)a technical plan indicating—
(i)the nature of any additional services which the applicant proposes to provide, and
(ii)so far as known to the applicant, the nature of any additional services which any other person proposes
to provide in accordance with section 115(3);
(c)the applicant’s cash bid in respect of the licence; and
(d)such information as the Authority may reasonably require as to the applicant’s present financial position
and his projected financial position during the period for which the licence would be in force.
(4)At any time after receiving such an application and before determining it the Authority may require the
applicant to furnish additional information under subsection (3)(b) or (d).
(5)Any information to be furnished to the Authority under this section shall, if they so require, be in such
form or verified in such manner as they may specify.
(6)The Authority shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the date specified in a notice under this
section as the closing date for applications, publish in such manner as they consider appropriate—
(a)the name of every person who has made an application to them in pursuance of the notice;
(b)particulars of the technical plan submitted by him under subsection (3)(b); and
(c)such other information connected with his application as the Authority consider appropriate.
117Procedure to be followed by Authority in connection with consideration of applications for, and awarding of, licences
(1)Where a person has made an application for an additional services licence in accordance with section
116, the Authority shall not proceed to consider whether to award him the licence on the basis of his cash
bid in accordance with subsections (3) and (4) below unless it appears to them—
(a)that the technical plan submitted under section 116(3)(b) is, so far as it involves the use of any
telecommunication system, acceptable to the relevant licensing authorities; and
(b)that the services proposed to be provided under the licence would be capable of being maintained
throughout the period for which the licence would be in force;
and any reference to an applicant in section 100 (as applied by subsection (3) below) is accordingly a
reference to an applicant in whose case it appears to the Authority that the requirements of paragraphs (a)
and (b) above are satisfied.
(2)Before forming any view as to whether the requirement specified in subsection (1)(a) is satisfied in the
case of an applicant the Authority shall consult the relevant licensing authorities.
(3)Subject to subsection (4), section 100 shall apply in relation to an additional services licence as it applies
in relation to a national licence.
(4)In the application of section 100 in relation to an additional services licence—
(a)subsection (6) shall have effect with the substitution in paragraph (a) of a reference to section 118(1) for
the reference to section 102(1); and
(b)subsection (9) shall have effect with the substitution in paragraph (b) of a reference to the requirement
specified in subsection (1)(a) above for the reference to the requirement specified in section 99(1)(a).
(5)If at any time after an additional services licence has been granted to any person but before the licence
has come into force—
(a)that person indicates to the Authority that none of the services in question will be provided once the
licence has come into force, or
(b)the Authority for any other reason have reasonable grounds for believing that none of those services will
be so provided,
then, subject to subsection (6)—
(i)the Authority shall serve on him a notice revoking the licence as from the time the notice is served on
him, and
(ii)section 100 (as applied by subsection (3) above) shall, subject to section 100(11), have effect as if he
had not made an application for the licence.
(6)Subsection (5) shall not apply in the case of any person by virtue of paragraph (b) of that subsection
unless the Authority have served on him a notice stating their grounds for believing that none of the
services in question will be provided once his licence has come into force; and they shall not serve such a
notice on him unless they have given him a reasonable opportunity of making representations to them
about the matters complained of.
(7)In this section “the relevant licensing authorities” means the Secretary of State and the Director General
of Telecommunications.
118Additional payments to be made in respect of additional services licences
(1)An additional services licence shall include conditions requiring the licence holder to pay to the Authority
(in addition to any fees required to be so paid by virtue of section 87(1)(c))—
(a)in respect of the first complete calendar year falling within the period for which the licence is in force, the
amount specified in his cash bid;
(b)in respect of each subsequent year falling wholly or partly within that period, the amount so specified as
increased by the appropriate percentage; and
(c)in respect of each accounting period of his falling within the period referred to in paragraph (a), an
amount representing such percentage of the qualifying revenue for that accounting period as was specified
in relation to the licence under section 116(1)(d)(ii).
(2)For the purposes of subsection (1)(c) the qualifying revenue for any accounting period of the licence
holder shall consist of all amounts which are received or to be received by him or by any connected person
and are referable to the right under his licence to use, or to authorise any other person to use, in that period
the spare capacity allocated by the licence.
(3)An additional services licence may include conditions—
(a)enabling the Authority to estimate before the beginning of an accounting period the amount due for that
period by virtue of subsection (1)(c); and
(b)requiring the licence holder to pay the estimated amount by monthly instalments throughout that period.
(4)Such a licence may in particular include conditions—
(a)authorising the Authority to revise any estimate on one or more occasions, and to adjust the instalments
payable by the licence holder to take account of the revised estimate;
(b)providing for the adjustment of any overpayment or underpayment.
(5)Where—
(a)the first complete accounting period of the licence holder falling within the period referred to in
subsection (1)(a) (“the licence period”) does not begin at the same time as that period, or
(b)the last complete accounting period of his falling within the licence period does not end at the same time
as that period,
any reference in subsection (1)(c) to an accounting period of his shall include a reference to such part of the
accounting period preceding that first complete accounting period, or (as the case may be) following that last
complete accounting period, as falls within the licence period; and other references to accounting periods in
this Part shall be construed accordingly.
119Additional services not to interfere with other transmissions
(1)An additional services licence may include such conditions as the Authority consider appropriate for
securing that the provision of any additional service under the licence does not cause any interference
with—
(a)the sound broadcasting service or services on whose frequency or frequencies it is provided, or
(b)any other wireless telegraphy transmissions.
(2)Before imposing any conditions in pursuance of subsection (1) the Authority shall consult the relevant
licensing authorities (within the meaning of section 117).
120Enforcement of additional services licences
(1)If the Authority are satisfied that the holder of an additional services licence has failed to comply with any
condition of the licence or with any direction given by the Authority under or by virtue of any provision of
this Part, they may (subject to subsection (3)) serve on him a notice requiring him to pay, within a specified
period, a specified financial penalty to the Authority.
(2)The amount of any financial penalty imposed on any person in pursuance of subsection (1)—
(a)shall, if such a penalty has not previously been so imposed on that person during any period for which
his licence has been in force (“the relevant period”), not exceed 3 per cent. of the qualifying revenue for his
last complete accounting period falling within the relevant period (as determined in accordance with section
118(2)); and
(b)shall, in any other case, not exceed 5 per cent. of the qualifying revenue for that accounting period (as
so determined);
and, in relation to a person whose first complete accounting period falling within the relevant period has not
yet ended, paragraphs (a) and (b) above shall be construed as referring to 3, or (as the case may be) 5, per
cent. of the amount which the Authority estimate to be the qualifying revenue for that accounting period (as
so determined).
(3)The Authority shall not serve on any person a notice under subsection (1) unless they have given him a
reasonable opportunity of making representations to them about the matters complained of.
(4)Section 111 shall apply in relation to an additional services licence as it applies in relation to a licence
granted under Chapter II of this Part, but with the omission of subsection (7).
CHAPTER VSUPPLEMENTAL 121Computation of qualifying revenue
Part II of Schedule 7 (which contains provisions relating to the computation of qualifying revenue for the
purposes of this Part) shall have effect.
122Certain receipts of Authority to be paid into Consolidated Fund
(1)Where the Authority receive in respect of any licence any of the amounts specified in subsection (2), that
amount shall not form part of the revenues of the Authority but shall—
(a)if the licence is for the provision of a service for any area, locality, establishment or other place, or for
any event, in Great Britain, be paid into the Consolidated Fund of the United Kingdom;
(b)if the licence is for the provision of a service for any area, locality, establishment or other place, or for
any event, in Northern Ireland, be paid into the Consolidated Fund of Northern Ireland; or
(c)if the licence is for the provision of a national or satellite service or any additional services, be paid into
both of those Funds in such proportions as the Authority consider appropriate.
(2)The amounts referred to in subsection (1) are—
(a)any amount payable to the Authority by virtue of section 102(1) or 118(1);
(b)any amount payable to them by virtue of section 101(3); and
(c)any amount payable to them by virtue of section 110(1)(a), 113(3) or 120(1).
(3)Subsection (1) shall not be construed as applying to any amount which is required by the Authority for
the making of an adjustment in respect of an overpayment made by any person.
(4)Any amount payable by any person to the Authority under or by virtue of this Part shall be recoverable
by them as a debt due to them from that person; and, where any amount is so payable by a person as the
holder of any licence under this Part, his liability to pay it shall not be affected by his licence ceasing (for
any reason) to be in force.
(5)The Authority shall, in respect of each financial year, prepare an account showing—
(a)all such amounts falling within subsection (1) as have been received by them, and
(b)the sums paid into the Consolidated Funds of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland respectively
under that subsection in respect of those amounts,
and shall send that account to the Comptroller and Auditor General not later than the end of the month of
November following the financial year to which it relates; and the Comptroller and Auditor General shall
examine, certify and report on the account and lay copies of it, together with his report, before each House
of Parliament.
123Frequency planning and general research and development
(1)The Authority may make arrangements for such work relating to frequency planning to be carried out as
they consider appropriate in connection with the discharge of their functions.
(2)Any such work shall be directed towards securing that the frequencies assigned to the Authority under
this Act are used as efficiently as is reasonably practicable.
(3)The Authority may make arrangements for such research and development work to be carried out as
they consider appropriate in connection with the discharge of their functions.
(4)The Authority shall secure that, so far as is reasonably practicable—
(a)any work carried out under arrangements made in pursuance of subsection (1) or (3) is carried out,
under the supervision of the Authority, by persons who are neither members nor employees of the
Authority; and
(b)any work carried out under arrangements made in pursuance of subsection (3) is to a substantial extent
financed by persons other than the Authority.
124Authority to assist Secretary of State in connection with licensing functions under 1949 Act
The Authority shall give to the Secretary of State such information or other assistance as he may reasonably
require in connection with his functions under section 1 of the [1949 c. 54.] Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 as
respects the granting, variation or revocation of licences under that section.
125Representation by Authority of Government and other interests in connection with broadcasting matters
The functions of the Authority shall include representing—
(a)Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom, and
(b)persons providing independent radio services,
on bodies concerned with the regulation (whether nationally or internationally) of matters relating to sound
broadcasting.
126Interpretation of Part III
(1)In this Part (unless the context otherwise requires)—
• “additional service” and “additional services licence” shall be construed in accordance with section 114(1) and
section 115(9) respectively;
• “the appropriate percentage”, in relation to any year, has the meaning given by section 102(10);
• “assigned frequency” means a frequency for the time being assigned to the Authority under section 84(4);
• “the Authority” means the Radio Authority established under this Part;
• “cash bid” has the meaning given by section 98(8);
• “independent radio service” has the meaning given by section 84(1);
• “licence” means a licence under this Part, and “licensed” shall be construed accordingly;
• “licensable sound programme service” has the meaning given by section 112(1);
• “local licence” and “national licence” mean a licence to provide a local service and a licence to provide a national
service, respectively;
• “local service”, “national service”, “restricted service” and “satellite service” shall be construed in accordance with
section 84(2);
• “sound broadcasting service” means a broadcasting service whose broadcasts consist of transmissions in sound
only;
• “spare capacity” shall be construed in accordance with section 114(2).
(2)Any reference in this Part to an area in the United Kingdom does not include an area which comprises or
includes the whole of England; and nothing in this Part shall be read as precluding a local service from
being provided for an area or locality that is to any extent comprised in the area or locality for which another
local service is to be provided.
(3)Where the person who is for the time being the holder of any licence (“the present licence holder”) is not
the person to whom the licence was originally granted, any reference in this Part (however expressed) to
the holder of the licence shall be construed, in relation to any time falling before the date when the present
licence holder became the holder of it, as including a reference to a person who was previously the holder
of the licence.
PART IVTRANSFER OF UNDERTAKINGS OF IBA AND CABLE AUTHORITY Transfer of undertakings
127Division of assets of IBA and their dissolution
(1)On such day as the Secretary of State may by order appoint as the transfer date there shall come into
force a scheme made under Schedule 9 to this Act and providing for the division of the property, rights and
liabilities of the IBA between—
(a)the Commission,
(b)the Radio Authority, and
(c)a company nominated for the purposes of this subsection by the Secretary of State.
(2)The Secretary of State may, by order made before the transfer date, nominate for the purposes of
subsection (1) any company formed and registered under the [1985 c. 6.] Companies Act 1985; but on that
date the company must be a company limited by shares which is wholly owned by the Crown.
(3)Subject to subsection (4), the IBA shall continue in existence after the transfer date until such time as
they are dissolved by order made by the Secretary of State.
(4)On the transfer date the chairman and members of the IBA shall cease to hold office; and as from that
date the IBA—
(a)shall consist only of a chairman appointed by the Secretary of State and, if the Secretary of State thinks
fit, such one or more other persons as the Secretary of State may appoint as members of the IBA; and
(b)shall have only the functions which fall to be carried out by the IBA under or by virtue of Schedule 9.
(5)If requested to do so by the chairman appointed under subsection (4)(a), the Commission shall furnish
the IBA with any assistance required by them for the purpose of carrying out any of those functions.
(6)The Secretary of State shall not make an order under subsection (3) unless he is satisfied, after
consultation with the IBA and with each of the bodies referred to in subsection (1)(a) to (c), that nothing
further remains to be done by the IBA under or by virtue of Schedule 9.
128Vesting in Commission of assets of Cable Authority and dissolution of Authority
(1)On the transfer date all the property, rights and liabilities to which the Cable Authority were entitled or
subject immediately before that date shall become property, rights and liabilities of the Commission; and
Schedule 10 to this Act shall have effect for the purpose of supplementing this and the following provisions
of this section.
(2)Subject to subsection (3), the Cable Authority shall continue in existence after the transfer date until
such time as they are dissolved by order made by the Secretary of State.
(3)On the transfer date the chairman and members of the Cable Authority shall cease to hold office; and as
from that date the Authority—
(a)shall consist only of a chairman appointed by the Secretary of State and, if the Secretary of State thinks
fit, such one or more other persons as the Secretary of State may appoint as members of the Authority;
and
(b)shall have only the functions which fall to be carried out by the Authority under or by virtue of Schedule
10.
(4)If requested to do so by the chairman appointed under subsection (3)(a), the Commission shall furnish
the Cable Authority with any assistance required by them for the purpose of carrying out any of those
functions.
(5)The Secretary of State shall not make an order under subsection (2) unless he is satisfied, after
consultation with the Cable Authority and the Commission, that nothing further remains to be done by the
Authority under or by virtue of that Schedule.
(6)References in this Part to property, rights and liabilities of the Cable Authority include references to
property, rights and liabilities which are not capable of being transferred or assigned by the Authority.
Transitional arrangements
129Transitional arrangements relating to IBA’s broadcasting services
(1)Schedule 11 to this Act shall have effect—
(a)with respect to the provision by the Commission and the Welsh Authority, during the period beginning
with the transfer date and ending with 31st December 1992, of television broadcasting services which have
been provided by the IBA under the [1981 c. 68.] Broadcasting Act 1981 down to the transfer date;
(b)for the purpose of the regulation by the Commission after the end of that period of services provided in
succession to the DBS services provided by them during that period; and
(c)in the case of local sound broadcasting services which have been provided by the IBA down to the
transfer date—
(i)with respect to the provision of such services on and after that date by the Radio Authority, and
(ii)for the purpose of the regulation by that Authority on and after that date of services provided in
succession to such services.
(2)The programmes provided by a programme contractor under his contract for inclusion in any
broadcasting service provided by the Commission or the Radio Authority in accordance with Part II or IV of
Schedule 11 shall not be transmitted by, or under arrangements made by, the Commission or the Radio
Authority (as the case may be) but shall be transmitted—
(a)by the nominated company in pursuance of a contract made between that company and the programme
contractor in accordance with section 130, or
(b)under arrangements made in accordance with subsection (3)(a) of that section in a case where any such
contract made between a DBS programme contractor and that company is terminated by the contractor as
mentioned in that provision.
(3)The programmes broadcast on Channel 4 and S4C respectively during the interim period in accordance
with Part II of Schedule 11 shall not be transmitted by, or under arrangements made by, the Commission
but shall be transmitted by the nominated company—
(a)in the case of the programmes broadcast on Channel 4, in pursuance of such a contract made between
that company and the Channel 4 company as is mentioned in subsection (4), and
(b)in the case of the programmes broadcast on S4C, in pursuance of such a contract made between the
nominated company and the Welsh Authority as is mentioned in subsection (6).
(4)The contract referred to in subsection (3)(a) is a contract which makes provision for and in connection
with the transmission by the nominated company during the interim period of the programmes to be
broadcast on Channel 4 during that period, and in particular makes provision—
(a)for specified standards relating to technical quality, coverage and reliability to be attained in connection
with the transmission of those programmes by that company; and
(b)for the transmission of those programmes to be suspended, if the Commission so direct in
circumstances falling within subsection (5), for such period, or in the case of such programme or
programmes, as they may specify.
(5)The circumstances referred to in subsection (4)(b) are circumstances where the Commission consider it
necessary to require the transmission of the programmes in question to be suspended in order for them to
comply, or secure compliance, with the provisions of the [1981 c. 68.] Broadcasting Act 1981 (as it has
effect in accordance with Part II of Schedule 11 to this Act) or with any restriction or requirement imposed
thereunder.
(6)The contract referred to in subsection (3)(b) is a contract which makes provision for and in connection
with the transmission by the nominated company during the interim period of the programmes to be
broadcast on S4C during that period, and in particular makes provision for specified standards relating to
technical quality, coverage and reliability to be attained in connection with the transmission of those
programmes by that company.
(7)In the following provisions, namely—
(a)Parts II and IV of Schedule 11 to this Act, and
(b)any provision of the [1981 c. 68.] Broadcasting Act 1981 which is to be construed as referring to the
Commission or to the Radio Authority by virtue of either of those Parts of that Schedule,
any reference (however expressed) to the broadcasting of programmes, or to programmes broadcast, by the
Commission or the Radio Authority shall, in consequence of subsections (2) and (3) above, be read as a
reference to the broadcasting of programmes, or to programmes broadcast, by that body whether the
transmission of the programmes is undertaken (according to the circumstances of the case)—
(i)by, or under arrangements made by, that body, or
(ii)by the nominated company in pursuance of any such contract as is referred to in either of those
subsections, or
(iii)under any such arrangements as are referred to in subsection (2)(b);
and those Parts of that Schedule contain other modifications of provisions of that Act which are consequential
on those subsections.
(8)This section and section 130 shall have effect in relation to any teletext service provided by the
Commission in accordance with Part II of Schedule 11 as if—
(a)any reference to a programme or television programme were a reference to a teletext transmission; and
(b)any reference to a programme contractor were a reference to a teletext contractor.
(9)This section and section 130 shall, in so far as they apply to the transmission of the programmes
provided by a DBS programme contractor under his contract for inclusion in any DBS service provided by
the Commission in accordance with Part II of Schedule 11, be construed as applying only to the carrying on
of such activities in connection with the transmission of those programmes as were being so carried on by
the IBA immediately before the transfer date.
(10)In this section—
• “the Channel 4 company” means the body corporate referred to in section 12(2) of the Broadcasting Act 1981, and
“on Channel 4” means in the additional broadcasting service referred to in section 10(1) of that Act, but excluding
so much of that service as consisted, immediately before the transfer date, in the broadcasting of programmes for
reception wholly or mainly in Wales;
• “the interim period” means the period specified in subsection (1)(a) above;
• “on S4C” has the same meaning as in Part I of this Act.
(11)The reference in subsection (4) or (6) to specified standards is a reference to such standards as the
IBA shall specify for the purposes of that subsection before the transfer date.
130Variation of programme contracts to take account of new transmission arrangements
(1)Subject to subsections (2) and (4), it shall be the duty of the IBA to make before the transfer date such
variations of each contract between them and a programme contractor (“the programme contract”) as
appear to them to be appropriate—
(a)for requiring the programme contractor to enter into a contract with the nominated company which
makes provision for and in connection with the transmission by that company during the interim period of
the programmes which the programme contractor has the right and the duty to provide under the
programme contract, and in particular makes provision—
(i)for specified standards relating to technical quality, coverage and reliability to be attained in connection
with the transmission of those programmes by that company,
(ii)for the transmission of those programmes to be suspended, if the relevant authority so direct in
circumstances falling within subsection (5), for such period, or in the case of such programme or
programmes, as they may specify, and
(iii)where the programme contractor is a TV programme contractor, for the consideration payable in respect
of the transmission of those programmes to be payable in accordance with subsection (6); and
(b)for securing that the right and the duty of the programme contractor under the programme contract to
provide those programmes is accordingly (so long as any such contract with the nominated company
remains in force) a right and a duty to provide them for transmission by that company.
(2)Subsection (1) shall apply to a contract for the provision of television programmes for broadcasting in a
DBS service (“a DBS programme contract”) as if—
(a)the reference to coverage in paragraph (a)(i) were omitted; and
(b)for paragraph (a)(iii) there were substituted—
“(iii)for the programme contractor to be entitled to terminate the contract if he is notified by the Commission
that they are satisfied that the standards referred to in sub-paragraph (i) are not being attained as
mentioned in that sub-paragraph;”.
(3)The IBA shall, in the case of any DBS programme contract, make before the transfer date such
variations of the contract as appear to them to be appropriate—
(a)for requiring the DBS programme contractor, if he terminates his contract with the nominated company
under any provision included in the contract in consequence of subsection (2)(b), to make such
arrangements as the Commission may approve for and in connection with the transmission during the
interim period of the programmes which he has the right and the duty to provide under the DBS programme
contract, being arrangements under which—
(i)specified standards relating to technical quality and reliability are to be attained in connection with the
transmission of those programmes under the arrangements, and
(ii)the transmission of those programmes is to be suspended, if the Commission so direct in circumstances
falling within subsection (5), for such period, or in the case of such programme or programmes, as they
may specify; and
(b)for securing that the right and the duty of the programme contractor under the DBS programme contract
to provide those programmes is accordingly (so long as any such arrangements remain in force) a right and
a duty to provide them for transmission under the arrangements.
(4)Subsection (1) shall apply to a contract for the provision of local sound broadcasts as if the reference to
the interim period were a reference to the remainder of the period for which the contract continues in force
by virtue of paragraph 2(1) in Part IV of Schedule 11; and that subsection accordingly does not apply to any
such contract if—
(a)the programme contractor notifies the IBA, before such date as they shall determine, that he proposes to
request the Radio Authority to determine the contract as from the transfer date in accordance with
paragraph 1(1) in Part V of that Schedule; or
(b)the contract is one to which paragraph 2(1) in that Part of that Schedule would apply on the transfer
date.
(5)The circumstances referred to in paragraph (a)(ii) of subsection (1) or (3) are circumstances where the
relevant authority or (as the case may be) the Commission consider it necessary to require the
transmission of the programmes in question to be suspended—
(a)in order for them to comply, or secure compliance, with the provisions of the [1981 c. 68.] Broadcasting
Act 1981 (as it has effect in accordance with Schedule 11 to this Act) or with any restriction or requirement
imposed thereunder, or
(b)in view of any matter which they consider constitutes or would constitute a breach of the programme
contractor’s contract.
(6)The IBA shall make before the transfer date such variations of each contract between them and a TV
programme contractor as appear to them to be appropriate for requiring the programme contractor to enter
into an agreement with all of the other TV programme contractors which—
(a)relates to the payment by those contractors to the nominated company of the consideration payable by
them in respect of the transmission by that company of the programmes provided by them; and
(b)provides for the amounts payable by each of the contractors to be such proportion of the total
consideration so payable as corresponds to the proportion of the relevant amount which he was liable to
pay by virtue of section 32(1)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 1981 (rental payments) in respect of the period
beginning with 1st April 1990 and ending with the transfer date;
and in paragraph (b) “the relevant amount” means the aggregate amount of all payments falling to be made
by TV programme contractors by virtue of section 32(1)(a) of that Act in respect of that period (excluding any
payments falling to be so made in consequence of section 13(2) of that Act (advertisements on Channel 4)).
(7)The IBA shall, in the case of each such contract as is mentioned in subsection (6), also make before the
transfer date such variations of the contract as appear to them to be appropriate in consequence of section
129(3).
(8)In this section—
• “the interim period” means the period specified in section 129(1)(a);
• “the relevant authority”— (a)
in relation to any such contract as is mentioned in subsection (1)(a) which relates to the transmission of television
programmes, means the Commission, and
(b)
in relation to any such contract which relates to the transmission of local sound broadcasts, means the Radio
Authority;
and section 129(8) and (9) apply for the purposes of this section.
(9)Any reference in subsection (1) or (3) to specified standards is a reference to such standards as the IBA
shall specify for the purposes of that subsection before the transfer date; and different standards may be so
specified for the purposes of subsection (1) in relation to programme contractors of different descriptions.
131Supplementary provisions relating to variation of programme contracts
(1)Where the IBA make any variation of a programme contract in pursuance of section 130(1) to (4) or (6),
they may make such variations of that contract of a supplemental, incidental, consequential or transitional
nature as they consider appropriate.
(2)The relevant authority may on or after the transfer date make any variation of a programme contract
which could have been made before that date by the IBA—
(a)in pursuance of section 130(1) to (4), or
(b)in pursuance of subsection (1) above in connection with any variation made in pursuance of section
130(1) to (4);
and any such variation may be made with retrospective effect as from that date.
(3)Before making any variation of a programme contract in pursuance of any provision of section 130, this
section or Schedule 11, the IBA or (as the case may be) the relevant authority shall consult the programme
contractor concerned.
(4)Any such variation shall be made by means of a notice served on that programme contractor.
(5)In this section—
• “programme contract” means a contract between the IBA and a programme contractor;
• “programme contractor” includes a teletext contractor;
• “the relevant authority”— (a)
in relation to a programme contract for the provision of television programmes or teletext transmissions, means the
Commission; and
(b)
in relation to a programme contract for the provision of local sound broadcasts, means the Radio Authority.
132Disposal by IBA of DBS transmitting equipment etc
(1)The IBA shall have power, with the approval of the Secretary of State—
(a)to dispose of any relevant assets to a DBS contractor; and
(b)to do so on such terms and for such consideration as they may determine (whether or not any such
consideration represents the market value of the assets).
(2)Any disposal under subsection (1) shall take effect on the transfer date.
(3)In this section “relevant asset” means any equipment or other asset (of whatever description) which has
been used or held by the IBA in connection with the transmission of DBS services.
133Functions exercisable by IBA before transfer date in connection with local sound broadcasting
(1)It shall be the duty of the IBA to prepare before the transfer date, in the case of each relevant
programme contractor, a contract which—
(a)is expressed to be made between the nominated company and the contractor; and
(b)is to come into force in accordance with subsection (3) at such time (if any) as the contractor becomes
the holder of a local licence by virtue of paragraph 1(1) in Part V of Schedule 11 to this Act; and
(c)makes provision in connection with the transmission, as from any such time, of the programmes included
in the local service provided by the contractor (as the holder of such a licence), which may include
provision for the transmission of those programmes by the nominated company.
(2)For the purposes of subsection (1) the IBA shall, after consultation with all the relevant programme
contractors, draw up a number of different standard forms of contract, and each contract prepared by them
under that subsection shall be in such one of those forms as they may determine after consultation with the
relevant programme contractor concerned.
(3)Any contract prepared under subsection (1) shall by virtue of this subsection come into force, as a
contract between the nominated company and the relevant programme contractor concerned, at any such
time as is mentioned in paragraph (b) of that subsection and (subject to the provisions of the contract) shall
continue in force for such period as is specified in it, being a period expiring not later than 31st December
1994.
(4)If—
(a)any contract prepared under subsection (1) has not yet come into force, and
(b)the nominated company and the relevant programme contractor concerned agree that it would be more
appropriate for them to be parties to a contract which is in one of the other forms of contract drawn up as
mentioned in subsection (2), and
(c)the nominated company prepares such a contract as is mentioned in subsection (1) which is in that other
form,
subsection (3) shall have effect in relation to that contract as if it had been prepared by the IBA under
subsection (1) (and accordingly shall not have effect in relation to the contract referred to in paragraph (a)
above).
(5)The IBA shall be deemed to have had power to impose such requirements as have been imposed by
them on the various local sound programme contractors with respect to the making of payments to the IBA
for the purpose of enabling reductions to be made in relevant charges; and in this subsection “relevant
charges” means charges made by the nominated company in connection with the transmission, during the
period beginning with the transfer date and ending with 31st December 1994, of programmes which are
included in local services falling within any description of such services determined by the IBA.
(6)The IBA shall have power, with the approval of the Secretary of State—
(a)to dispose of, or of an interest in, any relevant assets to a relevant programme contractor; and
(b)to do so on such terms and for such consideration as they may determine (whether or not any such
consideration represents the market value of the assets).
(7)In this section—
• “local licence” and “local service” have the same meaning as in Part III of this Act;
• “local sound programme contractor” means a person who is a programme contractor by virtue of a contract for the
provision of local sound broadcasts;
• “relevant asset” means any equipment or other asset (of whatever description) which has been used or held by the
IBA in connection with the transmission of local sound broadcasts;
• “relevant programme contractor” means the programme contractor under a contract which, if effective immediately
before the transfer date, would be a contract to which paragraph 2(1) in Part IV of Schedule 11 applied.
134Transitional arrangements relating to existing cable services
Schedule 12 to this Act shall have effect—
(a)for the purpose of the regulation by the Commission on and after the transfer date of—
(i)diffusion services (within the meaning of Part I of the [1984 c. 46.] Cable and Broadcasting Act 1984)
which, immediately before that date, were authorised to be provided under that Part of that Act, and
(ii)services provided in succession to such services; and
(b)for the purpose of the regulation by the Commission or the Radio Authority on and after the transfer date
of services provided in succession to restricted services (within the meaning of that Part of that Act) which,
immediately before that date, were authorised to be provided under that Part of that Act.
Provisions relating to nominated company
135Initial Government holding in nominated company
(1)As a consequence of the vesting in the nominated company, in accordance with the scheme made
under Schedule 9 to this Act, of property, rights and liabilities of the IBA, that company shall issue to the
Secretary of State such securities of the company as he may from time to time direct.
(2)The Secretary of State shall not give a direction under subsection (1) at a time when the nominated
company has ceased to be wholly owned by the Crown.
(3)Securities required to be issued in pursuance of this section shall be issued at such time or times, and
(subject to subsection (4)) on such terms, as the Secretary of State may direct.
(4)Any shares issued in pursuance of this section—
(a)shall be of such nominal value as the Secretary of State may direct; and
(b)shall be issued as fully paid and treated for the purposes of the [1985 c. 6.] Companies Act 1985 as if
they had been paid up by virtue of the payment to the nominated company of their nominal value in cash.
(5)The Secretary of State shall not exercise any power conferred on him by this section, or dispose of any
securities issued to him in pursuance of this section, without the consent of the Treasury.
(6)Without prejudice to the generality of section 198(2), any dividends or other sums received by the
Secretary of State in right of or on the disposal of any securities acquired by virtue of this section shall be
paid into the Consolidated Fund.
136Exercise of functions through nominees
(1)The Secretary of State may, with the consent of the Treasury, appoint any person to act as his nominee,
or one of his nominees, for the purposes of section 135; but any issue of securities to any such nominee in
pursuance of that section shall be effected in accordance with such directions as may be given from time to
time by the Secretary of State with the consent of the Treasury.
(2)Any person holding any securities as a nominee of the Secretary of State by virtue of subsection (1)
shall hold and deal with them (or any of them) on such terms and in such manner as the Secretary of State
may direct with the consent of the Treasury.
137Target investment limit for Government shareholding in nominated company
(1)As soon as he considers it expedient, and in any case not later than six months after the nominated
company ceases to be wholly owned by the Crown, the Secretary of State shall by order fix a target
investment limit in relation to the aggregate of the shares for the time being held in the company, under or
by virtue of any enactment, by any Minister of the Crown or any nominee of his (“the Government
shareholding”).
(2)The target investment limit for the Government shareholding in the company shall be expressed as a
proportion of the voting rights which are exercisable in all circumstances at general meetings of the
company (“the ordinary voting rights”).
(3)The first target investment limit fixed under this section for the Government shareholding in the company
shall be equal to the proportion of the ordinary voting rights which is in fact carried by the Government
shareholding in the company at the time when the order fixing the limit is made.
(4)The Secretary of State may from time to time by order fix a new target investment limit for the
Government shareholding in the company in place of the one previously in force under this section; but—
(a)any new limit must be lower than the one it replaces; and
(b)an order under this section may only be revoked by an order fixing a new limit.
(5)It shall be the duty of a Minister of the Crown so to exercise—
(a)any power to dispose of any shares held in the company under or by virtue of any enactment, and
(b)his power to give directions to any nominee of his,
as to secure that the Government shareholding in the company does not carry a proportion of the ordinary
voting rights exceeding any target investment limit for the time being in force under this section.
(6)Notwithstanding subsection (5), a Minister of the Crown may take up, or direct any nominee of his to
take up, any rights for the time being available to him, or to the nominee, as an existing holder of shares or
other securities of the company; but if, as a result, the proportion of the ordinary voting rights carried by the
Government shareholding in the company at any time exceeds the target investment limit for the time being
in force under this section, it shall be the duty of that Minister to comply with subsection (5) as soon after
that time as is reasonably practicable.
(7)References in this section to a Minister of the Crown include references to the Treasury; and for the
purposes of this section the temporary suspension of any of the ordinary voting rights shall be disregarded.
(8)Any order under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House
of Parliament.
138Reserves of nominated company
(1)If the Secretary of State so directs at any time before the nominated company ceases to be wholly
owned by the Crown, such sums as may be specified in the direction shall, instead of being applied in any
other way, be carried by the company to a reserve (“the statutory reserve”).
(2)The statutory reserve may only be applied by the nominated company in paying up unissued shares of
the company to be allotted to members of the company as fully paid bonus shares.
(3)Notwithstanding subsection (2), the statutory reserve shall not count as an undistributable reserve of the
nominated company for the purposes of subsection (3)(d) of section 264 of the [1985 c. 6.] Companies Act
1985 (restriction on distribution of assets); but, for the purpose of determining under that section whether
the nominated company may make a distribution at any time, any amount for the time being standing to the
credit of the statutory reserve shall be treated for the purposes of subsection (3)(c) of that section as if it
were unrealised profits of the company.
139Loans by Secretary of State to nominated company
(1)As from the transfer date the Secretary of State may, with the consent of the Treasury, make loans to
the nominated company out of money provided by Parliament; but no loan shall be made by him under this
section at a time when the company has ceased to be wholly owned by the Crown.
(2)The aggregate amount outstanding in respect of the principal of loans made by the Secretary of State
under this section shall not exceed the limit specified in subsection (3).
(3)That limit is £20 million or such greater sum, not exceeding £100 million, as the Secretary of State may
from time to time specify by order made with the consent of the Treasury.
(4)Any loan made by the Secretary of State under this section shall be repaid to him at such times and by
such methods, and interest on the loan shall be paid to him at such times and at such rates, as he may
from time to time direct with the consent of the Treasury.
(5)An order shall not be made by the Secretary of State under this section unless a draft of it has been laid
before and approved by a resolution of the House of Commons.
140Temporary restriction on borrowings of nominated company
(1)The aggregate amount outstanding in respect of the principal of any relevant borrowing of the nominated
company shall not, at any time when the company is wholly owned by the Crown, exceed such sum as the
Secretary of State may determine with the consent of the Treasury.
(2)In subsection (1) “relevant borrowing”, in relation to the nominated company, means—
(a)loans made to that company or to any subsidiary of that company, other than—
(i)loans so made by any such subsidiary or (as the case may be) by that company, and
(ii)loans made to that company by the Secretary of State under section 139; and
(b)loans which are to be treated as having been made to that company, including loans which are to be
treated as having been so made by virtue of the issue of debentures in pursuance of section 135.
General
141Interpretation of Part IV
(1)In this Part—
• “the Commission” means the Independent Television Commission;
• “debentures” includes debenture stock;
• “the IBA” means the Independent Broadcasting Authority;
• “the nominated company” means the company nominated for the purposes of section 127(1);
• “securities”, in relation to a company, includes shares, debentures, bonds and other securities of the company,
whether or not constituting a charge on the assets of the company;
• “shares” includes stock;
• “subsidiary” has the meaning given by section 736 of the [1985 c. 6.] Companies Act 1985;
• “the transfer date” means the day appointed under section 127(1).
(2)Other expressions used in this Part which are also used in the [1981 c. 68.] Broadcasting Act 1981 have
the same meaning as in that Act.
(3)The nominated company shall be regarded for the purposes of this Part as wholly owned by the Crown
at any time when each of the issued shares in the company is held by, or by a nominee of, the Secretary of
State.
PART VTHE BROADCASTING COMPLAINTS COMMISSION 142The Broadcasting Complaints Commission
(1)The commission which at the commencement of this section is known as the Broadcasting Complaints
Commission (in this Part referred to as “the BCC”) shall continue in existence as a body corporate but shall
be constituted in accordance with, and have the functions conferred by, this Part.
(2)The BCC shall consist of not less than three members appointed by the Secretary of State.
(3)The Secretary of State shall appoint one member of the BCC to be chairman, and may appoint another
to be deputy chairman.
(4)Schedule 13 to this Act shall have effect with respect to the BCC.
143Function of BCC
(1)Subject to the provisions of this Part, the function of the BCC shall be to consider and adjudicate upon
complaints of—
(a)unjust or unfair treatment in programmes to which this Part applies, or
(b)unwarranted infringement of privacy in, or in connection with the obtaining of material included in, such
programmes.
(2)This Part applies to—
(a)any television or sound programme broadcast by the BBC on or after such date as is specified in an
order made by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this subsection;
(b)any television programme broadcast by the Welsh Authority on or after that date; and
(c)any television or sound programme included, on or after that date, in a licensed service.
144Making and entertaining of complaints
(1)Complaints must be made in writing.
(2)A complaint may be made by an individual or by a body of persons, whether incorporated or not, but,
subject to subsection (3), shall not be entertained by the BCC unless made by the person affected or by a
person authorised by him to make the complaint for him.
(3)Where the person affected is an individual who has died or is for any other reason both unable to make
a complaint himself and unable to authorise another person to do so for him, a complaint may be made by
the personal representative of the person affected, or by a member of his family, or by some other person
or body closely connected with him (whether as his employer, or as a body of which he is or was at his
death a member, or in any other way).
(4)The BCC shall not entertain, or proceed with the consideration of, a complaint if it appears to them—
(a)that the complaint relates to the broadcasting of the relevant programme, or to its inclusion in a licensed
service, on an occasion more than five years after the death of the person affected, or
(b)that the unjust or unfair treatment or unwarranted infringement of privacy complained of is the subject of
proceedings in a court of law in the United Kingdom, or
(c)that the unjust or unfair treatment or unwarranted infringement of privacy complained of is a matter in
respect of which the person affected has a remedy by way of proceedings in a court of law in the United
Kingdom, and that in the particular circumstances it is not appropriate for the BCC to consider a complaint
about it, or
(d)that the complaint is frivolous,
or if it appears to them for any other reason inappropriate for them to entertain, or proceed with the
consideration of, the complaint.
(5)The BCC may refuse to entertain a complaint if it appears to them not to have been made within a
reasonable time after the last occasion on which the relevant programme was broadcast or, as the case
may be, included in a licensed service.
(6)Where, in the case of a complaint, the relevant programme was broadcast or included in a licensed
service within five years after the death of the person affected, subsection (5) shall apply as if at the end
there were added “within five years after the death of the person affected”.
(7)The BCC may refuse to entertain—
(a)a complaint of unjust or unfair treatment if the person named as the person affected was not himself the
subject of the treatment complained of and it appears to the BCC that he did not have a sufficiently direct
interest in the subject-matter of that treatment to justify the making of a complaint with him as the person
affected; or
(b)a complaint made under subsection (3) by a person other than the person affected or a person
authorised by him, if it appears to the BCC that the complainant’s connection with the person affected is not
sufficiently close to justify the making of the complaint by him.
145Consideration of complaints
(1)Subject to the provisions of section 144, every complaint made to the BCC shall be considered by them
either at a hearing or, if they think fit, without a hearing.
(2)Hearings under this section shall be held in private; and where such a hearing is held in respect of a
complaint, each of the following persons shall be given an opportunity to attend and be heard, namely—
(a)the complainant;
(b)the relevant person;
(c)where the relevant programme was included in a licensed service, the appropriate regulatory body;
(d)any person not falling within any of paragraphs (a) to (c) who appears to the BCC to have been
responsible for the making or provision of that programme; and
(e)any other person who the BCC consider might be able to assist at the hearing.
(3)Before they proceed to consider a complaint the BCC shall send a copy of it—
(a)to the relevant person, and
(b)where the relevant programme was included in a licensed service, to the appropriate regulatory body.
(4)Where the relevant person receives from the BCC a copy of the complaint, it shall be the duty of that
person, if so required by the BCC—
(a)to provide the BCC with a visual or sound recording of the relevant programme or of any specified part
of it, if and so far as the relevant person has such a recording in his possession;
(b)to make suitable arrangements for enabling the complainant to view or hear the relevant programme, or
any specified part of it, if and so far as the relevant person has in his possession a visual or sound
recording of it;
(c)to provide the BCC and the complainant with a transcript of so much of the relevant programme, or of
any specified part of it, as consisted of speech, if and so far as the relevant person is able to do so;
(d)to provide the BCC and the complainant with copies of any documents in the possession of the relevant
person being the originals or copies of any correspondence between that person and the person affected
or the complainant in connection with the complaint;
(e)to furnish to the BCC and the complainant a written statement in answer to the complaint.
(5)For the purposes of this section, section 155 and section 167 it shall be the duty of each broadcasting
body to retain a recording of every television or sound programme which is broadcast by that body—
(a)where it is of a television programme, during the period of 90 days beginning with the broadcast, and
(b)where it is of a sound programme, during the period of 42 days beginning with the broadcast.
(6)Where the relevant person receives from the BCC a copy of a complaint, it shall be the duty of that
person, if so required by the BCC—
(a)where the relevant person is a broadcasting body, to arrange for one or more of the governors,
members or employees of the body to attend the BCC and assist them in their consideration of the
complaint, or
(b)where the relevant person is a body other than a broadcasting body, to arrange for one or more of the
following, namely—
(i)the persons who take part in the management or control of the body, or
(ii)the employees of the body,
to attend the BCC and assist them in their consideration of the complaint, or
(c)where the relevant person is an individual, to attend, or to arrange for one or more of his employees to
attend, the BCC and assist them in their consideration of the complaint.
(7)Where the relevant person receives from the BCC a copy of a complaint and, in connection with the
complaint, the BCC make to any other person a request to which this subsection applies, it shall be the
duty of the relevant person to take such steps as he reasonably can to ensure that the request is complied
with.
(8)Subsection (7) applies to the following requests by the BCC to any such other person as is there
mentioned, namely—
(a)a request to make suitable arrangements for enabling the complainant and any member or employee of
the BCC to view or hear the relevant programme, or any specified part of it, if and so far as the person
requested has in his possession a visual or sound recording of it;
(b)a request to provide the BCC and the complainant with a transcript of so much of the relevant
programme, or of any specified part of it, as consisted of speech, if and so far as the person requested is
able to do so;
(c)a request to provide the BCC and the complainant with copies of any documents in the possession of
the person requested, being the originals or copies of any correspondence between that person and the
person affected or the complainant in connection with the complaint;
(d)a request to furnish to the BCC and the complainant a written statement in answer to the complaint;
(e)a request to attend, or (where the person requested is not an individual) to arrange for a representative
to attend, the BCC and assist them in their consideration of the complaint.
(9)The BCC may, if they think fit, make to any person who attends them in connection with a complaint
such payments as they think fit by way of travelling allowance or subsistence allowance where expenditure
on travelling or, as the case may be, on subsistence is necessarily incurred by him for the purpose of
enabling him so to attend.
(10)In this section “the relevant person” means—
(a)in a case where the relevant programme was broadcast by a broadcasting body, that body; and
(b)in a case where the relevant programme was included in a licensed service, the licence holder providing
the service.
146Publication of BCC’s findings
(1)Where the BCC have considered and adjudicated upon a complaint, they may give the following
directions, namely—
(a)where the relevant programme was broadcast by a broadcasting body, directions requiring that body to
publish the matters mentioned in subsection (2) in such manner, and within such period, as may be
specified in the directions; and
(b)where the relevant programme was included in a licensed service, directions requiring the appropriate
regulatory body to direct the licence holder to publish those matters in such manner, and within such
period, as may be so specified.
(2)Those matters are—
(a)a summary of the complaint; and
(b)the BCC’s findings on the complaint or a summary of them.
(3)The form and content of any such summary as is mentioned in subsection (2)(a) or (b) shall be such as
may be approved by the BCC.
(4)A broadcasting or regulatory body shall comply with any directions given to them under this section.
(5)Any licence to provide a licensed service which is granted by a regulatory body under this Act shall
include conditions requiring the licence holder to comply with such directions as may be given to him by
that body for the purpose of enabling them to comply with any directions given to them under this section.
(6)The BCC shall publish, at such intervals and in such manner as they think fit, reports each containing, as
regards every complaint within this subsection which has been dealt with by them in the period covered by
the report, a summary of the complaint and the action taken by them on it and, where they have
adjudicated upon it, a summary of their findings.
(7)A complaint made to the BCC is within subsection (6) unless it is one which they are precluded from
entertaining by section 144(2).
(8)The BCC may, if they think fit, omit from any summary included in a report under subsection (6) any
information which could lead to the disclosure of the identity of any person connected with the complaint in
question other than—
(a)a broadcasting or regulatory body; or
(b)a person providing a licensed service.
147Duty to publicise BCC
(1)It shall be the duty of each broadcasting or regulatory body to arrange for the publication (by means of
broadcasts or otherwise) of regular announcements publicising the BCC.
(2)Any such announcements may contain a statement of the difference between the kinds of complaints
that may be considered by the BCC and those that may be considered by the Broadcasting Standards
Council established by this Act.
(3)Any licence to provide a licensed service which is granted by a regulatory body under this Act shall
include conditions requiring the licence holder to comply with such directions as may be given to him by
that body in connection with the performance by them of their duty under subsection (1).
148Annual reports
(1)As soon as possible after the end of every financial year the BCC shall prepare a report of their
proceedings during that year, and transmit it to the Secretary of State who shall lay copies of it before each
House of Parliament.
(2)The report shall have attached to it the statement of accounts for the year and a copy of any report
made by the auditors on that statement.
(3)The BCC shall send a copy of the report—
(a)to each broadcasting or regulatory body; and
(b)to every person providing a licensed service.
149Contributions towards cost of BCC
(1)For the financial year which includes the commencement of this section and each subsequent financial
year the Secretary of State shall notify—
(a)to each regulatory body the sum which he considers to be the appropriate contribution of that body, in
respect of persons providing licensed services under licences granted by that body, towards the expenses
of the BCC; and
(b)to the Welsh Authority the sum which he considers to be the appropriate contribution of that body
towards such expenses.
(2)Each regulatory body and the Welsh Authority shall pay to the Secretary of State any sum notified to
them under subsection (1).
150Interpretation of Part V
In this Part—
• “appropriate regulatory body”, in relation to a programme included in a licensed service, means the regulatory body
by whom that service is licensed;
• “the BCC” means the Broadcasting Complaints Commission;
• “broadcasting body” means the BBC or the Welsh Authority;
• “complaint” means a complaint to the BCC of any such unjust or unfair treatment or unwarranted infringement of
privacy as is mentioned in section 143(1);
• “licensed service” means— (a)
a television programme service (within the meaning of Part I of this Act), or
(b)
an independent radio service falling within paragraph (a) or (b) of section 84(1),
which is licensed under Part I or (as the case may be) Part III of this Act, or any additional service (within the
meaning of Part I or III of this Act) which is licensed under that Part of this Act and constitutes a teletext service;
• “participant”, in relation to a programme, means a person who appeared, or whose voice was heard, in the
programme;
• “the person affected”— (a)
in relation to any such unjust or unfair treatment as is mentioned in section 143(1), means a participant in the
programme in question who was the subject of that treatment or a person who, whether such a participant or not,
had a direct interest in the subject-matter of that treatment; and
(b)
in relation to any such unwarranted infringement of privacy as is so mentioned, means a person whose privacy
was infringed;
• “regulatory body” means the Independent Television Commission or the Radio Authority;
• “the relevant programme”, in relation to a complaint, means the programme to which the complaint relates;
• “television programme” includes a teletext transmission, and references to programmes shall be construed
accordingly;
• “unjust or unfair treatment” includes treatment which is unjust or unfair because of the way in which material
included in a programme has been selected or arranged.
PART VITHE BROADCASTING STANDARDS COUNCIL 151The Broadcasting Standards Council
(1)The council which at the commencement of this section is known as the Broadcasting Standards Council
shall be, by that name, a body corporate and as such shall be constituted in accordance with, and have the
functions conferred by, this Act.
(2)The Council shall consist of—
(a)a chairman and a deputy chairman appointed by the Secretary of State; and
(b)such number of other members appointed by the Secretary of State, not being less than four, as he may
from time to time determine.
(3)Schedule 14 to this Act shall have effect with respect to the Council.
152Preparation by Council of code relating to broadcasting standards
(1)It shall be the duty of the Council to draw up, and from time to time review, a code giving guidance as
to—
(a)practices to be followed in connection with the portrayal of violence in programmes to which this Part
applies,
(b)practices to be followed in connection with the portrayal of sexual conduct in such programmes, and
(c)standards of taste and decency for such programmes generally.
(2)This Part applies to—
(a)any television or sound programme broadcast by the BBC;
(b)any television programme broadcast by the Welsh Authority; and
(c)any television or sound programme included in a licensed service.
(3)It shall be the duty of each broadcasting or regulatory body, when drawing up or revising any code
relating to standards and practice for programmes, to reflect the general effect of so much of the code
referred to in subsection (1) (as for the time being in force) as is relevant to the programmes in question.
(4)The Council shall from time to time publish the code referred to in subsection (1) (as for the time being in
force).
(5)Before drawing up or revising the code the Council shall consult—
(a)each broadcasting or regulatory body; and
(b)such other persons as appear to the Council to be appropriate.
153Monitoring by Council of broadcasting standards
(1)It shall be the duty of the Council to monitor programmes to which this Part applies with a view to
enabling the Council—
(a)to make reports on the portrayal of violence and sexual conduct in, and the standards of taste and
decency attained by, such programmes generally, and
(b)to determine whether to issue complaints in respect of such programmes under section 154(7).
(2)Subject to section 160(2), the Council may make reports on the matters specified in subsection (1)(a) on
such occasions as they think fit; and any such report may include an assessment of either or both of the
following, namely—
(a)the attitudes of the public at large towards the portrayal of violence or sexual conduct in, or towards the
standards of taste and decency attained by, programmes to which this Part applies; and
(b)any effects or potential effects on the attitudes or behaviour of particular categories of persons of the
portrayal of violence or sexual conduct in such programmes or of any failure on the part of such
programmes to attain such standards.
(3)The Council may publish any report made by them in pursuance of subsection (1)(a).
(4)The Council shall have the further duty of monitoring, so far as is reasonably practicable, all television
and sound programmes which are transmitted or sent from outside the United Kingdom but are capable of
being received there, with a view to ascertaining—
(a)how violence and sexual conduct are portrayed in those programmes; and
(b)the extent to which those programmes meet standards of taste and decency.
(5)The Council may make a report to the Secretary of State on any issues identified by them in the course
of carrying out their duty under subsection (4) and appearing to them to raise questions of general
broadcasting policy.
154Consideration by Council of complaints relating to broadcasting standards
(1)Subject to the provisions of this section, it shall be the duty of the Council to consider complaints which
are made to them under this section and relate—
(a)to the portrayal of violence or sexual conduct in programmes to which this Part applies, or
(b)to alleged failures on the part of such programmes to attain standards of taste and decency,
and to make findings on such complaints, taking into account any relevant provisions of the code.
(2)Any such complaint must be in writing and give particulars of the matters complained of.
(3)The Council shall not entertain a complaint which is made—
(a)where the relevant programme is a television programme, more than two months after the relevant date,
or
(b)where the relevant programme is a sound programme, more than three weeks after that date,
unless it appears to them that in the particular circumstances it is appropriate for them to do so.
(4)In subsection (3) “the relevant date” means—
(a)the date on which the relevant programme was broadcast by a broadcasting body or included in a
licensed service, or
(b)where it has been so broadcast or included on more than one occasion, the date on which it was last so
broadcast or included.
(5)The Council shall not entertain, or proceed with the consideration of, a complaint if it appears to them—
(a)that the matter complained of is the subject of proceedings in a court of law in the United Kingdom, or
(b)that the matter complained of is a matter in respect of which the complainant has a remedy by way of
proceedings in a court of law in the United Kingdom, and that in the particular circumstances it is not
appropriate for the Council to consider a complaint about it, or
(c)that the complaint is frivolous, or
(d)that for any other reason it is inappropriate for them to entertain, or proceed with the consideration of,
the complaint.
(6)Where, apart from this subsection, there would fall to be considered by the Council two or more
complaints which appear to them to raise the same, or substantially the same, issue or issues in relation to
a particular programme, the Council may determine that those complaints shall be treated for the purposes
of this Part as constituting a single complaint.
(7)If it appears to the Council to be appropriate to do so, they may of their own motion issue complaints
relating to matters falling within subsection (1)(a) or (b).
(8)Any such complaint shall give particulars of the matters complained of.
155Consideration of complaints
(1)Subject to the provisions of section 154, every complaint made to or issued by the Council under that
section shall be considered by them either without a hearing or, if they think fit, at a hearing (and any such
hearing shall be held in private unless the Council decide otherwise).
(2)Before the Council proceed to consider a complaint they shall send a copy of it—
(a)to the relevant person; and
(b)where the relevant programme was included in a licensed service, to the appropriate regulatory body.
(3)Where the relevant person receives from the Council a copy of the complaint, it shall be the duty of that
person, if so required by the Council—
(a)to provide the Council with a visual or sound recording of the relevant programme or any specified part
of it, if and so far as he has such a recording in his possession;
(b)to provide the Council with a transcript of so much of the relevant programme, or of any specified part of
it, as consisted of speech, if and so far as he is able to do so;
(c)to provide the Council with copies of any documents in his possession, being the originals or copies of
any correspondence between him and the complainant in connection with the complaint;
(d)to furnish to the Council a written statement in answer to the complaint.
(4)Where a hearing is held in respect of a complaint, the following persons shall be given an opportunity to
attend and be heard, namely—
(a)the complainant;
(b)the relevant person;
(c)where the relevant programme was included in a licensed service, the appropriate regulatory body;
(d)any person not within any of paragraphs (a) to (c) who appears to the Council to have been responsible
for the making or provision of that programme; and
(e)any other person who the Council consider might be able to assist at the hearing.
(5)In a case where the Council have made a determination in respect of any complaints under subsection
(6) of section 154, subsection (4)(a) above shall be construed as referring to such one or more of the
persons who made those complaints as the Council may determine; and in relation to a complaint issued
by the Council under subsection (7) of that section, subsection (4) above shall have effect as if paragraph
(a) were omitted.
(6)The Council may, if they think fit, make to any person who attends a hearing in connection with a
complaint such payments as they think fit by way of travelling allowance or subsistence allowance where
expenditure on travelling or, as the case may be, on subsistence is necessarily incurred by him for the
purpose of enabling him so to attend.
(7)In this section “the relevant person” means—
(a)in a case where the relevant programme was broadcast by a broadcasting body, that body; and
(b)in a case where the relevant programme was included in a licensed service, the licence holder providing
that service.
156Publication of Council’s findings
(1)Where the Council have considered and made their findings on any complaint, they may give the
following directions, namely—
(a)where the relevant programme was broadcast by a broadcasting body, directions requiring that body to
publish the matters mentioned in subsection (2) in such manner, and within such period, as may be
specified in the directions; and
(b)where the relevant programme was included in a licensed service, directions requiring the appropriate
regulatory body to direct the licence holder to publish those matters in such manner, and within such
period, as may be so specified.
(2)Those matters are—
(a)a summary of the complaint; and
(b)the Council’s findings, and any observations by them, on the complaint, or a summary of those findings
and any such observations.
(3)The form and content of any such summary as is mentioned in subsection (2)(a) or (b) shall be such as
may be approved by the Council.
(4)A broadcasting or regulatory body shall comply with any directions given to them under this section.
(5)Any licence to provide a licensed service which is granted by a regulatory body under this Act shall
include conditions requiring the licence holder to comply with such directions as may be given to him by
that body for the purpose of enabling them to comply with any directions given to them under this section.
157Power of Council to commission research
(1)The Council may make arrangements for the undertaking of research into matters related to or
connected with—
(a)the portrayal of violence or sexual conduct in programmes to which this Part applies, or
(b)standards of taste and decency for such programmes generally.
(2)The matters into which research may be undertaken in pursuance of subsection (1) include, in particular,
matters falling within section 153(2)(a) and (b).
(3)Arrangements made under subsection (1) shall secure that, so far as is reasonably practicable, any
research undertaken in pursuance of the arrangements is undertaken by persons who are neither members
nor employees of the Council.
(4)The Council may publish the results of any research undertaken in pursuance of subsection (1).
158International representation by Council of Government interests
The functions of the Council shall include representing Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom, at
the request of the Secretary of State, on international bodies concerned with setting standards for television
programmes.
159Duty to publicise Council
(1)It shall be the duty of each broadcasting or regulatory body to arrange for the publication (by means of
broadcasts or otherwise) of regular announcements publicising the Council.
(2)Any such announcements may contain a statement of the difference between the kinds of complaints
that may be considered by the Council and those that may be considered by the Broadcasting Complaints
Commission.
(3)Any licence to provide a licensed service which is granted by a regulatory body under this Act shall
include conditions requiring the licence holder to comply with such directions as may be given to him by
that body in connection with the performance by them of their duty under subsection (1).
160Annual reports
(1)As soon as possible after the end of every financial year the Council shall prepare a report of their
proceedings during that year, and transmit it to the Secretary of State who shall lay copies of it before each
House of Parliament.
(2)The report shall include a report by the Council on the matters specified in section 153(1)(a).
(3)The Council shall send a copy of the report—
(a)to each broadcasting or regulatory body; and
(b)to every person providing a licensed service.
161Interpretation of Part VI
(1)In this Part—
• “the appropriate regulatory body”, in relation to a programme included in a licensed service, means the regulatory
body by whom that service is licensed;
• “broadcasting body” means the BBC or the Welsh Authority;
• “the code” means the code referred to in section 152(1) (as for the time being in force);
• “the Council” means the Broadcasting Standards Council;
• “licensed service” means— (a)
a television programme service (within the meaning of Part I of this Act), or
(b)
an independent radio service falling within paragraph (a) or (b) of section 84(1),
which is licensed under Part I or (as the case may be) Part III of this Act, or so much of any licensed delivery service
(within the meaning of Part II of this Act) as is, by virtue of section 79(2) or (4), treated as the provision of a service
licensed under Part I of this Act;
• “regulatory body” means the Independent Television Commission or the Radio Authority;
• “the relevant programme”, in relation to a complaint, means the programme to which the complaint relates;
• “sexual conduct” means any form of sexual activity or other sexual behaviour.
(2)Any reference in this Part to programmes to which this Part applies shall be construed in accordance
with section 152(2).
PART VIIPROHIBITION ON INCLUSION OF OBSCENE AND OTHER MATERIAL IN PROGRAMME SERVICES Obscenity
162Obscenity in programme services: England and Wales
(1)In section 1 of the [1959 c. 66.] Obscene Publications Act 1959 (test of obscenity)—
(a)the proviso to subsection (3) (exemption for television and sound broadcasting) shall cease to have
effect; and
(b)the following subsections shall be added after that subsection—
“(4)For the purposes of this Act a person also publishes an article to the extent that any matter recorded on
it is included by him in a programme included in a programme service.
(5)Where the inclusion of any matter in a programme so included would, if that matter were recorded
matter, constitute the publication of an obscene article for the purposes of this Act by virtue of subsection
(4) above, this Act shall have effect in relation to the inclusion of that matter in that programme as if it were
recorded matter.
(6)In this section “programme” and “programme service” have the same meaning as in the Broadcasting
Act 1990.”
(2)Schedule 15 to this Act shall have effect for the purpose of supplementing subsection (1) above.
163Obscenity in programme services: Scotland
(1)Section 51 of the [1982 c. 45.] Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (offences of displaying, publishing,
etc. of obscene material) shall be amended in accordance with the following provisions of this section.
(2)After subsection (2) there shall be inserted the following subsection—
“(2A)Subject to subsection (4) below, any person who—
(a)is responsible for the inclusion of any obscene material in a programme included in a programme
service; or
(b)with a view to its eventual inclusion in a programme so included, makes, prints, has or keeps any
obscene material,
shall be guilty of an offence under this section.”
(3)In subsection (6), paragraph (a) shall cease to have effect.
(4)In subsection (8)—
(a)in the definition of “material”, the words from “and” onwards shall be omitted;
(b)after the definition of “prescribed sum” there shall be inserted—
““programme” and “programme service” have the same meaning as in the Broadcasting Act 1990;” and
(c)the word “showing,” shall be omitted.
Racially inflammatory material etc.
164Inclusion in programme services in Great Britain of racially inflammatory material
(1)Part III of the [1986 c. 64.] Public Order Act 1986 (racial hatred) shall be amended as follows.
(2)In each of the following provisions, namely—
(a)section 18(6) (exemption from prohibition applying to use of threatening words etc.),
(b)section 20(3)(c) (exemption from prohibition applying to public performances of plays), and
(c)section 21(4) (exemption from prohibition applying to distribution etc. of recordings),
for “broadcast or included in a cable programme service” there shall be substituted “included in a programme
service”.
(3)In section 22 (broadcasting or including programme in cable programme service)—
(a)in subsections (1), (3)(b), (4)(a) and (5)(a), for “broadcast or included in a cable programme service”,
wherever occurring, there shall be substituted “included in a programme service”; and
(b)the following provisions shall be omitted, namely—
(i)in subsection (2), the words “broadcasting or cable”,
(ii)in subsections (4)(b) and (5)(b), the words “broadcast or”, wherever occurring,
(iii)subsection (7) (exemption for programmes broadcast by BBC or Independent Broadcasting Authority),
and
(iv)subsection (8) (application of certain provisions of the [1984 c. 46.] Cable and Broadcasting Act 1984).
(4)In section 23 (possession of racially inflammatory material)—
(a)in subsection (1), for “broadcast or included in a cable programme service”, wherever occurring, there
shall be substituted “or included in a programme service”;
(b)in subsection (2), for “broadcasting or inclusion in a cable programme service” there shall be substituted
“or inclusion in a programme service”; and
(c)subsection (4) (exemption for material kept by BBC or Independent Broadcasting Authority) shall be
omitted.
(5)In section 29 (interpretation)—
(a)the definitions of “broadcast” and “cable programme service” shall be omitted;
(b)in the definition of “programme”, for “broadcast or included in a cable programme service” there shall be
substituted “included in a programme service”; and
(c)the following definition shall be inserted after that definition—
““programme service” has the same meaning as in the Broadcasting Act 1990;”.
165Inclusion in programme services in Northern Ireland of material likely to stir up hatred etc
(1)Part III of the [S.I.1987/463 (N.I.7).] Public Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 (stirring up hatred or
arousing fear) shall be amended as follows.
(2)In each of the following provisions, namely—
(a)Article 9(5) (exemption from prohibition applying to use of threatening words etc.), and
(b)Article 11(4) (exemption from prohibition applying to distribution etc. of recordings),
for “broadcast or included in a cable programme service” there shall be substituted “included in a programme
service”.
(3)In Article 12 (broadcasting or including programme in cable programme service)—
(a)in paragraphs (1), (3)(b), (4)(a) and (5)(a), for “broadcast or included in a cable programme service”,
wherever occurring, there shall be substituted “included in a programme service”; and
(b)the following provisions shall be omitted—
(i)in paragraph (2)(a), the words “broadcasting or cable”,
(ii)in paragraphs (4)(b) and (5)(b), the words “broadcast or”, wherever occurring,
(iii)paragraph (7) (exemption for programmes broadcast by BBC or Independent Broadcasting Authority),
and
(iv)paragraph (8) (application of certain provisions of [1984 c. 46.] Cable and Broadcasting Act 1984).
(4)In Article 13 (possession of matter intended or likely to stir up hatred or arouse fear)—
(a)in paragraph (1), for “broadcast or included in a cable programme service”, wherever occurring, there
shall be substituted “or included in a programme service”;
(b)in paragraph (2), for “broadcasting or inclusion in a cable programme service” there shall be substituted
“or inclusion in a programme service”; and
(c)paragraph (4) (exemption for material kept by BBC or Independent Broadcasting Authority) shall be
omitted.
(5)In Article 17 (interpretation)—
(a)the definitions of “broadcast” and “cable programme service” shall be omitted;
(b)in the definition of “programme”, for “broadcast or included in a cable programme service” there shall be
substituted “included in a programme service”; and
(c)the following definition shall be inserted after that definition—
• ““programme service” has the same meaning as in the Broadcasting Act 1990;”.
Defamation
166Defamatory material
(1)For the purposes of the law of libel and slander (including the law of criminal libel so far as it relates to
the publication of defamatory matter) the publication of words in the course of any programme included in a
programme service shall be treated as publication in permanent form.
(2)Subsection (1) above shall apply for the purposes of section 3 of each of the Defamation Acts (slander
of title etc.) as it applies for the purposes of the law of libel and slander.
(3)Section 7 of each of those Acts (qualified privilege of newspapers) shall apply in relation to—
(a)reports or matters included in a programme service, and
(b)any inclusion in such a service of any such report or matter,
as it applies in relation to reports and matters published in a newspaper and to publication in a newspaper;
and subsection (2) of that section shall have effect, in relation to any such inclusion, as if for the words “in
the newspaper in which” there were substituted the words “in the programme service in which”.
(4)In this section “the Defamation Acts” means the [1952 c. 66.] Defamation Act 1952 and the [1955 c. 11
(N.I.).] Defamation Act (Northern Ireland) 1955.
(5)Subsections (1) and (2) above do not extend to Scotland.
Supplementary
167Power to make copies of recordings
(1)If a justice of the peace is satisfied by information on oath laid by a constable that there is reasonable
ground for suspecting that a relevant offence has been committed by any person in respect of a
programme included in a programme service, he may make an order authorising any constable to require
that person—
(a)to produce to the constable a visual or sound recording of any matter included in that programme, if and
so far as that person is able to do so; and
(b)on the production of such a recording, to afford the constable an opportunity of causing a copy of it to be
made.
(2)An order made under this section shall describe the programme to which it relates in a manner sufficient
to enable that programme to be identified.
(3)A person who without reasonable excuse fails to comply with any requirement of a constable made by
virtue of subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not
exceeding the third level on the standard scale.
(4)No order shall be made under this section in respect of any recording in respect of which a warrant could
be granted under any of the following provisions, namely—
(a)section 3 of the [1959 c. 66.] Obscene Publications Act 1959;
(b)section 24 of the [1986 c. 64.] Public Order Act 1986; and
(c)Article 14 of the [S.I.1987/463 (N.I.7).] Public Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1987.
(5)In the application of subsection (1) to England and Wales “relevant offence” means an offence under—
(a)section 2 of the Obscene Publications Act 1959; or
(b)section 22 of the Public Order Act 1986.
(6)In the application of subsection (1) to Scotland—
(a)“relevant offence” means an offence under—
(i)section 51 of the [1982 c. 45.] Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, or
(ii)section 22 of the Public Order Act 1986;
(b)the reference to a justice of the peace shall include a reference to the sheriff; and
(c)for the reference to information on oath there shall be substituted a reference to evidence on oath.
(7)In the application of subsection (1) to Northern Ireland—
(a)“relevant offence” means an offence under Article 12 of the Public Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1987;
(b)for the reference to a justice of the peace there shall be substituted a reference to a resident magistrate;
and
(c)for the reference to information on oath laid by a constable there shall be substituted a reference to a
complaint on oath made by a constable.
PART VIIIPROVISIONS RELATING TO WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY 168Offence of keeping wireless telegraphy station or apparatus available for unauthorised use
The following section shall be inserted after section 1 of the [1949 c. 54.] Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 (in
this Part referred to as “the 1949 Act”)—
“1AOffence of keeping wireless telegraphy station or apparatus available for unauthorised use
Any person who has any station for wireless telegraphy or apparatus for wireless telegraphy in his possession
or under his control and either—
(a)intends to use it in contravention of section 1 of this Act; or
(b)knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, that another person intends to use it in contravention of that
section,
shall be guilty of an offence.”
169Offence of allowing premises to be used for purpose of unlawful broadcasting
The following section shall be inserted in the 1949 Act after the section 1A inserted by section 168 above—
“1BOffence of allowing premises to be used for purpose of unlawful broadcasting
(1)A person who is in charge of any premises which are used for making an unlawful broadcast, or for
sending signals for the operation or control of any apparatus used for the purpose of making an unlawful
broadcast from any other place, shall be guilty of an offence if—
(a)he knowingly causes or permits the premises to be so used; or
(b)having reasonable cause to believe that the premises are being so used, he fails to take such steps as
are reasonable in the circumstances of the case to prevent the premises from being so used.
(2)For the purposes of this section a person is in charge of any premises if he—
(a)is the owner or occupier of the premises; or
(b)has, or acts or assists in, the management or control of the premises.
(3)For the purposes of this section a broadcast is unlawful if—
(a)it is made by means of the use of any station for wireless telegraphy or apparatus for wireless telegraphy
in contravention of section 1 of this Act; or
(b)the making of the broadcast contravenes any provision of the Marine, &c., Broadcasting (Offences) Act
1967.
(4)In this section—
• “broadcast” has the same meaning as in the Marine, &c., Broadcasting (Offences) Act 1967;
• “premises” includes any place and, in particular, includes— (a)
any vehicle, vessel or aircraft; and
(b)
any structure or other object (whether movable or otherwise and whether on land or otherwise).”
170Prohibition of acts facilitating unauthorised broadcasting
The following section shall be inserted in the 1949 Act after the section 1B inserted by section 169 above—
“1CProhibition of acts facilitating unauthorised broadcasting
(1)If a person—
(a)does any of the acts mentioned in subsection (2) in relation to a broadcasting station by which
unauthorised broadcasts are made, and
(b)if any knowledge or belief or any circumstances is or are specified in relation to the act, does it with that
knowledge or belief or in those circumstances,
he shall be guilty of an offence.
(2)The acts referred to in subsection (1) are—
(a)participating in the management, financing, operation or day-to-day running of the station knowing, or
having reasonable cause to believe, that unauthorised broadcasts are made by the station;
(b)supplying, installing, repairing or maintaining any wireless telegraphy apparatus or any other item
knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that the apparatus or other item is to be, or is, used for the
purpose of facilitating the operation or day-to-day running of the station and that unauthorised broadcasts
are made by the station;
(c)rendering any other service to any person knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that the
rendering of that service to that person will facilitate the operation or day-to-day running of the station and
that unauthorised broadcasts are so made;
(d)supplying a film or sound recording knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that an
unauthorised broadcast of the film or recording is to be so made;
(e)making a literary, dramatic or musical work knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that an
unauthorised broadcast of the work is to be so made;
(f)making an artistic work knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that an unauthorised broadcast
including that work is to be so made;
(g)doing any of the following acts, namely—
(i)participating in an unauthorised broadcast made by the station, being actually present as an announcer,
as a performer or one of the performers concerned in an entertainment given, or as the deliverer of a
speech;
(ii)advertising, or inviting another to advertise, by means of an unauthorised broadcast made by the station;
or
(iii)publishing the times or other details of any unauthorised broadcasts made by the station or (otherwise
than by publishing such details) publishing an advertisement of matter calculated to promote the station
(whether directly or indirectly),
knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that unauthorised broadcasts are made by the station.
(3)In any proceedings against a person for an offence under this section consisting in the supplying of any
thing or the rendering of any service, it shall be a defence for him to prove that he was obliged, under or by
virtue of any enactment, to supply that thing or render that service.
(4)If, by means of an unauthorised broadcast made by a broadcasting station, it is stated, suggested or
implied that any entertainment of which a broadcast is so made has been supplied by, or given at the
expense of, a person, then for the purposes of this section he shall, unless he proves that it was not so
supplied or given, be deemed thereby to have advertised.
(5)Section 46 of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 shall have effect for the purpose of construing
references in this section to the supply of any thing as it has effect for the purpose of construing references
in that Act to the supply of any goods.
(6)In this section—
• “broadcast” has the same meaning as in the Marine, &c., Broadcasting (Offences) Act 1967;
• “broadcasting station” means any business or other operation (whether or not in the nature of a commercial venture)
which is engaged in the making of broadcasts;
• “film”, “sound recording”, “literary, dramatic or musical work” and “artistic work” have the same meaning as in Part
I of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988;
• “speech” includes lecture, address and sermon; and
• “unauthorised broadcast” means a broadcast made by means of the use of a station for wireless telegraphy or
wireless telegraphy apparatus in contravention of section 1 of this Act.”
171Amendments of the Marine, &c., Broadcasting (Offences) Act 1967
The [1967 c. 41.] Marine, &c., Broadcasting (Offences) Act 1967 shall have effect subject to the amendments
specified in Schedule 16 (which include amendments that impose further restrictions on broadcasting at sea
and on acts facilitating such broadcasting).
172Amendments of provisions of 1949 Act relating to penalties and forfeiture
(1)Section 14 of the 1949 Act (penalties and legal proceedings) shall be amended as follows.
(2)In subsection (1), the following paragraphs shall be inserted before paragraph (a)—
“(aa)any offence under section 1(1) of this Act other than one falling within subsection (1A)(a) of this
section;
(ab)any offence under section 1A of this Act other than one falling within subsection (1A)(aa) of this
section;
(ac)any offence under section 1B or 1C of this Act;”.
(3)In subsection (1A), the following paragraph shall be inserted after paragraph (a)—
“(aa)any offence under section 1A of this Act committed in relation to any wireless telegraphy apparatus not
designed or adapted for emission (as opposed to reception);”.
(4)The following subsections shall be substituted for subsection (3)—
“(3)Where a person is convicted of —
(a)an offence under this Act consisting in any contravention of any of the provisions of Part I of this Act in
relation to any station for wireless telegraphy or any wireless telegraphy apparatus (including an offence
under section 1B or 1C of this Act) or in the use of any apparatus for the purpose of interfering with any
wireless telegraphy;
(b)any offence under section 12A of this Act;
(c)any offence under the Marine, &c., Broadcasting (Offences) Act 1967; or
(d)any offence under this Act which is an offence under section 7 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1967
(whether as originally enacted or as substituted by section 77 of the Telecommunications Act 1984),
the court may, in addition to any other penalty, order such of the following things to be forfeited to the
Secretary of State as the court considers appropriate, that is to say—
(i)any vehicle, vessel or aircraft, or any structure or other object, which was used in connection with the
commission of the offence;
(ii)any wireless telegraphy apparatus or other apparatus in relation to which the offence was committed or
which was used in connection with the commission of it;
(iii)any wireless telegraphy apparatus or other apparatus not falling within paragraph (ii) above which was,
at the time of the commission of the offence, in the possession or under the control of the person convicted
of the offence and was intended to be used (whether or not by that person) in connection with the making
of any broadcast or other transmission that would contravene section 1 of this Act or any provision of the
Marine, &c., Broadcasting (Offences) Act 1967.
(3AA)The power conferred by virtue of subsection (3)(a) above does not apply in a case where the offence
is any such offence as is mentioned in subsection (1A)(a) or (aa) above.
(3AB)References in subsection (3)(ii) or (iii) above to apparatus other than wireless telegraphy apparatus
include references to—
(a)recordings;
(b)equipment designed or adapted for use—
(i)in making recordings; or
(ii)in reproducing from recordings any sounds or visual images; and
(c)equipment not falling within paragraphs (a) and (b) above but connected, directly or indirectly, to wireless
telegraphy apparatus.”
(5)In subsection (3E), for the words from “(whether” to “provision” there shall be substituted “, shall be
treated as an offence committed under the same provision, and at the same time,”.
173Extension of search and seizure powers in relation to unlawful broadcasting etc
(1)In subsection (1) of section 15 of the 1949 Act (entry and search of premises)—
(a)after “Act” there shall be inserted “or under the Marine, &c., Broadcasting (Offences) Act 1967”; and
(b)the words “and named in the warrant,” shall be omitted.
(2)In subsection (2) of that section, the words “and named in the authorisation” shall be omitted.
(3)The following subsection shall be inserted after subsection (2) of that section—
“(2A)Without prejudice to any power exercisable by him apart from this subsection, a person authorised by
the Secretary of State or (as the case may be) by the BBC to exercise any power conferred by this section
may use reasonable force, if necessary, in the exercise of that power.”
(4)In subsection (1)(b) of section 79 of the [1984 c. 12.] Telecommunications Act 1984 (seizure of
apparatus and other property used in committing certain offences connected with wireless telegraphy), the
following paragraphs shall be inserted after “reception);”—
“(ba)any offence under section 5(b) of that Act;
(bb)any offence under the Marine, &c., Broadcasting (Offences) Act 1967;”.
(5)In subsection (2) of that section—
(a)for “the person or persons named in it” there shall be substituted “any person authorised by the
Secretary of State to exercise the power conferred by this subsection”; and
(b)the words “or them” shall be omitted.
(6)The following subsection shall be inserted after subsection (4) of that section—
“(4A)Without prejudice to any power exercisable by him apart from this subsection, a person authorised by
the Secretary of State to exercise any power conferred by this section may use reasonable force, if
necessary, in the exercise of that power.”
174Application of Part VIII to Isle of Man and Channel Islands
Section 20(3) of the 1949 Act and section 10 of the [1967 c. 41.] Marine, &c., Broadcasting (Offences) Act
1967 (power to extend provisions to the Isle of Man and Channel Islands) shall extend respectively to the
provisions of this Part amending each of those Acts.
PART IXCOPYRIGHT AND RELATED MATTERS 175Use as of right of sound recordings in broadcasts and cable programme services
(1)In Chapter VII of Part I of the [1988 c. 48.] Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (copyright licensing)
there shall be inserted after section 135—
“Use as of right of sound recordings in broadcasts and cable programme services
135ACircumstances in which right available
(1)Section 135C applies to the inclusion in a broadcast or cable programme service of any sound
recordings if—
(a)a licence to include those recordings in the broadcast or cable programme service could be granted by a
licensing body or such a body could procure the grant of a licence to do so,
(b)the condition in subsection (2) or (3) applies, and
(c)the person including those recordings in the broadcast or cable programme service has complied with
section 135B.
(2)Where the person including the recordings in the broadcast or cable programme service does not hold a
licence to do so, the condition is that the licensing body refuses to grant, or procure the grant of, such a
licence, being a licence—
(a)whose terms as to payment for including the recordings in the broadcast or cable programme service
would be acceptable to him or comply with an order of the Copyright Tribunal under section 135D relating
to such a licence or any scheme under which it would be granted, and
(b)allowing unlimited needletime or such needletime as he has demanded.
(3)Where he holds a licence to include the recordings in the broadcast or cable programme service, the
condition is that the terms of the licence limit needletime and the licensing body refuses to substitute or
procure the substitution of terms allowing unlimited needletime or such needletime as he has demanded, or
refuses to do so on terms that fall within subsection (2)(a).
(4)The references in subsection (2) to refusing to grant, or procure the grant of, a licence, and in subsection
(3) to refusing to substitute or procure the substitution of terms, include failing to do so within a reasonable
time of being asked.
(5)In the group of sections from this section to section 135G—
• “needletime” means the time in any period (whether determined as a number of hours in the period or a proportion
of the period, or otherwise) in which any recordings may be included in a broadcast or cable programme service;
• “sound recording” does not include a film sound track when accompanying a film.
(6)In sections 135B to 135G, “terms of payment” means terms as to payment for including sound
recordings in a broadcast or cable programme service.
135BNotice of intention to exercise right
(1)A person intending to avail himself of the right conferred by section 135C must—
(a)give notice to the licensing body of his intention to exercise the right, asking the body to propose terms
of payment, and
(b)after receiving the proposal or the expiry of a reasonable period, give reasonable notice to the licensing
body of the date on which he proposes to begin exercising that right, and the terms of payment in
accordance with which he intends to do so.
(2)Where he has a licence to include the recordings in a broadcast or cable programme service, the date
specified in a notice under subsection (1)(b) must not be sooner than the date of expiry of that licence
except in a case falling within section 135A(3).
(3)Before the person intending to avail himself of the right begins to exercise it, he must—
(a)give reasonable notice to the Copyright Tribunal of his intention to exercise the right, and of the date on
which he proposes to begin to do so, and
(b)apply to the Tribunal under section 135D to settle the terms of payment.
135CConditions for exercise of right
(1)A person who, on or after the date specified in a notice under section 135B(1)(b), includes in a
broadcast or cable programme service any sound recordings in circumstances in which this section
applies, and who—
(a)complies with any reasonable condition, notice of which has been given to him by the licensing body, as
to inclusion in the broadcast or cable programme service of those recordings,
(b)provides that body with such information about their inclusion in the broadcast or cable programme
service as it may reasonably require, and
(c)makes the payments to the licensing body that are required by this section,
shall be in the same position as regards infringement of copyright as if he had at all material times been the
holder of a licence granted by the owner of the copyright in question.
(2)Payments are to be made at not less than quarterly intervals in arrears.
(3)The amount of any payment is that determined in accordance with any order of the Copyright Tribunal
under section 135D or, if no such order has been made—
(a)in accordance with any proposal for terms of payment made by the licensing body pursuant to a request
under section 135B, or
(b)where no proposal has been so made or the amount determined in accordance with the proposal so
made is unreasonably high, in accordance with the terms of payment notified to the licensing body under
section 135B(1)(b).
(4)Where this section applies to the inclusion in a broadcast or cable programme service of any sound
recordings, it does so in place of any licence.
135DApplications to settle payments
(1)On an application to settle the terms of payment, the Copyright Tribunal shall consider the matter and
make such order as it may determine to be reasonable in the circumstances.
(2)An order under subsection (1) has effect from the date the applicant begins to exercise the right
conferred by section 135C and any necessary repayments, or further payments, shall be made in respect
of amounts that have fallen due.
135EReferences etc. about conditions, information and other terms
(1)A person exercising the right conferred by section 135C, or who has given notice to the Copyright
Tribunal of his intention to do so, may refer to the Tribunal—
(a)any question whether any condition as to the inclusion in a broadcast or cable programme service of
sound recordings, notice of which has been given to him by the licensing body in question, is a reasonable
condition, or
(b)any question whether any information is information which the licensing body can reasonably require
him to provide.
(2)On a reference under this section, the Tribunal shall consider the matter and make such order as it may
determine to be reasonable in the circumstances.
135FApplication for review of order
(1)A person exercising the right conferred by section 135C or the licensing body may apply to the Copyright
Tribunal to review any order under section 135D or 135E.
(2)An application shall not be made, except with the special leave of the Tribunal—
(a)within twelve months from the date of the order, or of the decision on a previous application under this
section, or
(b)if the order was made so as to be in force for fifteen months or less, or as a result of a decision on a
previous application is due to expire within fifteen months of that decision, until the last three months before
the expiry date.
(3)On the application the Tribunal shall consider the matter and make such order confirming or varying the
original order as it may determine to be reasonable in the circumstances.
(4)An order under this section has effect from the date on which it is made or such later date as may be
specified by the Tribunal.
135GFactors to be taken into account
(1)In determining what is reasonable on an application or reference under section 135D or 135E, or on
reviewing any order under section 135F, the Copyright Tribunal shall—
(a)have regard to the terms of any orders which it has made in the case of persons in similar circumstances
exercising the right conferred by section 135C, and
(b)exercise its powers so as to secure that there is no unreasonable discrimination between persons
exercising that right against the same licensing body.
(2)In settling the terms of payment under section 135D, the Tribunal shall not be guided by any order it has
made under any enactment other than that section.
(3)Section 134 (factors to be taken into account: retransmissions) applies on an application or reference
under sections 135D to 135F as it applies on an application or reference relating to a licence.”
(2)In section 149 of that Act (jurisdiction of the Copyright Tribunal), after paragraph (c) there shall be
inserted—
“(cc)section 135D or 135E (application or reference with respect to use as of right of sound recordings in
broadcasts or cable programme services);”.
(3)In section 179 of that Act (index of defined expressions)—
(a)in the appropriate places in alphabetical order there shall be inserted—
“needletime section 135A”, and
“terms of payment section 135A”, and
(b)in the entry for sound recordings, for “section 5” there shall be substituted “sections 5 and 135A”.
176Duty to provide advance information about programmes
(1)A person providing a programme service to which this section applies must make available in
accordance with this section information relating to the programmes to be included in the service to any
person (referred to in this section and Schedule 17 to this Act as “the publisher”) wishing to publish in the
United Kingdom any such information.
(2)The duty imposed by subsection (1) is to make available information as to the titles of the programmes
which are to be, or may be, included in the service on any date, and the time of their inclusion, to any
publisher who has asked the person providing the programme service to make such information available
to him and reasonably requires it.
(3)Information to be made available to a publisher under this section is to be made available as soon after it
has been prepared as is reasonably practicable but, in any event—
(a)not later than when it is made available to any other publisher, and
(b)in the case of information in respect of all the programmes to be included in the service in any period of
seven days, not later than the beginning of the preceding period of fourteen days, or such other number of
days as may be prescribed by the Secretary of State by order.
(4)An order under subsection (3) shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House
of Parliament.
(5)The duty imposed by subsection (1) is not satisfied by providing the information on terms, other than
terms as to copyright, prohibiting or restricting publication in the United Kingdom by the publisher.
(6)Schedule 17 applies to any information or future information which the person providing a programme
service to which this section applies is or may be required to make available under this section.
(7)For the purposes of this section and that Schedule, the following table shows the programme services to
which the section and Schedule apply and the persons who provide them or are to be treated as providing
them.
Services other than services under the Act
Television and national radio services provided by the BBC for reception in the United Kingdom The BBC
Services under the Act
Television programme services subject to regulation by the Independent Television Commission
The person licensed to provide the service
The television broadcasting service provided by the Welsh Authority The Authority
Any national service (see section 84(2)(a)(i)) subject to regulation by the Radio Authority The person licensed to provide the service
Services provided during interim period only
Television broadcasting services provided by the Independent Television Commission in accordance with Schedule 11, other than Channel 4
The programme contractor
Channel 4, as so provided The body corporate referred to in section 12(2) of the Broadcasting Act 1981
(8)This section does not require any information to be given about any advertisement.
PART XMISCELLANEOUS AND GENERAL Foreign satellite services
177Orders proscribing unacceptable foreign satellite services
(1)Subject to the following provisions of this section, the Secretary of State may make an order proscribing
a foreign satellite service for the purposes of section 178.
(2)If the Independent Television Commission or the Radio Authority consider that the quality of any relevant
foreign satellite service which is brought to their attention is unacceptable and that the service should be
the subject of an order under this section, they shall notify to the Secretary of State details of the service
and their reasons why they consider such an order should be made.
(3)The Independent Television Commission or (as the case may be) the Radio Authority shall not consider
a foreign satellite service to be unacceptable for the purposes of subsection (2) unless they are satisfied
that there is repeatedly contained in programmes included in the service matter which offends against good
taste or decency or is likely to encourage or incite to crime or to lead to disorder or to be offensive to public
feeling.
(4)Where the Secretary of State has been notified under subsection (2), he shall not make an order under
this section unless he is satisfied that the making of the order—
(a)is in the public interest; and
(b)is compatible with any international obligations of the United Kingdom.
(5)An order under this section—
(a)may make such provision for the purpose of identifying a particular foreign satellite service as the
Secretary of State thinks fit; and
(b)shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
(6)In this section and section 178—
• “foreign satellite service” means a service which consists wholly or mainly in the transmission by satellite from a
place outside the United Kingdom of television or sound programmes which are capable of being received in the
United Kingdom;
• “relevant foreign satellite service” means— (a)
in relation to the Independent Television Commission, a foreign satellite service which consists wholly or mainly in
the transmission of television programmes; and
(b)
in relation to the Radio Authority, a foreign satellite service which consists wholly or mainly in the transmission of
sound programmes.
178Offence of supporting proscribed foreign satellite services
(1)This section applies to any foreign satellite service which is proscribed for the purposes of this section by
virtue of an order under section 177; and references in this section to a proscribed service are references
to any such service.
(2)Any person who in the United Kingdom does any of the acts specified in subsection (3) shall be guilty of
an offence.
(3)Those acts are—
(a)supplying any equipment or other goods for use in connection with the operation or day-to-day running
of a proscribed service;
(b)supplying, or offering to supply, programme material to be included in any programme transmitted in the
provision of a proscribed service;
(c)arranging for, or inviting, any other person to supply programme material to be so included;
(d)advertising, by means of programmes transmitted in the provision of a proscribed service, goods
supplied by him or services provided by him;
(e)publishing the times or other details of any programmes which are to be transmitted in the provision of a
proscribed service or (otherwise than by publishing such details) publishing an advertisement of matter
calculated to promote a proscribed service (whether directly or indirectly);
(f)supplying or offering to supply any decoding equipment which is designed or adapted to be used
primarily for the purpose of enabling the reception of programmes transmitted in the provision of a
proscribed service.
(4)In any proceedings against a person for an offence under this section, it is a defence for him to prove
that he did not know, and had no reasonable cause to suspect, that the service in connection with which
the act was done was a proscribed service.
(5)A person who is guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable—
(a)on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding
the statutory maximum, or both;
(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine, or both.
(6)For the purposes of this section a person exposing decoding equipment for supply or having such
equipment in his possession for supply shall be deemed to offer to supply it.
(7)Section 46 of the [1987 c. 43.] Consumer Protection Act 1987 shall have effect for the purpose of
construing references in this section to the supply of any thing as it has effect for the purpose of construing
references in that Act to the supply of any goods.
(8)In this section “programme material” includes—
(a)a film (within the meaning of Part I of the [1988 c. 48.] Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988);
(b)any other recording; and
(c)any advertisement or other advertising material.
Unauthorised decoders
179Unauthorised decoders for encrypted services etc
(1)In the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 the following section shall be inserted after section
297—
“297AUnauthorised decoders
(1)A person who makes, imports, sells or lets for hire any unauthorised decoder shall be guilty of an
offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
(2)It is a defence to any prosecution for an offence under this section for the defendant to prove that he did
not know, and had no reasonable ground for knowing, that the decoder was an unauthorised decoder.
(3)In this section—
• “apparatus” includes any device, component or electronic data;
• “decoder” means any apparatus which is designed or adapted to enable (whether on its own or with any other
apparatus) an encrypted transmission to be decoded;
• “transmission” means any programme included in a broadcasting or cable programme service which is provided
from a place in the United Kingdom; and
• “unauthorised”, in relation to a decoder, means a decoder which will enable encrypted transmissions to be viewed
in decoded form without payment of the fee (however imposed) which the person making the transmission, or on
whose behalf it is made, charges for viewing those transmissions, or viewing any service of which they form part.”
(2)In section 299 of the Act of 1988 (fraudulent reception of programmes broadcast from countries or
territories outside the United Kingdom)—
(a)subsection (2) shall cease to have effect; and
(b)in subsection (5), after “297” there shall be inserted “, 297A”.
Television licensing
180Transfer to BBC of functions connected with television licences
(1)The [1949 c. 54.] Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 (“the 1949 Act”) shall have effect subject to the
amendments specified in Part I of Schedule 18 to this Act (by virtue of which functions of the Secretary of
State as respects the issue and renewal of television licences are transferred to the BBC).
(2)Section 3(3) of the [1969 c. 48.] Post Office Act 1969 (refunds in respect of wireless telegraphy licences)
shall not apply to sums which, by virtue of subsection (1) above, are paid to the BBC under section 2(1) of
the 1949 Act (fees and charges for licences); but refunds of sums so paid may be made by the BBC, out of
sums received by them under section 2(1) of the 1949 Act, in such cases or classes of cases as they may
determine.
(3)Except so far as required for the making of refunds under subsection (2) above, sums received by the
BBC under section 2(1) of the 1949 Act shall be paid into the Consolidated Fund.
(4)Part I of the [1967 c. 72.] Wireless Telegraphy Act 1967 (obtaining of information as to sale and hire of
television sets) shall have effect subject to the amendments specified in Part II of Schedule 18 to this Act
(by virtue of which all of the functions of the Secretary of State under that Part of that Act, apart from his
power to make regulations under section 2(7) or 6(1), are transferred to the BBC).
181Certain apparatus to be deemed to be apparatus for wireless telegraphy
(1)Any apparatus which—
(a)is connected to the telecommunication system by means of which a relevant cable service is provided,
and
(b)is so connected for the purpose of enabling any person to receive any programmes included in that
service by means of the reception and immediate re-transmission of programmes included in a television
broadcasting service,
shall be deemed for the purposes of the 1949 Act to be apparatus for wireless telegraphy.
(2)Any such apparatus shall, in addition, be deemed for the purposes of—
(a)section 1(7) of the 1949 Act (as amended by Part I of Schedule 18 to this Act), and
(b)any regulations made by the Secretary of State for the purposes of that provision under section 2 of that
Act,
to be television receiving apparatus.
(3)In this section “relevant cable service” means a service provided by any person to the extent that it
consists in the use of a telecommunication system (whether run by him or by any other person) for the
purpose of the delivery, otherwise than by wireless telegraphy, of programmes included in one or more
television broadcasting services, where such programmes are so delivered—
(a)for simultaneous reception at two or more places in the United Kingdom, or
(b)for reception at any place in the United Kingdom for the purpose of being presented there either to
members of the public or to any group of persons.
(4)In this section—
• “the 1949 Act” means the [1949 c. 54.] Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949;
• “connected” has the same meaning as in the [1984 c. 12.] Telecommunications Act 1984;
• “television broadcasting service” means a television broadcasting service within the meaning of Part I of this Act,
whether provided by the holder of a licence under that Part or by the BBC or the Welsh Authority or in accordance
with Part II of Schedule 11 to this Act.
Listed events
182Certain events not to be shown on pay-per-view terms
(1)The Independent Television Commission shall do all that they can to secure that any programme which
consists of or includes the whole or any part of a listed event shall not be included on pay-per-view terms in
any service provided by the holder of a licence granted by the Commission under Part I of this Act.
(2)Any such programme as is mentioned in subsection (1) shall not be included on pay-per-view terms in
any television broadcasting service provided by the BBC or the Welsh Authority.
(3)For the purposes of this section—
(a)a listed event is a sporting or other event of national interest which is for the time being included in a list
drawn up by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this section; and
(b)a programme is included in any service on pay-per-view terms if any payments falling to be made by
subscribers to that service will or may vary according to whether that programme is or is not actually
received by them.
(4)The Secretary of State shall not at any time draw up, revise or cease to maintain such a list as is
mentioned in subsection (3) unless he has first consulted—
(a)the BBC;
(b)the Welsh Authority;
(c)the Commission; and
(d)in relation to a relevant event, the person from whom the rights to televise that event may be acquired;
and for the purposes of this subsection a relevant event is a sporting or other event of national interest which
the Secretary of State proposes to include in, or omit from, the list.
(5)As soon as he has drawn up or revised such a list as is mentioned in subsection (3), the Secretary of
State shall publish the list in such manner as he considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of—
(a)the persons mentioned in subsection (4); and
(b)every person who is the holder of a licence granted by the Commission under Part I of this Act.
(6)Neither subsection (1) nor subsection (2) above shall apply in relation to the inclusion in such a service
as is mentioned in that subsection of a programme which consists of or includes a recording of the whole or
any part of any listed event where the programme is so included more than 48 hours after the original
recording was made.
(7)In this section “national interest” includes interest within England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Gaelic television programmes
183Financing of programmes in Gaelic out of Gaelic Television Fund
(1)The Secretary of State—
(a)may, for the financial year beginning with 1st April 1991, and
(b)shall, for each subsequent financial year,
pay to the Commission such amount as he may, with the approval of the Treasury, determine to be
appropriate for the purposes of this section.
(2)Any amount received by the Commission under subsection (1) shall be carried by them to the credit of a
fund established by them under this section, to be known as the Gaelic Television Fund (and any such
amount shall accordingly not be regarded as forming part of the revenues of the Commission).
(3)The Fund shall be under the management of a body established for the purposes of this section, which
shall be called Comataidh Telebhisein Gaidhlig (the Gaelic Television Committee) and shall consist of—
(a)a chairman appointed by the Commission; and
(b)such number of other members appointed by the Commission, not being less than four nor more than
eight, as they may from time to time determine.
(4)The Fund may be applied by the Committee—
(a)in the making of grants for the following purposes, namely—
(i)financing the making of television programmes in Gaelic primarily with a view to the broadcasting of such
programmes for reception in Scotland;
(ii)financing the training of persons employed or to be employed in connection with the making of such
programmes; and
(iii)other purposes connected with or related to the making of such programmes; and
(b)in financing the undertaking of research into the types of television programmes in Gaelic that members
of the Gaelic-speaking community would like to be broadcast.
(5)When making any grant out of the Fund in pursuance of subsection (4) the Committee may impose such
conditions as they think fit, including conditions requiring the grant to be repaid in specified circumstances.
(6)The Committee shall perform their functions under this section with respect to the making of grants out
of the Fund in such manner as they consider will secure that a wide range of high quality television
programmes in Gaelic are broadcast for reception in Scotland; but nothing in this section shall be construed
as authorising programmes to be commissioned by the Committee.
(7)The Commission shall so exercise their power under subsection (3) to appoint the members of the
Committee as to secure that a majority of the members are persons who appear to them to represent the
Gaelic-speaking community; and Schedule 19 to this Act shall have effect with respect to the Committee.
(8)Any sums required by the Secretary of State under subsection (1) shall be paid out of money provided
by Parliament.
(9)In this section, section 184 and Schedule 19—
• “the Commission” means the Independent Television Commission;
• “the Committee” means the body established under subsection (3) above;
• “Gaelic” means the Gaelic language as spoken in Scotland; and
• “for reception in Scotland” means for reception wholly or mainly in Scotland.
184Broadcasting of programmes in Gaelic on Channel 3 in Scotland
(1)Section 16 shall have effect in relation to any service to which this section applies as if the following
requirements were included among those specified in subsection (2) of that section, namely—
(a)that a suitable proportion of the programmes included in the service are programmes in Gaelic other
than funded Gaelic productions;
(b)that the service includes funded Gaelic productions of which—
(i)a suitable proportion are of high quality, and
(ii)a suitable proportion are shown at peak viewing times; and
(c)that (taking the programmes included in the service in accordance with paragraphs (a) and (b) above as
a whole) the service includes a wide range of programmes in Gaelic.
(2)In subsection (1) above “funded Gaelic productions” means programmes in Gaelic the making of which
has been wholly or partly financed out of grants made in pursuance of section 183(4) to the person
providing the service.
(3)The conditions which are, by virtue of section 33(1), to be included in a licence to provide a service to
which this section applies accordingly include conditions imposed for the purpose of securing that the
requirements specified in paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (1) above are complied with in relation to the
service.
(4)This section applies—
(a)to any regional Channel 3 service that is to be provided for an area the whole of which is in Scotland;
and
(b)if the Commission determine that it shall so apply, to any regional Channel 3 service that is to be
provided for an area the greater part of which is in Scotland.
(5)In this section “licence” and “regional Channel 3 service” have the same meaning as in Part I of this Act;
and subsection (9) of section 183 applies for the purposes of this section.
National television archive
185Contributions towards maintenance of national television archive
(1)The Commission shall, for the financial year which includes the commencement of this section and each
subsequent financial year, determine an aggregate amount which they consider it would be appropriate for
the holders of Channel 3 and Channel 5 licences to contribute, in accordance with this section, towards the
expenses incurred by the nominated body in connection with the maintenance by it of a national television
archive.
(2)In this section “the nominated body” means such body as may for the time being be nominated by the
Commission for the purposes of this section, being a body which—
(a)is for the time being a designated body for the purposes of section 75 of the [1988 c. 48.] Copyright,
Designs and Patents Act 1988 (recordings for archival purposes), and
(b)appears to the Commission to be in a position to maintain a national television archive.
(3)A Channel 3 or Channel 5 licence shall include conditions requiring the licence holder to pay to the
Commission, in respect of each of the financial years mentioned in subsection (1), such amount as they
may notify to him for the purposes of this section, being such proportion of the aggregate amount
determined for that year under that subsection as they consider appropriate (and different proportions may
be determined in relation to different persons).
(4)Any amount received by the Commission by virtue of subsection (3) shall be transmitted by them to the
nominated body.
(5)In this section—
• “the Commission” means the Independent Television Commission; and
• “Channel 3 licence” and “Channel 5 licence” have the same meaning as in Part I of this Act.
Duties of BBC as respects independent productions
186Duty of BBC to include independent productions in their television services
(1)It shall be the duty of the BBC to secure that, in each relevant period, not less than the prescribed
percentage of the total amount of time allocated to the broadcasting of qualifying programmes in the
television broadcasting services provided by them is allocated to the broadcasting of a range and diversity
of independent productions.
(2)In subsection (1)—
(a)“qualifying programmes” and “independent productions” have the same meaning as in section 16(2)(h),
and “the prescribed percentage” means the percentage for the time being specified in section 16(2)(h); and
(b)the reference to a range of independent productions is a reference to a range of such productions in
terms of cost of acquisition as well as in terms of the types of programme involved;
and before making an order under section 16(5) or (6) the Secretary of State shall (in addition to consulting
the Independent Television Commission in accordance with section 16(7)) consult the BBC.
(3)The Director General of Fair Trading (“the Director”) shall, in respect of each relevant period, make a
report to the Secretary of State on the extent to which the BBC have, in his opinion, performed their duty
under subsection (1) above in that period.
(4)A report made by the Director under subsection (3) may contain, in addition to his conclusions as to the
extent to which the BBC have performed that duty in the period in question—
(a)such an account of his reasons for those conclusions as is, in his opinion, expedient for facilitating a
proper understanding of those conclusions; and
(b)his observations, in the light of those conclusions and his reasons for them, with regard to—
(i)competition in connection with the production of television programmes for broadcasting by the BBC, or
(ii)matters appearing to him to arise out of, or to be conducive to, such competition.
(5)The Director may at any time make a report to the Secretary of State on any matter related to or
connected with the performance by the BBC of their duty under subsection (1); and any such report may
include observations by the Director on any matter falling within subsection (4)(b)(i) or (ii) and pertinent to
the subject-matter of the report.
(6)The Director shall publish any report made by him under this section in such manner as he considers
appropriate; and where he makes any report under this section he shall have regard to the need for
excluding from the report, so far as it is practicable to do so—
(a)any matter which relates to the private affairs of an individual, where in the opinion of the Director the
publication of that matter would or might seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that individual;
and
(b)any matter which relates specifically to the affairs of a body of persons (whether corporate or
unincorporate), where in the opinion of the Director—
(i)publication of that matter would or might seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that body, and
(ii)it is not necessary for the purposes of the report to include that matter as matter specifically relating to
that body.
(7)For the purposes of the law relating to defamation, absolute privilege shall attach to any report of the
Director under this section.
(8)In any proceedings relating to the performance by the BBC of their duty under subsection (1), any report
made by the Director under subsection (3)—
(a)shall be evidence of any facts stated in the report, and
(b)so far as it consists of any such conclusions as are mentioned in subsection (4), shall be evidence of the
extent to which the BBC have performed that duty in the relevant period in question;
and any document purporting to be a copy of any such report shall be received in evidence and shall be
deemed to be such a copy unless the contrary is shown.
(9)The following periods are relevant periods for the purposes of this section, namely—
(a)the period beginning with 1st January 1993 and ending with 31st March 1994;
(b)the financial year beginning with 1st April 1994; and
(c)each subsequent financial year.
187Information to be furnished by BBC for purposes of reports under section 186
(1)The Director may serve on the BBC a notice requiring them, at a time and place specified in the notice—
(a)to produce to him such documents specified or described in the notice (being documents in the custody
or under the control of the BBC), or
(b)to furnish him, in a form specified in the notice, with such estimates, returns or other information
specified or described in it,
as he may require for the purpose of making any report under section 186.
(2)The BBC shall not by virtue of subsection (1) be compelled—
(a)to produce any document which they could not be compelled to produce in civil proceedings before the
High Court or (in Scotland) the Court of Session, or
(b)in complying with any requirement for the furnishing of information, to give any information which they
could not be compelled to give in evidence in such proceedings.
(3)In this section “the Director” means the Director General of Fair Trading.
Power to give directions relating to international obligations
188Power to give broadcasting bodies etc. directions relating to international obligations
(1)A body to which this section applies shall carry out any functions which the Secretary of State may by
order direct them to carry out for the purpose of enabling Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom
to give effect to any international obligations of the United Kingdom.
(2)This section applies to—
(a)the BBC;
(b)the Independent Television Commission;
(c)the Welsh Authority;
(d)the Radio Authority; and
(e)the Broadcasting Standards Council.
(3)An order under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of
Parliament.
Matters relating to telecommunication systems
189Sharing of apparatus by operators of telecom- munication systems
(1)Where—
(a)the telecommunications code contained in Schedule 2 to the 1984 Act expressly or impliedly imposes
any limitation on the use to which any telecommunication apparatus installed by a person (“the operator”)
may be put, and
(b)the operator is a party to a relevant agreement,
that limitation shall not have effect so as to preclude the doing of anything which is done in relation to that
apparatus in pursuance of that agreement; and anything which is so done shall be disregarded in
determining, for the purposes of the telecommunications code as it applies in relation to the operator, the
purposes for which that apparatus is used.
(2)In this section “relevant agreement”, in relation to any telecommunication apparatus, means an
agreement in writing—
(a)to which the parties are either—
(i)two or more persons to whom this section applies, or
(ii)one or more persons to whom this section applies and one or more telecommunications operators who
are not such persons; and
(b)which relates to the sharing by those persons of the use of that apparatus.
(3)Subsection (1) shall not be construed, in relation to a person who is authorised by a relevant agreement
to share the use of any apparatus installed by another party to the agreement, as affecting any requirement
on him (whether imposed by any statutory provision or otherwise) to obtain any consent or permission in
connection with the installation by him of any apparatus, or the doing by him of any other thing, in
pursuance of the agreement.
(4)This section applies to—
(a)the holder of a licence to provide a local delivery service within the meaning of Part II of this Act;
(b)the holder of any licence to provide a prescribed diffusion service continued in force by, or granted
under, Part II of Schedule 12 to this Act;
(c)a telecommunications operator in his capacity as a person providing the means of delivery for the
service provided under his licence by a person falling within paragraph (a) or (b) above; and
(d)the company nominated for the purposes of section 127(1).
(5)In this section—
• “the 1984 Act” means the [1984 c. 12.] Telecommunications Act 1984;
• “statutory provision” means any provision of an enactment or of an instrument having effect under an enactment;
• “telecommunication apparatus” has the same meaning as in Schedule 2 to the 1984 Act;
• “telecommunications operator” means a person who runs a telecommunication system the running of which is, or
is not required to be, licensed under Part II of the 1984 Act.
190Modification of certain references in Telecom- munications Act licences
(1)This section applies to licences which have been granted under section 7 of the Telecommunications
Act 1984 (licensing of telecommunication systems) before the transfer date and continue in force on or
after that date.
(2)In any licence to which this section applies, any reference (however expressed) to a cable programme
service sent under a licence granted under section 4 of the Cable Act shall be construed, as from the
transfer date, as a reference to a licensable service within the meaning of Part I of that Act (other than an
exempt service), whether sent—
(a)under a diffusion licence which is continued in force by, or granted under, Part II of Schedule 12 to this
Act, or
(b)under a local delivery licence granted under this Act,
or otherwise.
(3)Where any licence to which this section applies (“the telecommunications licence”) authorises the
Secretary of State to revoke that licence in the event of the revocation of a licence granted under section 4
of the Cable Act in respect of the licensed systems (“the cable licence”), he may similarly revoke the
telecommunications licence in the event of the revocation of any licence granted in respect of the licensed
systems, in succession to the cable licence, under or in pursuance of any of paragraphs 2 to 4 in Part II of
Schedule 12 to this Act.
(4)Where any licence to which this section applies (“the telecommunications licence”) provides for that
licence to remain in force so long as there remains in force in respect of the licensed systems a licence
granted under section 4 of the Cable Act (“the cable licence”), then if a local delivery licence is granted in
respect of the licensed system, in succession to the cable licence, in pursuance of paragraph 6 in Part II of
Schedule 12 to this Act, the telecommunications licence shall (subject to the terms contained in it) remain
in force so long as that local delivery licence remains in force.
(5)In this section—
• “the Cable Act” means the [1984 c. 46.] Cable and Broadcasting Act 1984;
• “diffusion licence” means a licence to provide a prescribed diffusion service or other diffusion service within the
meaning of Part I of the Cable Act;
• “exempt service” means a service falling within any description of services exempted from licensing under Part I of
the Cable Act by virtue of an order in force under section 3 of that Act immediately before the transfer date;
• “the licensed systems”, in relation to a licence to which this section applies, means the telecommunication systems
the running of which is authorised by the licence;
• “local delivery licence” has the same meaning as in Part II of this Act;
• “the transfer date” means the day appointed under section 127(1);
and any reference to a licence granted under section 4 of the Cable Act includes, in relation to a licence to
which this section applies (“the relevant licence”), a reference to a licence granted under section 58 of
the [1984 c. 12.] Telecommunications Act 1984 (whether described in the relevant licence in those terms or
in any other way).
191Revocation of class licence to run broadcast relay systems
The licence entitled “Class Licence to run Broadcast Relay Systems”, which was granted by the Secretary of
State on 25th November 1986 under section 7 of the Telecommunications Act 1984, is hereby revoked.
Application of competition legislation
192Application of provisions of Fair Trading Act 1973 to broadcasting and telecommunication services
(1)In section 137(3) of the [1973 c. 41.] Fair Trading Act 1973 (definition of “supply of services”), there shall
be inserted after paragraph (e) “and
(f)includes the making of arrangements, by means of such an agreement as is mentioned in section 189(2)
of the Broadcasting Act 1990, for the sharing of the use of any telecommunication apparatus (within the
meaning of Schedule 2 to the Telecommunications Act 1984).”
(2)It is hereby declared for the avoidance of doubt that the provision of a broadcasting service is not a
service falling within paragraph 7 of Schedule 5 to the Fair Trading Act 1973 (restriction on making
references under section 14, 50 or 51 of the Act in connection with telecommunication services) by reason
of the fact that the broadcasting service is provided by means of the running of any such system as is
mentioned in that paragraph.
(3)In subsection (2) “broadcasting service” means—
(a)a programme service; or
(b)a local delivery service (within the meaning of Part II of this Act).
(4)In Part I of Schedule 7 to the [1973 c. 41.] Fair Trading Act 1973, paragraphs 8 and 9 (provision of
programmes for transmission by Independent Broadcasting Authority, or of licensed cable programme
services, wholly excluded from references under section 50 or 51 of the Act) shall cease to have effect.
193Modification of networking arrangements in consequence of reports under competition legislation
(1)The Secretary of State may, in any of the circumstances in which this subsection has effect, by order
provide for any networking arrangements specified in the order to have effect with such modifications as
appear to him to be appropriate.
(2)Subsection (1) shall have effect in the following circumstances, namely—
(a)where the circumstances are as mentioned in section 56(1) of the Fair Trading Act 1973 (order on report
on monopoly reference) and the monopoly situation exists in connection with the provision of programmes
for broadcasting in regional Channel 3 services;
(b)where the circumstances are as mentioned in section 73(1) of that Act (order on report on merger
reference) and one or more of the enterprises which ceased to be distinct enterprises was engaged in the
provision of such programmes; and
(c)where the circumstances are as mentioned in section 10(1) of the [1980 c. 21.] Competition Act 1980
(order on report on competition reference) and the anti-competitive practice was pursued in connection with
the provision of such programmes.
(3)An order under subsection (1) shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House
of Parliament.
(4)In this section—
• “networking arrangements” means any such arrangements as are mentioned in section 39(1) above;
• “regional Channel 3 service” has the meaning given by section 14(6) above;
and any expression used in this section which is also used in the Fair Trading Act 1973 or the Competition
Act 1980 has the same meaning as in that Act.
194Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1976 not to apply to networking arrangements
(1)The [1976 c. 34.] Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1976 shall not apply, and shall be deemed never to
have applied, to any relevant networking arrangements which are specified, or are of a description
specified, in an order made by the Secretary of State (whether before or after the making of those
arrangements) and which satisfy such conditions as may be so specified.
(2)In subsection (1) “relevant networking arrangements” means—
(a)any arrangements entered into as mentioned in section 39(4) or (7)(b) above, or
(b)any agreement not falling within paragraph (a) but made for the purpose mentioned in section 39(1)
above.
(3)Before making an order under subsection (1) the Secretary of State shall consult the Independent
Television Commission and the Director General of Fair Trading; and such an order shall be subject to
annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
General
195Offences by bodies corporate
(1)Where a body corporate is guilty of an offence under this Act and that offence is proved to have been
committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of, any
director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate or any person who was purporting
to act in any such capacity, then he, as well as the body corporate, shall be guilty of that offence and shall
be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.
(2)Where the affairs of a body corporate are managed by its members, subsection (1) above shall apply in
relation to the acts and defaults of a member in connection with his functions of management as if he were
a director of the body corporate.
196Entry and search of premises
(1)If a justice of the peace is satisfied by information on oath—
(a)that there is reasonable ground for suspecting that an offence under section 13, 82 or 97 has been or is
being committed on any premises specified in the information, and
(b)that evidence of the commission of the offence is to be found on those premises,
he may grant a search warrant conferring power on any person or persons authorised in that behalf by the
relevant authority to enter and search the premises specified in the information at any time within one month
from the date of the warrant.
(2)In subsection (1) “the relevant authority”—
(a)in relation to an offence under section 13 or 82, means the Independent Television Commission; and
(b)in relation to an offence under section 97, means the Radio Authority.
(3)A person who intentionally obstructs a person in the exercise of powers conferred on him under this
section shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the fifth level
on the standard scale.
(4)A person who discloses, otherwise than for the purposes of any legal proceedings or of a report of any
such proceedings, any information obtained by means of an exercise of powers conferred by this section
shall be guilty of an offence and liable—
(a)on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;
(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine, or both.
(5)In the application of this section to Scotland, for the reference to a justice of the peace there shall be
substituted a reference to the sheriff and for any reference to information on oath there shall be substituted
a reference to evidence on oath.
(6)In the application of this section to Northern Ireland, for the reference to a justice of the peace there shall
be substituted a reference to a resident magistrate and for any reference to information on oath there shall
be substituted a reference to a complaint on oath.
197Restriction on disclosure of information
(1)Subject to subsections (2) to (4), no information with respect to any particular business which has been
obtained under or by virtue of this Act shall, so long as that business continues to be carried on, be
disclosed without the consent of the person for the time being carrying on that business.
(2)Subsection (1) does not apply to any disclosure of information which is made—
(a)for the purpose of facilitating the performance of—
(i)any functions of the Independent Television Commission, the Welsh Authority or the Radio Authority
under this Act or the 1988 Regulations, or
(ii)any functions of the Director General of Fair Trading, the Secretary of State or the Monopolies and
Mergers Commission under the [1973 c. 41.] Fair Trading Act 1973 (excluding Parts II, III and XI of that
Act), the [1976 c. 34.] Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1976, the [1980 c. 21.] Competition Act 1980 or this
Act or the 1988 Regulations;
(b)in connection with the investigation of any criminal offence or for the purposes of any criminal
proceedings or a report of any such proceedings;
(c)for the purposes of any civil proceedings brought under or by virtue of the Fair Trading Act 1973
(excluding Part III), the Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1976 or this Act or the 1988 Regulations, or for the
purposes of a report of any such proceedings; or
(d)in pursuance of any Community obligation.
(3)Nothing in subsection (1) shall be construed—
(a)as limiting the matters which may be included in, or be made public as part of, a report under section
186 above or under Schedule 4 to this Act, or
(b)as applying to any information which has been made public as part of such a report.
(4)Subsection (1) does not apply to any information obtained as mentioned in section 196(4) above.
(5)The following provisions, namely—
(a)section 133(1) of the Fair Trading Act 1973,
(b)section 41(1) of the Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1976, and
(c)section 19(1) of the Competition Act 1980,
shall not apply to any disclosure of information which is made for the purpose of facilitating the performance
of any functions of the Independent Television Commission, the Welsh Authority or the Radio Authority under
this Act or the 1988 Regulations.
(6)Any person who discloses any information in contravention of subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence
and liable—
(a)on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;
(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine, or both.
(7)In this section “the 1988 Regulations” means the [S.I. 1988/915.] Control of Misleading Advertisements
Regulations 1988.
198Financial provisions
(1)There shall be paid out of money provided by Parliament any increase attributable to this Act in the
sums payable out of money so provided under any other Act.
(2)Any sums received by the Secretary of State by virtue of this Act shall be paid into the Consolidated
Fund.
199Notices
(1)Subsections (2) to (4) below have effect in relation to any notice required or authorised by or under this
Act to be served on or given to any person other than the Secretary of State.
(2)Any such notice shall be in writing and may be served on or given to the person in question—
(a)by delivering it to him,
(b)by leaving it at his proper address, or
(c)by sending it by post to him at that address.
(3)Any such notice may—
(a)in the case of a body corporate, be served on or given to the secretary or clerk of that body;
(b)in the case of a partnership, be served on or given to any partner or any person having the control or
management of the partnership business;
(c)in the case of an unincorporated association other than a partnership, be served on or given to any
member of the governing body of the association.
(4)For the purposes of this section and section 7 of the [1978 c. 30.] Interpretation Act 1978 (service of
documents by post) in its application to this section, the proper address of any person on or to whom a
notice is to be served or given shall be his last known address, except that—
(a)where it is to be served on or given to a body corporate or its secretary or clerk, it shall be the address of
the registered or principal office of the body; and
(b)where it is to be served on or given to a partnership or a partner or a person having the control or
management of a partnership business, it shall be the address of the principal office of the partnership;
and, in relation to a company registered outside the United Kingdom or a partnership carrying on business
outside the United Kingdom, the reference in paragraph (a) or (b) to its principal office includes a reference
to its principal office within the United Kingdom (if any).
(5)Any notice served—
(a)by the Independent Television Commission under section 21, 41, 42 or 55, or
(b)by the Radio Authority under section 103, 109, 110, 111, or 120,
shall be published in such manner as that body consider appropriate, and shall be so published as soon as
reasonably practicable after it is served.
(6)In this section (except in subsection (5)) “notice” includes any notification.
200Regulations and orders
(1)Any power of the Secretary of State to make regulations or an order under this Act shall be exercisable
by statutory instrument.
(2)Any regulations or order made by the Secretary of State under this Act may make—
(a)different provision for different cases; and
(b)such supplemental, incidental, consequential or transitional provision or savings as the Secretary of
State considers appropriate.
201Programme services
(1)In this Act “programme service” means any of the following services (whether or not it is, or it requires to
be, licensed under this Act), namely—
(a)any television broadcasting service or other television programme service (within the meaning of Part I
of this Act);
(b)any sound broadcasting service or licensable sound programme service (within the meaning of Part III of
this Act);
(c)any other service which consists in the sending, by means of a telecommunication system, of sounds or
visual images or both either—
(i)for reception at two or more places in the United Kingdom (whether they are so sent for simultaneous
reception or at different times in response to requests made by different users of the service); or
(ii)for reception at a place in the United Kingdom for the purpose of being presented there to members of
the public or to any group of persons.
(2)Subsection (1)(c) does not apply to—
(a)a local delivery service (within the meaning of Part II of this Act);
(b)a service where the running of the telecommunication system does not require to be licensed under Part
II of the [1984 c. 12.] Telecommunications Act 1984; or
(c)a two-way service (as defined by section 46(2)(c)).
202General interpretation
(1)In this Act (unless the context otherwise requires)—
• “advertising agent” shall be construed in accordance with subsection (7);
• “the BBC” means the British Broadcasting Corporation;
• “body”, without more, means a body of persons whether incorporated or not, and includes a partnership;
• “broadcast” means broadcast by wireless telegraphy;
• “connected”, in relation to any licence, shall be construed in accordance with paragraph 3 in Part I of Schedule 2;
• “control”, in relation to a body, has the meaning given by paragraph 1(1) in that Part of that Schedule;
• “dwelling-house” includes a hotel, inn, boarding-house or other similar establishment;
• “financial year” shall be construed in accordance with subsection (2);
• “frequency” includes frequency band;
• “modifications” includes additions, alterations and omissions;
• “pension scheme” means a scheme for the payment of pensions, allowances or gratuities;
• “programme” includes an advertisement and, in relation to any service, includes any item included in that service;
• “telecommunication system” has the same meaning as in the [1984 c. 12.] Telecommunications Act 1984;
• “the Welsh Authority” means the authority renamed Sianel Pedwar Cymru by section 56(1);
• “wireless telegraphy” and “station for wireless telegraphy” have the same meaning as in the [1949 c. 54.] Wireless
Telegraphy Act 1949.
(2)In any provision of—
(a)section 148 or 160, or
(b)Schedule 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 13, 14 or 19,
“financial year” means a financial year of the body with which that provision is concerned; and in any other
provision of this Act “financial year” means the twelve months ending with 31st March.
(3)In this Act—
(a)references to pensions, allowances or gratuities include references to like benefits to be given on death
or retirement; and
(b)any reference to the payment of pensions, allowances or gratuities to or in respect of any persons
includes a reference to the making of payments towards provision for the payment of pensions, allowances
or gratuities to or in respect of those persons.
(4)Any reference in this Act (however expressed) to a licence under this Act being in force is a reference to
its being in force so as to authorise the provision under the licence of the licensed service; and any such
reference shall accordingly not be construed as prejudicing the operation of any provisions of such a
licence which are intended to have effect otherwise than at a time when the licensed service is authorised
to be so provided.
(5)It is hereby declared that, for the purpose of determining for the purposes of any provision of this Act
whether a service is—
(a)for general reception, or capable of being received, within the United Kingdom or elsewhere, or
(b)for reception at any place or places, or in any area, in the United Kingdom,
the fact that the service has been encrypted to any extent shall be disregarded.
(6)Any reference in this Act, in relation to a service consisting of programmes transmitted by satellite—
(a)to a person by whom the programmes are transmitted, or
(b)to a place from which the programmes are transmitted,
is a reference to a person by whom, or a place from which, the programmes are transmitted to the satellite
by means of which the service is provided.
(7)For the purposes of this Act—
(a)a person shall not be regarded as carrying on business as an advertising agent, or as acting as such an
agent, unless he carries on a business involving the selection and purchase of advertising time or space for
persons wishing to advertise;
(b)a person who carries on such a business shall be regarded as carrying on business as an advertising
agent irrespective of whether in law he is the agent of those for whom he acts;
(c)a person who is the proprietor of a newspaper shall not be regarded as carrying on business as an
advertising agent by reason only that he makes arrangements on behalf of advertisers whereby
advertisements appearing in the newspaper are also to appear in one or more other newspapers;
(d)a company or other body corporate shall not be regarded as carrying on business as an advertising
agent by reason only that its objects or powers include or authorise that activity.
203Consequential and transitional provisions
(1)The enactments mentioned in Schedule 20 to this Act shall have effect subject to the amendments there
specified (being minor amendments or amendments consequential on the provisions of this Act).
(2)Unless the context otherwise requires, in any enactment amended by this Act—
• “programme”, in relation to a programme service, includes any item included in that service; and
• “television programme” includes a teletext transmission.
(3)The enactments mentioned in Schedule 21 to this Act (which include certain spent provisions) are
hereby repealed to the extent specified in the third column of that Schedule.
(4)The transitional provisions and savings contained in Schedule 22 to this Act shall have effect.
204Short title, commencement and extent
(1)This Act may be cited as the Broadcasting Act 1990.
(2)This Act shall come into force on such day as the Secretary of State may by order appoint; and different
days may be so appointed for different provisions or for different purposes.
(3)Subject to subsections (4) and (5), this Act extends to the whole of the United Kingdom.
(4)In Part VII—
(a)section 162 and Schedule 15 extend to England and Wales only;
(b)section 163 extends to Scotland only;
(c)section 164 extends to England and Wales and Scotland; and
(d)section 165 extends to Northern Ireland only.
(5)The amendments and repeals in Schedules 20 and 21 have the same extent as the enactments to which
they refer.
(6)Her Majesty may by Order in Council direct that any of the provisions of this Act shall extend to the Isle
of Man or any of the Channel Islands with such modifications, if any, as appear to Her Majesty to be
appropriate.
SCHEDULES
Section 1. SCHEDULE 1THE INDEPENDENT TELEVISION COMMISSION: SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS Status and capacity
1(1)The Commission shall be a body corporate.
(2)The Commission shall not be treated for the purposes of the enactments and rules of law relating to the
privileges of the Crown as a body exercising functions on behalf of the Crown.
(3)It shall be within the capacity of the Commission as a statutory corporation to do such things and enter
into such transactions as are incidental or conducive to the discharge of their functions under this Act,
including (subject to sub-paragraph (4)) the borrowing of money.
(4)The power of the Commission to borrow money (otherwise than under paragraph 13) shall not be
exercised by them except with the consent of, or in accordance with a general authority given by, the
Secretary of State.
Appointment of members
2(1)A person shall be disqualified for being a member of the Commission so long as he is—
(a)a governor or employee of the BBC;
(b)a member or employee of the Corporation;
(c)a member or employee of the Broadcasting Complaints Commission; or
(d)a member or employee of the Broadcasting Standards Council established by this Act.
(2)The members of the Commission shall not at any time include more than one person who is either a
member or an employee of the Welsh Authority.
(3)Three out of the members of the Commission other than the chairman and deputy chairman shall be
persons who appear to the Secretary of State to be suited to make the interests of Scotland, Wales and
Northern Ireland, respectively, their special care.
(4)Before appointing a person to be a member of the Commission, the Secretary of State shall satisfy
himself that that person will have no such financial or other interest as is likely to affect prejudicially the
discharge by him of his functions as a member of the Commission; and the Secretary of State shall also
satisfy himself from time to time with respect to every member of the Commission that he has no such
interest.
(5)Any person who is, or whom the Secretary of State proposes to appoint to be, a member of the
Commission shall, whenever requested by the Secretary of State to do so, furnish him with such
information as the Secretary of State considers necessary for the performance by him of his duties under
sub-paragraph (4).
Tenure of office
3(1)Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, each member of the Commission shall hold and
vacate office in accordance with the terms of his appointment.
(2)A person shall not be appointed to be a member of the Commission for more than five years at a time.
(3)Any member of the Commission may at any time resign his office by notice in writing to the Secretary of
State.
Remuneration and pensions of members
4(1)The Commission may pay to each member such remuneration and allowances as the Secretary of
State may determine.
(2)The Commission may pay or make provision for paying to or in respect of any member such sums by
way of pensions, allowances or gratuities as the Secretary of State may determine.
(3)Where a person ceases to be a member otherwise than on the expiry of his term of office and it appears
to the Secretary of State that there are special circumstances which make it right for him to receive
compensation, the Commission may make a payment to him of such amount as the Secretary of State may
determine.
(4)The approval of the Treasury shall be required for any determination under this paragraph.
Disqualification of members of Commission for House of Commons and Northern Ireland Assembly
5In Part II of Schedule 1 to the [1975 c. 24.] House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 (bodies of which
all members are disqualified) there shall be inserted at the appropriate place—
“The Independent Television Commission”;
and a corresponding amendment shall be made in Part II of Schedule 1 to the [1975 c. 25.] Northern Ireland
Assembly Disqualification Act 1975.
Proceedings
6(1)Subject to paragraph 7, the quorum of the Commission and the arrangements relating to their meetings
shall be such as the Commission may determine.
(2)The arrangements may provide for the discharge, under the general direction of the Commission, of any
of the Commission’s functions by a committee or by one or more of the members or employees of the
Commission.
7(1)A member who is in any way directly or indirectly interested in any matter that is brought up for
consideration at a meeting of the Commission shall disclose the nature of his interest to the meeting; and,
where such a disclosure is made—
(a)the disclosure shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting, and
(b)(subject to sub-paragraph (2)) the member shall not take any part in any deliberation or decision of the
Commission, or of any of their committees, with respect to that matter.
(2)Sub-paragraph (1)(b) shall not apply in relation to any meeting of the Commission at which all of the
other members present resolve that the member’s interest should be disregarded for the purposes of that
provision.
(3)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1), a general notification given at a meeting of the Commission by a
member to the effect that he is a member of a specified company or firm and is to be regarded as
interested in any matter involving that company or firm shall be regarded as a sufficient disclosure of his
interest in relation to any such matter.
(4)A member need not attend in person at a meeting of the Commission in order to make a disclosure
which he is required to make under this paragraph if he takes reasonable steps to secure that the
disclosure is made by a notice which is taken into consideration and read at the meeting.
(5)In this paragraph references to a meeting of the Commission include references to a meeting of any of
their committees.
8The validity of any proceedings of the Commission shall not be affected by any vacancy among the
members or by any defect in the appointment of a member or by any failure to comply with the
requirements of paragraph 7.
Employees of the Commission
9(1)The Commission shall appoint a secretary and may appoint such other employees as they may
determine.
(2)If the Commission determine to do so in the case of any of their employees, the Commission shall pay to
or in respect of those employees such pensions, allowances or gratuities, or provide and maintain for them
such pension schemes (whether contributory or not), as the Commission may determine.
(3)If any employee of the Commission—
(a)is a participant in any pension scheme applicable to his employment, and
(b)becomes a member of the Commission,
he may, if the Secretary of State so determines, be treated for the purposes of the pension scheme as if his
service as a member of the Commission were service as an employee of the Commission.
Authentication of Commission’s seal
10The application of the seal of the Commission shall be authenticated by the signature of the chairman or
of some other person authorised for the purpose.
Presumption of authenticity of documents issued by Commission
11Any document purporting to be an instrument issued by the Commission and to be duly executed under
the seal of the Commission or to be signed on behalf of the Commission shall be received in evidence and
shall be deemed to be such an instrument unless the contrary is shown.
Finances of Commission
12(1)It shall be the duty of the Commission so to conduct their affairs as to secure that their revenues
become at the earliest possible date, and continue thereafter, at least sufficient to enable them to meet
their obligations and to discharge their functions under this Act.
(2)Any excess of the Commission’s revenues for any financial year over the sums required by them for that
year for meeting their obligations and discharging their functions under this Act shall be applied by the
Commission in such manner as the Secretary of State may direct with the approval of the Treasury and
after consultation with the Commission.
(3)A direction under sub-paragraph (2) may require the whole or any part of any excess of the revenues of
the Commission to be paid into the Consolidated Fund.
Advances to Commission
13(1)For the purpose of—
(a)furnishing the Commission with working capital, or
(b)enabling them to meet any capital expenditure,
the Secretary of State may, with the consent of the Treasury, make advances to the Commission out of
money provided by Parliament.
(2)The aggregate amount outstanding by way of principal in respect of sums advanced to the Commission
under this paragraph shall not at any time exceed £5 million.
(3)Any sums advanced under this paragraph shall be repaid to the Secretary of State at such times and by
such methods, and interest on those sums shall be paid to him at such times and at such rates, as he may
from time to time direct with the consent of the Treasury.
Accounts and audit
14(1)The Commission shall keep proper accounts and proper records in relation to the accounts, and shall
prepare in respect of each financial year a statement of accounts in such form as the Secretary of State
may direct with the approval of the Treasury.
(2)The accounts of the Commission shall be audited by auditors to be appointed by the Commission with
the approval of the Secretary of State.
(3)A person shall not be qualified to be appointed as an auditor in pursuance of sub-paragraph (2) unless
he is a member of one or more of the following bodies—
• the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales;
• the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland;
• the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants;
• the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland;
• any other body of accountants established in the United Kingdom and for the time being recognised for the
purposes of section 389(1)(a) of the [1985 c. 6.] Companies Act 1985 by the Secretary of State,
but a Scottish firm may be so appointed if each of the partners in the firm is qualified to be so appointed.
(4)The Commission shall at all reasonable times upon demand made by the Secretary of State or by any
persons authorised by him in that behalf—
(a)afford to him or them full liberty to examine the accounts of the Commission; and
(b)furnish him or them with all forecasts, estimates, information and documents which he or they may
require with respect to the financial transactions and commitments of the Commission.
Annual reports
15(1)As soon as possible after the end of every financial year, the Commission shall prepare a general
report of their proceedings during that year, and transmit it to the Secretary of State who shall lay copies of
it before each House of Parliament.
(2)The report shall include a report by the Commission on the extent to which holders of Channel 3 or
Channel 5 licences have failed to comply with the conditions included in their licences in pursuance of
section 33(1)(a).
(3)The report shall have attached to it the statement of accounts for the year and a copy of any report
made by the auditors on that statement, and shall include such information (including information relating to
the financial position of the Commission) as the Secretary of State may from time to time direct.
Advisory committees
16The Commission may appoint, or arrange for the assistance of, advisory committees to give advice to
them on such matters relating to the Commission’s functions as the Commission may determine.
Sections 5 and 88. SCHEDULE 2RESTRICTIONS ON THE HOLDING OF LICENCES PART IGENERAL 1(1)In this Schedule—
• “advertising agency” means an individual or a body corporate who carries on business as an advertising agent
(whether alone or in partnership) or has control over any body corporate which carries on business as an
advertising agent, and any reference to an advertising agency includes a reference to an individual who—
(a)
is a director or officer of any body corporate which carries on such a business, or
(b)
is employed by any person who carries on such a business;
• “associate”— (a)
in relation to a body corporate, means a director of that body corporate or a body corporate which is a member of
the same group as that body corporate, and
(b)
in relation to an individual, shall be construed in accordance with sub-paragraph (2);
• “control”— (a)
in relation to a body corporate, shall be construed in accordance with sub-paragraph (3), and
(b)
in relation to any body other than a body corporate, means the power of a person to secure, by virtue of the rules
regulating that or any other body, that the affairs of the first-mentioned body are conducted in accordance with the
wishes of that person;
• “equity share capital” has the same meaning as in the [1985 c. 6.] Companies Act 1985;
• “local authority”— (a)
in relation to England and Wales, means any of the following, that is to say, the council of a county, district or
London borough, the Common Council of the City of London and the Council of the Isles of Scilly;
(b)
in relation to Scotland, means a regional, islands or district council; and
(c)
in relation to Northern Ireland, means a district council;
• “local delivery licence” has the meaning given by section 72(5), and “local delivery service” has the meaning given
by section 72(1);
• “participant”, in relation to a body corporate, means a person who holds or is beneficially entitled to shares in that
body or who possesses voting power in that body.
(2)For the purpose of determining the persons who are an individual’s associates for the purposes of this
Schedule, the following persons shall be regarded as associates of each other, namely—
(a)any individual and that individual’s husband or wife and any relative, or husband or wife of a relative, of
that individual or of that individual’s husband or wife;
(b)any individual and any body corporate of which that individual is a director;
(c)any person in his capacity as trustee of a settlement and the settlor or grantor and any person
associated with the settlor or grantor;
(d)persons carrying on business in partnership and the husband or wife and relatives of any of them;
(e)any two or more persons acting together to secure or exercise control of a body corporate or other
association or to secure control of any enterprise or assets;
and in this sub-paragraph “relative” means a brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, lineal ancestor or
descendant (the stepchild or illegitimate child of any person, or anyone adopted by a person, whether legally
or otherwise, as his child, being regarded as a relative or taken into account to trace a relationship in the
same way as that person’s child); and references to a wife or husband shall include a former wife or husband
and a reputed wife or husband.
(3)For the purposes of this Schedule a person controls a body corporate if—
(a)he has a controlling interest in the body, or
(b)(although not having such an interest in the body) he is able, by virtue of the holding of shares or the
possession of voting power in or in relation to the body or any other body corporate, to secure that the
affairs of the body are conducted in accordance with his wishes, or
(c)he has the power, by virtue of any powers conferred by the articles of association or other document
regulating the body or any other body corporate, to secure that the affairs of the body are so conducted;
and for this purpose a person has a controlling interest in a body corporate if he holds, or is beneficially
entitled to, more than 50 per cent. of the equity share capital in that body, or possesses more than 50 per
cent. of the voting power in it.
(4)It is hereby declared that a person may be regarded as controlling a body corporate by virtue of
paragraph (b) of sub-paragraph (3) despite the fact that—
(a)he does not have a controlling interest in any such other body corporate as is mentioned in that
paragraph, or
(b)any such other body corporate does not have a controlling interest in the body in question, or
(c)he and any such other body corporate together do not have a controlling interest in that body.
(5)For the purposes of any provision of this Schedule which refers to a body controlled by two or more
persons or bodies of any description taken together, the persons or bodies in question shall not be
regarded as controlling the body by virtue of paragraph (b) of sub-paragraph (3) unless they are acting
together in concert.
(6)In this Schedule any reference to a participant with more than a 5 per cent. or (as the case may be) 20
per cent. interest in a body corporate is a reference to a person who—
(a)holds or is beneficially entitled to more than 5 or (as the case may be) 20 per cent. of the shares in that
body, or
(b)possesses more than 5 or (as the case may be) 20 per cent. of the voting power in that body;
and, where any such reference has been amended by an order under this Schedule varying the percentage
in question, this sub-paragraph shall have effect in relation to it subject to the necessary modifications.
2(1)Any reference in paragraph 1 above to a person—
(a)holding or being entitled to shares, or any amount of the shares or equity share capital, in a body
corporate, or
(b)possessing voting power, or any amount of the voting power, in a body corporate,
is a reference to his doing so, or being so entitled, whether alone or jointly with one or more other persons
and whether directly or through one or more nominees.
(2)For the purposes of that paragraph two bodies corporate shall be treated as members of the same group
if—
(a)one of them is a body corporate of which the other is a subsidiary, or
(b)both of them are subsidiaries of another body corporate.
(3)In sub-paragraph (2) “subsidiary” has the meaning given by section 736 of the [1985 c. 6.] Companies
Act 1985.
3For the purposes of this Schedule the following persons are connected with each other in relation to a
particular licence, namely—
(a)the licence holder;
(b)a person who controls the licence holder;
(c)an associate of the licence holder or of a person falling within sub-paragraph (b); and
(d)a body which is controlled by the licence holder or by an associate of the licence holder.
4An order under this Schedule shall not be made by the Secretary of State unless a draft of it has been laid
before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.
PART IIDISQUALIFICATION FOR HOLDING LICENCES General disqualification of non-EEC nationals and bodies having political connections
1(1)Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the following persons are disqualified persons in relation to a licence
granted by the Commission or the Authority—
(a)an individual who is neither—
(i)a national of a member State who is ordinarily resident within the European Economic Community, nor
(ii)ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands;
(b)a body corporate which is neither—
(i)a body formed under the law of a member State which has its registered or head office or principal place
of business within the European Economic Community, nor
(ii)a body incorporated under the law of the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands;
(c)a local authority;
(d)a body whose objects are wholly or mainly of a political nature;
(e)a body affiliated to a body falling within paragraph (d);
(f)an individual who is an officer of a body falling within paragraph (d) or (e);
(g)a body corporate which is an associate of a body corporate falling within paragraph (d) or (e);
(h)a body corporate in which a body falling within any of paragraphs (c) to (e) and (g) is a participant with
more than a 5 per cent. interest;
(i)a body which is controlled by a person falling within any of paragraphs (a) to (g) or by two or more such
persons taken together; and
(j)a body corporate in which a body falling within paragraph (i), other than one which is controlled—
(i)by a person falling within paragraph (a), (b) or (f), or
(ii)by two or more such persons taken together,
is a participant with more than a 5 per cent. interest.
(2)Sub-paragraph (1) shall apply in relation to—
(a)a local delivery licence,
(b)a licence to provide a non-domestic satellite service,
(c)a licence to provide a non-domestic satellite radio service,
(d)a licence to provide a licensable programme service,
(e)a licence to provide a licensable sound programme service, or
(f)a licence to provide additional services (within the meaning of Part I or III of this Act) other than a licence
to provide the teletext service referred to in section 49(2) of this Act,
as if paragraphs (a) and (b) (and the reference to those paragraphs in paragraph (i)) were omitted.
(3)In sub-paragraph (2)(c) “non-domestic satellite radio service” means a satellite service within the
meaning of Part III of this Act which is not provided on any frequency allocated to the United Kingdom for
broadcasting by satellite.
Disqualification of religious bodies
2(1)Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the following persons are disqualified persons in relation to a licence
granted by the Commission or the Authority—
(a)a body whose objects are wholly or mainly of a religious nature;
(b)a body which is controlled by a body falling within paragraph (a) or by two or more such bodies taken
together;
(c)a body which controls a body falling within paragraph (a);
(d)a body corporate which is an associate of a body corporate falling within paragraph (a), (b) or (c);
(e)a body corporate in which a body falling within any of paragraphs (a) to (d) is a participant with more
than a 5 per cent. interest;
(f)an individual who is an officer of a body falling within paragraph (a); and
(g)a body which is controlled by an individual falling within paragraph (f) or by two or more such individuals
taken together.
(2)If on an application made to them under this sub-paragraph—
(a)the Commission are satisfied that it is appropriate for a person to hold—
(i)a licence to provide a non-domestic satellite service, or
(ii)a licence to provide a licensable programme service, or
(b)the Authority are satisfied that it is appropriate for a person to hold a particular kind of licence that may
be granted by them under Part III of this Act other than a national licence,
being a person who, apart from this sub-paragraph, would be a disqualified person in relation to any such
licence by virtue of sub-paragraph (1), they shall make a determination to the effect that they are so satisfied;
and so long as any such determination remains in force in relation to that person, sub-paragraph (1) shall
not apply to him in relation to any such licence.
(3)The Commission and the Authority shall each publish, in such manner as they consider appropriate,
general guidance to persons making applications to them under sub-paragraph (2) as to the principles to
be applied by them in determining whether it is appropriate for such persons to hold licences falling within
paragraph (a) or (as the case may be) paragraph (b) of that sub-paragraph.
Disqualification of publicly-funded bodies for radio service licences
3(1)The following persons are disqualified persons in relation to any licence granted by the Authority other
than a licence to provide a restricted service—
(a)a body (other than a local authority) which has, in its last financial year, received more than half its
income from public funds;
(b)a body which is controlled by a body falling within paragraph (a) or by two or more such bodies taken
together; and
(c)a body corporate in which a body falling within paragraph (a) or (b) is a participant with more than a 5
per cent. interest.
(2)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(a) money is received from public funds if it is paid—
(a)by a Minister of the Crown out of money provided by Parliament or out of the National Loans Fund;
(b)by a Northern Ireland department out of the Consolidated Fund of Northern Ireland or out of money
appropriated by Measure of the Northern Ireland Assembly; or
(c)by a body which itself falls within sub-paragraph (1)(a), including a body which falls within that provision
by virtue of this paragraph;
but, in each case, there shall be disregarded any money paid as consideration for the acquisition of property
or the supply of goods or services or as remuneration, expenses, pensions, allowances or similar benefits
for or in respect of a person as the holder of an office.
General disqualification on grounds of undue influence
4(1)A person is a disqualified person in relation to a licence granted by the Commission or the Authority if
in the opinion of that body—
(a)any relevant body is, by the giving of financial assistance or otherwise, exerting influence over the
activities of that person, and
(b)that influence has led, is leading or is likely to lead to results which are adverse to the public interest.
(2)In sub-paragraph (1) “relevant body”—
(a)in relation to a licence granted by the Commission, means a body falling within paragraph 1(1)(c) to (h)
or (j) above or a body which is controlled—
(i)by a person falling within paragraph 1(1)(c) to (g) above, or
(ii)by two or more such persons taken together; and
(b)in relation to a licence granted by the Authority, means a body falling within paragraph 1(1)(c) to (h) or (j)
or 3 above or a body which is controlled as mentioned in paragraph (a)(i) or (ii) above.
General disqualification of broadcasting bodies
5The following persons are disqualified persons in relation to a licence granted by the Commission or the
Authority—
(a)the BBC;
(b)the Welsh Authority;
(c)a body corporate which is controlled by either of those bodies; and
(d)a body corporate in which—
(i)either of those bodies, or
(ii)a body corporate falling within sub-paragraph (c),
is (to any extent) a participant.
General disqualification of advertising agencies
6The following persons are disqualified persons in relation to a licence granted by the Commission or the
Authority—
(a)an advertising agency;
(b)an associate of an advertising agency;
(c)any body which is controlled by a person falling within sub-paragraph (a) or (b) or by two or more such
persons taken together;
(d)any body corporate in which a person falling within any of sub-paragraphs (a) to (c) is a participant with
more than a 5 per cent. interest.
PART IIIRESTRICTIONS TO PREVENT ACCUMULATIONS OF INTERESTS IN LICENSED SERVICES Preliminary
1(1)In this Part of this Schedule “relevant services” means any such services as are mentioned in sub-
paragraphs (2) and (3) and, for the purposes of this Part, relevant services shall (subject to paragraphs 2(1)
and 5(1) below) be divided into the twelve categories specified in those sub-paragraphs.
(2)In the case of services licensed by the Commission, the categories are—
(a)regional and national Channel 3 services and Channel 5;
(b)domestic satellite services;
(c)non-domestic satellite services;
(d)licensable programme services;
(e)additional services (within the meaning of Part I of this Act); and
(f)local delivery services.
(3)In the case of services licensed by the Authority, the categories are—
(a)national radio services;
(b)local radio services;
(c)restricted radio services;
(d)satellite radio services;
(e)licensable sound programme services; and
(f)additional services (within the meaning of Part III of this Act).
(4)References in this Part to national, local, restricted or satellite radio services are references to national,
local, restricted or satellite services within the meaning of Part III of this Act.
Limits on the holding of licences to provide particular categories of services
2(1)Subject to sub-paragraph (3), the maximum number of licences which may at any time be held by any
one person to provide relevant services falling within each of the following categories shall be—
(a)two in the case of regional Channel 3 services;
(b)one in the case of national Channel 3 services;
(c)one in the case of Channel 5;
(d)one in the case of national radio services;
(e)twenty in the case of local radio services; and
(f)six in the case of restricted radio services.
(2)The Secretary of State may, in the case of any category of relevant services not falling within sub-
paragraph (1), by order prescribe the maximum number of licences which may at any time be held by any
one person to provide relevant services falling within that category.
(3)The Secretary of State may by order—
(a)amend sub-paragraph (1) by substituting a different limit for any limit for the time being specified there;
(b)impose, in relation to any category of relevant services specified in or under sub-paragraph (1) or (2),
limits on the holding of licences to provide relevant services falling within that category which are additional
to any limits specified in or under that sub-paragraph and are framed—
(i)by reference to any specified circumstances relating to the holders of the licences in question or to the
services to be provided under them, or
(ii)(in the case of licences granted by the Commission) by reference to matters determined by them under
the order.
(4)Without prejudice to the generality of sub-paragraph (3)(b), an order made in pursuance of that provision
may impose on the holder of a licence to provide any specified category of relevant services limits framed
(directly or indirectly) by reference to either or both of the following matters, namely—
(a)the number of licences of any one or more specified descriptions which are held by him or by any body
controlled by him; and
(b)his participation, to any specified extent, in any body corporate which is the holder of any licence or
licences of any one or more such descriptions.
(5)Where a person holds a licence to provide a local radio service which, in accordance with section 86(2),
authorises the provision of a multichannel service, he shall be treated for the purposes of sub-paragraph
(1) as holding such number of licences to provide local radio services as corresponds to the number of
channels on which the service may be provided.
(6)Where a person holds—
(a)a licence to provide a domestic satellite service,
(b)a licence to provide a non-domestic satellite service, or
(c)a licence to provide a satellite radio service,
which, in accordance with section 44(2), 45(3) or 86(2), authorises the provision of a multichannel service,
he shall be treated for the purposes of any order under sub-paragraph (2) as holding such number of licences
to provide domestic satellite services, non-domestic satellite services or (as the case may be) satellite radio
services as corresponds to the number of channels on which the service may be provided.
(7)In this paragraph—
(a)“multichannel service” means a service which to any extent consists in the simultaneous transmission of
different programmes on different frequencies; and
(b)any reference to the number of channels on which such a service may be provided is a reference to the
number of different frequencies involved.
(8)For the purposes of—
(a)sub-paragraphs (1), (5) and (6), and
(b)any order under sub-paragraph (2),
a person shall be treated as holding a licence if the licence is held by a person connected with him.
Limits on the holding of licences to provide different categories of services
3Where any restriction is imposed by or under paragraph 5 or 6 below on the holder of a particular kind of
licence in relation to participation in a body corporate which is the holder of another kind of licence, any
person who holds one of those kinds of licence shall not also hold the other kind of licence.
Limits on participation by holders of licences in bodies licensed to provide services of same category
4The Secretary of State may by order prescribe restrictions on the extent to which the holder of a licence to
provide a relevant service falling within a particular category may be a participant—
(a)in a body corporate which is the holder of another licence to provide a relevant service falling within that
category, or
(b)in two or more such bodies corporate.
Special rules relating to participation by holders of television broadcasting licences
5(1)For the purposes of paragraph 4 above and this paragraph the services specified in paragraph 1(2)(a)
above shall be divided into the following three categories—
(a)regional Channel 3 services;
(b)national Channel 3 services; and
(c)Channel 5.
(2)Where a person is the holder of a licence to provide a service falling within one of those categories, he
shall not be a participant with more than a 20 per cent. interest in any body corporate which is the holder of
a licence to provide a service falling within either of the other two categories.
(3)The Secretary of State may by order—
(a)amend sub-paragraph (2) by substituting a different percentage for the percentage for the time being
specified there;
(b)prescribe restrictions on the extent to which the holder of a licence to provide a service falling within one
of the categories specified in sub-paragraph (1) may be a participant in two or more bodies corporate which
are the holders of licences to provide services falling within either of the other two categories so specified.
Limits on participation by holders of licences in bodies licensed to provide services of different category
6(1)Where a person is the holder of a licence to provide a relevant service falling within one of the
categories specified in sub-paragraph (2)(a) or (b) or (3)(a) of paragraph 1 above, he shall not be a
participant with more than a 20 per cent. interest in a body corporate which is the holder of a licence to
provide a relevant service falling within either of the other categories so specified.
(2)Subject to sub-paragraphs (3) and (4), where a person—
(a)is the holder of a licence to provide a non-domestic satellite service, or
(b)provides a satellite television service (other than a non-domestic satellite service) which is provided on a
non-allocated frequency and appears to the Commission to be intended for general reception in the United
Kingdom (whether or not it appears to them to be also intended for such reception elsewhere),
he shall not be a participant with more than a 20 per cent. interest in a body corporate which is the holder of
a licence to provide a relevant service falling within one of the categories referred to in sub-paragraph (1);
and, where a person is the holder of a licence to provide such a relevant service, he shall not be a participant
with more than a 20 per cent. interest in a body corporate which is the holder of such a licence as is mentioned
in paragraph (a) above or which provides such a service as is mentioned in paragraph (b) above.
(3)In sub-paragraph (2)—
• “non-allocated frequency” means a frequency other than one allocated to the United Kingdom for broadcasting by
satellite, and
• “satellite television service” means a service consisting in the transmission of television programmes by satellite;
and a service shall be disregarded for the purposes of paragraph (a) or (b) of that sub-paragraph if the
programmes included in the service are at all times the same as those which are for the time being broadcast
in a Channel 3 service or on Channel 5.
(4)Nothing in sub-paragraph (2) shall impose any restriction—
(a)on the extent to which an excluded licensee may be a participant in a body corporate which is the holder
of a licence to provide a domestic satellite service, or
(b)on the extent to which the holder of such a licence may be a participant in a body corporate which is an
excluded licensee;
and for this purpose “excluded licensee” means a person who is the holder of a licence to provide a non-
domestic satellite service and—
(i)is licensed under section 7 of the [1984 c. 12.] Telecommunications Act 1984 to provide a specialised
satellite service, and
(ii)is so licensed (or, as the case may be, was first so licensed) by virtue of a licence granted under that
section before the commencement of sub-paragraph (2), and
(iii)is not connected with any other person who is the holder of a licence to provide a non-domestic satellite
service.
(5)Where a person is the holder of a licence to provide a satellite radio service, he shall not be a participant
with more than a 20 per cent. interest in a body corporate which is the holder of a licence to provide a
relevant service falling within sub-paragraph (2)(a) or (3)(a) of paragraph 1 above; and, where a person is
the holder of a licence to provide such a relevant service, he shall not be a participant with more than a 20
per cent. interest in a body corporate which is the holder of a licence to provide a satellite radio service.
(6)Where a person is the holder of a licence to provide a satellite radio service which is provided on any
frequency allocated to the United Kingdom for broadcasting by satellite (“a domestic licence”), he shall not
be a participant with more than a 20 per cent. interest in a body corporate which is the holder of a licence to
provide a satellite radio service which is not provided on any such frequency (“a non-domestic licence”);
and, where a person is the holder of a non-domestic licence, he shall not be a participant with more than a
20 per cent. interest in a body corporate which is the holder of a domestic licence.
(7)Where a person is the holder of a licence to provide a relevant service falling within one of the
categories specified—
(a)in sub-paragraph (2)(f) or (3)(b) of paragraph 1 above, or
(b)in paragraph 5(1)(a) above,
he shall not be a participant with more than a 20 per cent. interest in a body corporate which is the holder of
a licence to provide a relevant service falling within either of the other categories so specified if each of the
services in question is provided for an area which is to a significant extent the same as that for which the
other is provided.
(8)The Secretary of State may by order prescribe restrictions—
(a)on the extent to which—
(i)the holder of a relevant national or satellite licence, or
(ii)a person providing such a service as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (2)(b),
may be a participant in a body corporate which is the holder of a relevant local licence, or in two or more
such bodies corporate, and
(b)on the extent to which the holder of a relevant local licence may be a participant in a body corporate
which—
(i)is the holder of a relevant national or satellite licence, or
(ii)provides such a service as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (2)(b),
or in two or more such bodies corporate.
(9)In sub-paragraph (8)—
• “relevant local licence” means a licence to provide a relevant service falling within either of the categories specified
in paragraph 1(2)(f) or (3)(b) above; and
• “relevant national or satellite licence” means a licence to provide a relevant service falling within one of the
categories specified—
(a)
in paragraph 1(2)(b) or (c) or (3)(a) or (d) above, or
(b)
in paragraph 5(1)(b) or (c) above.
(10)The Secretary of State may by order amend any of sub-paragraphs (1), (2) and (5) to (7) by
substituting a different percentage for the percentage for the time being specified there.
Limits on participation in bodies holding licences to extend to participation in bodies controlling such bodies
7(1)Any restriction imposed by or under paragraph 4, 5 or 6 above on participation—
(a)in a body corporate which is the holder of a particular kind of licence, or
(b)in two or more such bodies,
shall apply equally to participation—
(i)in a body corporate which controls the holder of such a licence, or
(ii)in two or more bodies corporate each of which controls the holder of such a licence,
as the case may be.
(2)Any restriction imposed under paragraph 6(8)(b) above on participation in a body corporate providing
such a service as is mentioned in paragraph 6(2)(b) shall apply equally to participation in a body corporate
which controls a body providing such a service.
Attribution of interests of connected persons
8(1)Any restriction on participation imposed by or under paragraph 4, 5 or 6 above—
(a)on the holder of a licence, or
(b)on a person providing such a service as is mentioned in paragraph 6(2)(b),
shall apply to him as if he and every person connected with him were one person.
(2)For the purposes of this paragraph and paragraph 9 below the following persons shall be treated as
connected with a person providing such a service as is mentioned in paragraph 6(2)(b), namely—
(a)a person who controls that person;
(b)an associate of that person or of a person falling within paragraph (a); and
(c)a body which is controlled by that person or by an associate of that person.
Restrictions imposed by orders
9(1)Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph 4 or 6(8) above, an order made in pursuance of that
provision may impose restrictions framed by reference to the number of bodies corporate in which the
holder of a licence, or any person connected with him, is a participant, and an order made in pursuance of
paragraph 6(8)(a)(ii) may impose restrictions framed by reference to the number of bodies corporate in
which a person providing such a service as is mentioned in paragraph 6(2)(b), or any person connected
with him, is a participant.
(2)Paragraph 8(2) above applies for the purposes of this paragraph.
Power to impose restrictions on participation by persons other than licence holders
10(1)Where, by virtue of any provision of this Part of this Schedule, any restriction applies in relation to
participation in any body or bodies corporate of a particular description, the Secretary of State may by order
provide for further restrictions to apply in relation to participation in any such body or bodies corporate,
being restrictions which—
(a)are imposed on persons to whom the first-mentioned restriction does not apply, and
(b)are framed by reference to the number of bodies corporate in which such persons, or persons connected
with them, are participants.
(2)For the purposes of this paragraph the following persons shall be treated as connected with a particular
person, namely—
(a)a person who controls that person;
(b)an associate of that person or of a person falling within paragraph (a); and
(c)a body which is controlled by that person or by an associate of that person.
PART IVRESTRICTIONS ON CONTROLLING INTERESTS IN BOTH NEWSPAPERS AND LICENSED SERVICES Preliminary
1(1)In this Part of this Schedule references to a national or local newspaper are (subject to sub-paragraph
(2)) references to a national or local newspaper circulating wholly or mainly in the United Kingdom or in a
part of the United Kingdom.
(2)The relevant authority may determine that a newspaper which would not otherwise be a national or local
newspaper for the purposes of this Part of this Schedule shall be treated as a national or (as the case may
be) a local newspaper for the purposes of any particular restriction imposed by or under this Part of this
Schedule if it appears to them to be appropriate for the newspaper to be so treated having regard to its
circulation or influence in the United Kingdom or (as the case may be) in a part of the United Kingdom; and
in this sub-paragraph “the relevant authority”—
(a)in relation to a restriction having effect in relation to any licence which may be granted by the
Commission, means the Commission; and
(b)in relation to a restriction having effect in relation to any licence which may be granted by the Radio
Authority, means that Authority.
(3)For the purposes of this Part of this Schedule the following persons are connected with each other in
relation to a particular national or local newspaper, namely—
(a)the proprietor of the newspaper;
(b)a person who controls the proprietor;
(c)an associate of the proprietor or of a person falling within paragraph (b); and
(d)a body which is controlled by the proprietor or by an associate of the proprietor.
(4)Any reference in this Part of this Schedule, in relation to a local newspaper, to a relevant local radio
service or a relevant local delivery service is a reference to a local radio service or a local delivery service
which serves an area which is to a significant extent the same as that served by the newspaper.
(5)Paragraph 1(4) in Part III of this Schedule shall have effect for the purposes of this Part of this Schedule
as it has effect for the purposes of Part III.
Restrictions on proprietors of newspapers
2(1)Subject to sub-paragraph (2), no proprietor of a national or local newspaper shall be a participant with
more than a 20 per cent. interest in a body corporate which is the holder of a licence to provide—
(a)a Channel 3 service or Channel 5, or
(b)a national radio service.
(2)Sub-paragraph (1) shall not impose any restriction on the proprietor of a local newspaper as respects
participation in a body corporate which is the holder of a licence to provide a regional Channel 3 service
except where the newspaper and the service each serve an area which is to a significant extent the same
as that served by the other.
(3)No person who—
(a)is the proprietor of a national newspaper, and
(b)is a participant with more than a 5 per cent. interest in a body corporate falling within sub-paragraph (1)
(but, in accordance with that sub-paragraph, is not a participant with more than a 20 per cent. interest in it),
shall be a participant with more than a 5 per cent. interest in any other such body corporate.
(4)No person who is the proprietor of a local newspaper shall be a participant with more than a 20 per cent.
interest in a body corporate which is the holder of a licence to provide a relevant local radio service or a
relevant local delivery service.
(5)The Secretary of State may by order—
(a)amend sub-paragraph (1), (3) or (4) by substituting a different percentage for the percentage for the time
being specified there;
(b)prescribe restrictions (in addition to that imposed by sub-paragraph (3)) on the extent to which the
proprietor of a national or local newspaper may be a participant in two or more bodies corporate which are
the holders of licences to provide services falling within sub-paragraph (1)(a) or (b);
(c)prescribe restrictions on the extent to which the proprietor of a national newspaper may be a participant
in a body corporate which is the holder of a licence to provide a relevant service falling within paragraph
1(2)(f) or (3)(b) in Part III of this Schedule, or in two or more such bodies corporate;
(d)prescribe restrictions on the extent to which the proprietor of a local newspaper may be a participant in
two or more bodies corporate which are the holders of licences to provide relevant local radio services or
relevant local delivery services;
(e)prescribe restrictions on the extent to which a person who is the proprietor of a newspaper of any
specified description may be a participant in a body corporate which is the holder of a licence to provide
any specified description of service falling within paragraph 1(2)(b) or (c) or (3)(d) in Part III of this
Schedule or in two or more such bodies corporate.
(6)Paragraph 7(1) in Part III of this Schedule shall have effect in relation to any restriction imposed by or
under this paragraph as it has effect in relation to any restriction imposed by or under paragraph 4, 5 or 6 in
Part III.
Restrictions on holders of licences
3(1)Subject to sub-paragraph (2), no person who is the holder of a licence to provide—
(a)a Channel 3 service or Channel 5, or
(b)a national radio service,
shall be a participant with more than a 20 per cent. interest in a body corporate which runs a national or local
newspaper.
(2)Sub-paragraph (1) shall not impose any restriction on the holder of a licence to provide a regional
Channel 3 service as respects participation in a body corporate which runs a local newspaper except
where the service and the newspaper each serve an area which is to a significant extent the same as that
served by the other.
(3)No person who—
(a)is the holder of any such licence as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (1), and
(b)is a participant with more than a 5 per cent. interest in a body corporate which runs a national
newspaper (but, in accordance with that sub-paragraph, is not a participant with more than a 20 per cent.
interest in it),
shall be a participant with more than a 5 per cent. interest in any other such body corporate.
(4)No person who is the holder of a licence to provide a relevant local radio service or a relevant local
delivery service shall be a participant with more than a 20 per cent. interest in a body corporate which runs
a local newspaper.
(5)The Secretary of State may by order—
(a)vary sub-paragraph (1), (3) or (4) by substituting a different percentage for the percentage for the time
being specified there;
(b)prescribe restrictions (in addition to that imposed by sub-paragraph (3)) on the extent to which the holder
of such a licence as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) may be a participant in two or more bodies
corporate which run national or local newspapers;
(c)prescribe restrictions on the extent to which the holder of a licence to provide a relevant service falling
within paragraph 1(2)(f) or (3)(b) in Part III of this Schedule may be a participant in a body corporate which
runs a national newspaper, or in two or more such bodies corporate;
(d)prescribe restrictions on the extent to which the holder of such a licence as is mentioned in sub-
paragraph (4) may be a participant in two or more bodies corporate which run local newspapers;
(e)prescribe restrictions on the extent to which the holder of a licence to provide any specified description
of service falling within paragraph 1(2)(b) or (c) or (3)(d) in Part III of this Schedule may be a participant in a
body corporate which runs a national or local newspaper, or in two or more such bodies corporate.
(6)For the purposes of this paragraph a person runs a national or local newspaper if—
(a)he is the proprietor of such a newspaper; or
(b)he controls a body which is the proprietor of such a newspaper.
Attribution of interests of connected persons
4Any restriction on participation imposed by or under paragraph 2 or 3 above—
(a)on the proprietor of any newspaper, or
(b)on the holder of any licence,
shall apply to him as if he and every person connected with him were one person.
Restrictions imposed by orders
5Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph 2(5) or 3(5) above, an order made in pursuance of that
provision may impose restrictions framed by reference to the number of bodies corporate in which—
(a)the proprietor of a newspaper, or
(b)the holder of a licence,
as the case may be, or any person connected with any such person, is a participant.
PART VRESTRICTION ON HOLDING OF LICENCES BY OPERATORS OF PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
The Secretary of State may by order specify categories of licences granted by the Commission
or the Authority which may not be held by all or any of the following, namely—
(a)a national public telecommunications operator or a national public telecommunications operator of any
description specified in the order;
(b)a person who controls such an operator;
(c)an associate of such an operator or of a person falling within sub-paragraph (b);
(d)a body which is controlled by such an operator or by an associate of such an operator.
In this paragraph “national public telecommunications operator” means a public
telecommunications operator (within the meaning of the [1984 c. 12.] Telecommunications Act
1984) who is authorised to run a telecommunication system for the whole, or substantially the
whole, of the United Kingdom.
Section 23. SCHEDULE 3THE CHANNEL FOUR TELEVISION CORPORATION: SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS Status and capacity
1(1)The Corporation shall be a body corporate.
(2)The Corporation shall not be treated for the purposes of the enactments and rules of law relating to the
privileges of the Crown as a body exercising functions on behalf of the Crown.
(3)It shall be within the capacity of the Corporation as a statutory corporation to do such things and enter
into such transactions as are incidental or conducive to the discharge of their functions under this Act,
including the borrowing of money.
Appointment of members
2(1)A person shall be disqualified for being a member of the Corporation so long as he is—
(a)a governor or employee of the BBC;
(b)a member or employee of the Commission;
(c)a member or employee of the Radio Authority established by this Act;
(d)a member or employee of the Broadcasting Complaints Commission; or
(e)a member or employee of the Broadcasting Standards Council established by this Act.
(2)Before appointing a person to be a member of the Corporation, the Commission shall satisfy themselves
that that person will have no such financial or other interest as is likely to affect prejudicially the discharge
by him of his functions as a member of the Corporation; and the Commission shall also satisfy themselves
from time to time with respect to every member of the Corporation that he has no such interest.
(3)Any person who is, or whom the Commission propose to appoint to be, a member of the Corporation
shall, whenever requested by the Commission to do so, furnish them with such information as they
consider necessary for the performance by them of their duties under sub-paragraph (2).
Tenure of office
3(1)Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, each member of the Corporation shall hold and
vacate office in accordance with the terms of his appointment.
(2)A person shall not be appointed to be a member of the Corporation for more than five years at a time.
(3)Any member of the Corporation may at any time resign his office by notice to the Commission.
(4)This paragraph does not apply in relation to ex-officio members of the Corporation.
Remuneration and pensions of members
4(1)The Corporation may pay —
(a)to each member other than an ex-officio member such remuneration and allowances, and
(b)to each ex-officio member such allowances,
as the Commission may determine.
(2)The Corporation may pay or make provision for paying to or in respect of any member such sums by
way of pensions, allowances or gratuities as the Commission may determine.
(3)Where a person ceases to be a member otherwise than on the expiry of his term of office and it appears
to the Commission that there are special circumstances which make it right for him to receive
compensation, the Corporation may make a payment to him of such amount as the Commission may
determine.
(4)Sub-paragraphs (2) and (3) do not apply in relation to ex-officio members of the Corporation.
(5)The approval of the Treasury shall be required for any determination under this paragraph other than a
determination under sub-paragraph (1) having effect in relation to an ex-officio member of the Corporation.
Disqualification of members of Corporation for House of Commons and Northern Ireland Assembly
5In Part II of Schedule 1 to the [1975 c. 24.] House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 (bodies of which
all members are disqualified) there shall be inserted at the appropriate place—
“The Channel Four Television Corporation”;
and a corresponding amendment shall be made in Part II of Schedule 1 to the [1975 c. 25.] Northern Ireland
Assembly Disqualification Act 1975.
Proceedings
6(1)Subject to paragraph 7, the quorum of the Corporation and the arrangements relating to their meetings
shall be such as the Corporation may determine.
(2)The arrangements may, with the approval of the Commission, provide for the discharge, under the
general direction of the Corporation, of any of the Corporation’s functions by a committee or by one or more
of the members or employees of the Corporation.
7(1)A member who is in any way directly or indirectly interested in any matter that is brought up for
consideration at a meeting of the Corporation shall disclose the nature of his interest to the meeting; and,
where such a disclosure is made—
(a)the disclosure shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting, and
(b)(subject to sub-paragraph (2)) the member shall not take any part in any deliberation or decision of the
Corporation, or of any of their committees, with respect to that matter.
(2)Sub-paragraph (1)(b) shall not apply in relation to any meeting of the Corporation at which all of the
other members present resolve that the member’s interest should be disregarded for the purposes of that
provision.
(3)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1), a general notification given at a meeting of the Corporation by a
member to the effect that he is a member of a specified company or firm and is to be regarded as
interested in any matter involving that company or firm shall be regarded as a sufficient disclosure of his
interest in relation to any such matter.
(4)A member need not attend in person at a meeting of the Corporation in order to make a disclosure which
he is required to make under this paragraph if he takes reasonable steps to secure that the disclosure is
made by a notice which is taken into consideration and read at the meeting.
(5)In this paragraph references to a meeting of the Corporation include references to a meeting of any of
their committees.
8The validity of any proceedings of the Corporation shall not be affected by any vacancy among the
members or by any defect in the appointment of a member or by any failure to comply with the
requirements of paragraph 7.
Employees of the Corporation
9(1)The Corporation shall appoint a chief executive of the Corporation, and may appoint such other
employees as they may determine.
(2)If the Corporation determine to do so in the case of any of their employees, the Corporation shall pay to
or in respect of those employees such pensions, allowances or gratuities, or provide and maintain for them
such pension schemes (whether contributory or not), as the Corporation may determine.
(3)If any employee of the Corporation—
(a)is a participant in any pension scheme applicable to his employment, and
(b)becomes a member of the Corporation other than an ex-officio member,
he may, if the Commission so determine, be treated for the purposes of the pension scheme as if his service
as a member of the Corporation were service as an employee of the Corporation.
Authentication of Corporation’s seal
10The application of the seal of the Corporation shall be authenticated by the signature of the chairman or
of some other person authorised for the purpose.
Presumption of authenticity of documents issued by Corporation
11Any document purporting to be an instrument issued by the Corporation and to be duly executed under
the seal of the Corporation or to be signed on behalf of the Corporation shall be received in evidence and
shall be deemed to be such an instrument unless the contrary is shown.
Accounts and audit
12(1)The Corporation shall keep proper accounts and proper records in relation to the accounts, and shall
prepare in respect of each financial year a statement of accounts in such form as the Secretary of State
may direct with the approval of the Treasury.
(2)The accounts of the Corporation shall be audited by auditors to be appointed by the Corporation with the
approval of the Secretary of State.
(3)A person shall not be qualified to be appointed as an auditor in pursuance of sub-paragraph (2) unless
he is a member of one or more of the following bodies—
• the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales;
• the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland;
• the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants;
• the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland;
• any other body of accountants established in the United Kingdom and for the time being recognised for the
purposes of section 389(1)(a) of the [1985 c. 6.] Companies Act 1985 by the Secretary of State,
but a Scottish firm may be so appointed if each of the partners in the firm is qualified to be so appointed.
(4)The Corporation shall at all reasonable times upon demand made by the Secretary of State or by any
persons authorised by him in that behalf—
(a)afford to him or them full liberty to examine the accounts of the Corporation; and
(b)furnish him or them with all forecasts, estimates, information and documents which he or they may
require with respect to the financial transactions and commitments of the Corporation.
Annual reports
13(1)As soon as possible after the end of every financial year, the Corporation shall prepare a general
report of their proceedings during that year, and transmit it to the Secretary of State who shall lay copies of
it before each House of Parliament.
(2)The report shall have attached to it the statement of accounts for the year and a copy of any report
made by the auditors on that statement, and shall include such information (including information relating to
the financial position of the Corporation) as the Secretary of State may from time to time direct.
Section 39. SCHEDULE 4REFERENCES WITH RESPECT TO NETWORKING ARRANGEMENTS Report by Director on reference under s. 39
1(1)Where any reference is made to the Director General of Fair Trading (“the Director”) under section
39(12)(a), it shall be the duty of the Director—
(a)to publish a notice of the reference, together with a description of the arrangements to which it relates, in
such manner as he considers most suitable for bringing it to the attention of persons who, in his opinion,
would be affected by or be likely to have an interest in it;
(b)to consider whether those arrangements satisfy the competition test in accordance with paragraph 2;
and
(c)to make a report on those arrangements within the period of six months beginning with the date of
publication of the notice referred to in paragraph (a).
(2)If, while the Director is proceeding with any such reference, he is informed in accordance with section
39(12)(b) of this Act of any modification to the arrangements in question, he may, if he thinks fit, treat the
reference as varied so far as is necessary to take account of the modification; and, if he does so,
references to those arrangements in sub-paragraph (1)(b) and (c) shall accordingly be construed as
references to those arrangements as modified.
(3)The Director’s report on any arrangements shall contain his conclusions on the question whether the
arrangements satisfy the competition test and may contain such an account of his reasons for those
conclusions as is, in his opinion, expedient for facilitating a proper understanding of those conclusions.
(4)If those conclusions are to the effect that the arrangements do not satisfy the competition test, the report
shall specify the modifications which the Director considers would, if incorporated in the arrangements,
result in them satisfying that test.
(5)Subsections (6) and (7) of section 186 of this Act shall have effect in relation to any report made by the
Director under this paragraph as they have effect in relation to any report made by him under that section.
(6)The Director shall send a copy of any report made by him under this paragraph to the Commission and
to every holder of a regional Channel 3 licence.
The competition test
2(1)For the purposes of this Schedule arrangements satisfy the competition test if—
(a)they do not have, and are not intended or likely to have, the effect of restricting, distorting or preventing
competition in connection with any business activity in the United Kingdom; or
(b)they do have, or are intended or likely to have, such an effect but they would satisfy the criteria set out in
paragraph 3 of Article 85 of the E.E.C. Treaty (agreements contributing to improving the production or
distribution of goods or to promoting technical or economic progress) if that paragraph were to be
construed as relating only to the effects within the United Kingdom of agreements between undertakings.
(2)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(b) any arrangements made by the Commission shall be treated
as if they constituted an agreement between undertakings within the meaning of Article 85(3).
(3)In determining whether any arrangements would satisfy the criteria referred to in that provision, the
Director or, as the case may be, the Monopolies and Mergers Commission (“the MMC”) shall have regard
to any principles laid down by or decision of the European Court, or any court attached thereto, so far as
relevant to the construction of Article 85(3).
Duty to modify arrangements in consequence of Director’s report
3(1)Where the Director’s report on any arrangements specifies any modifications in pursuance of
paragraph 1(4), then (subject to sub-paragraph (2))—
(a)if the arrangements were made by the holders of regional Channel 3 licences, the Commission shall
notify all the holders of such licences of the period within which the modifications are to be incorporated in
the arrangements, being such period as may be determined by the Director after consulting the
Commission; and
(b)if the arrangements were made by the Commission, the Commission shall—
(i)incorporate those modifications in the arrangements with effect from such date as may be so determined,
and
(ii)notify all the holders of such licences of the arrangements as modified.
(2)If a reference relating to the Director’s report is made to the MMC under paragraph 4 and they have
begun to proceed with it in accordance with that paragraph, the modifications referred to in sub-paragraph
(1) above shall not be required to be incorporated in the arrangements by virtue of that sub-paragraph—
(a)if the reference is in respect of the arrangements as a whole, or
(b)(in any other case) to the extent that the modifications fall to be considered by the MMC on the
reference.
(3)Each regional Channel 3 licence shall include such conditions as appear to the Commission to be
appropriate in consequence of this paragraph.
References to MMC
4(1)Where the Director’s report on any arrangements contains any such conclusions as are mentioned in
paragraph 1(4), the Commission or the holder of any regional Channel 3 licence may, within the relevant
period, make to the MMC a reference which is so framed as to require the MMC to investigate and report
on either or both of the following questions, namely—
(a)whether the arrangements, or any particular provisions of the arrangements, satisfy the competition test;
(b)whether the modifications specified in the report, or any particular modification so specified, ought to be
incorporated in the arrangements for the purpose of enabling them to satisfy that test.
(2)In sub-paragraph (1) “the relevant period” means the period of four weeks beginning with the date of
publication of the Director’s report.
(3)Where a reference is made to the MMC under this paragraph, the MMC shall (subject to sub-paragraphs
(4) and (5))—
(a)publish a notice of the reference in such manner as they consider most suitable for bringing it to the
attention of persons who, in the opinion of the MMC, would be affected by or be likely to have an interest in
it; and
(b)make a report on the reference within the period of three months beginning with the date of publication
of the notice referred to in paragraph (a).
(4)The period referred to in sub-paragraph (3)(b) may be extended by the MMC by a further period of three
months if they consider it necessary to do so.
(5)The MMC shall not be required to proceed with any reference under this paragraph which appears to
them to be frivolous or vexatious; but, where they decide not to proceed with any such reference, they shall
publish a notice of their decision in such manner as they consider appropriate.
(6)If—
(a)while the MMC are proceeding with any reference under this paragraph, the Director is informed in
accordance with section 39(12)(b) of this Act of any modification to the arrangements in respect of which
the reference has been made, and
(b)it appears to him that the modification is material to any issue falling to be considered by the MMC on
the reference,
he shall refer the modification to the MMC, who may, if they think fit, treat the reference as varied so far as
is necessary to take account of the modification; and, if they do so, references to those arrangements in
paragraphs 5 and 6 shall accordingly be construed as references to those arrangements as modified.
(7)The following provisions, namely—
(a)sections 81 (procedure in carrying out investigations) and 85 (attendance of witnesses and production of
documents) of the [1973 c. 41] Fair Trading Act 1973,
(b)Part II of Schedule 3 to that Act (performance of functions of MMC), and
(c)section 24 of the [1980 c. 21] Competition Act 1980 (modification of provisions about performance of
such functions),
shall apply in relation to references under this paragraph as if—
(i)the functions of the MMC in relation to such references were functions under the Fair Trading Act 1973,
(ii)the expression “merger reference” included a reference under this paragraph,
(iii)in the said section 81, subsections (3) and (4) were omitted, and
(iv)in the said Schedule 3, paragraphs 11 and 16(2) were omitted.
Report by MMC on reference under paragraph 4
5(1)The MMC’s report on a reference under paragraph 4 shall contain their conclusions on the question or
questions comprised in the reference, together with such an account of their reasons for those conclusions
as is, in their opinion, expedient for facilitating a proper understanding of those conclusions.
(2)If the MMC’s conclusions on any such question as is mentioned in paragraph 4(1)(a) are to the effect
that the arrangements, or any particular provisions of the arrangements, do not satisfy the competition test,
the report shall specify the modifications which the MMC consider would, if incorporated in the
arrangements, result in the arrangements or (as the case may be) the provisions in question satisfying that
test (and those modifications may to any extent differ from those specified by the Director in pursuance of
paragraph 1(4)).
(3)If the MMC’s conclusions on any such question as is mentioned in paragraph 4(1)(b) are to the effect
that any modification so specified by the Director ought to be incorporated for the purpose mentioned in
that provision, the MMC shall (unless the report specifies a like modification in pursuance of sub-paragraph
(2) above) affirm that modification in the report; but, if their conclusions on any such question are to the
effect that any such modification ought not to be so incorporated, the report shall specify such other
modification (if any) as appears to them to be appropriate for that purpose.
(4)The MMC shall—
(a)publish any report made by them under this paragraph in such manner as they consider appropriate;
and
(b)send a copy of it to the Director, to the Commission and to every holder of a regional Channel 3 licence.
(5)Section 82 of the [1973 c. 41] Fair Trading Act 1973 (general provisions as to reports) shall apply in
relation to reports of the MMC on references under paragraph 4 as it applies in relation to reports of the
MMC under that Act.
Duty to modify arrangements in consequence of MMC’s report
6(1)Where the MMC’s report on any reference under paragraph 4 specifies any modifications or
modification in pursuance of paragraph 5(2) or (3), or any modification specified by the Director is affirmed
in such a report, then—
(a)if the arrangements to which the report relates were made by the holders of regional Channel 3 licences,
the Commission shall notify all the holders of such licences of the period within which any such
modifications or modification are or is to be incorporated in the arrangements, being such period as may be
determined by the Director after consulting the Commission; and
(b)if those arrangements were made by the Commission, the Commission shall—
(i)incorporate any such modifications or modification in the arrangements with effect from such date as may
be so determined, and
(ii)notify all the holders of such licences of the arrangements as modified.
(2)Paragraph 3(3) shall have effect in relation to this paragraph as it has effect in relation to paragraph 3.
Power of Director to review previous decision with respect to arrangements
7(1)The Director may at any time after making a report under paragraph 1 with respect to any
arrangements—
(a)consider afresh whether the arrangements (as for the time being in force) satisfy the competition test;
and
(b)make a further report on those arrangements in accordance with sub-paragraphs (3) to (5) of paragraph
1.
(2)If, while any arrangements are under consideration by the Director under this paragraph, he is informed
in accordance with section 39(12)(b) of this Act of any modification of those arrangements, he may, if he
thinks fit, decide to vary the matters under consideration so far as is necessary to take account of the
modification; and, if he does so, references to those arrangements in sub-paragraph (1)(a) and (b) above
shall accordingly be construed as references to those arrangements as modified.
(3)The Director shall send a copy of any report made by him under this paragraph to the Commission and
to every holder of a regional Channel 3 licence.
(4)Paragraphs 2 to 6 shall have effect in relation to any such report as they have effect in relation to a
report made by the Director under paragraph 1.
Power to obtain information
8(1)The Director may serve on any person a notice requiring him, at a time and a place specified in the
notice—
(a)to produce to the Director such documents specified or described in the notice (being documents in the
custody or under the control of that person), or
(b)to furnish him, in a form specified in the notice, with such estimates, returns or other information
specified or described in it,
as he may require for the purpose of making any report under this Schedule.
(2)A person shall not by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) be compelled—
(a)to produce any document which he could not be compelled to produce in civil proceedings before the
High Court or (in Scotland) the Court of Session, or
(b)in complying with any requirement for the furnishing of evidence, to give any information which he could
not be compelled to give in evidence in such proceedings.
(3)In section 85 of the [1973 c. 41] Fair Trading Act 1973, as amended by the [1989 c. 40.] Companies Act
1989, subsections (6) to (8) (enforcement of notices requiring production of documents) shall apply in
relation to a notice under sub-paragraph (1) above as they apply in relation to a notice under subsection (1)
of that section, but as if, in subsection (7) of that section, there were substituted “the Director” for the words
from “any one” to “the Commission”.
(4)In that Act, as so amended, section 93B (false or misleading information) shall apply in relation to the
furnishing of information to the Director or the MMC in connection with his or their functions under this
Schedule as it applies in relation to the furnishing of information as mentioned in subsection (1)(a) or (b) of
that section.
Duty of Director to assist MMC
9(1)It shall be the duty of the Director, for the purpose of assisting the MMC in carrying out an investigation
on a reference made to them under paragraph 4, to give to the MMC—
(a)any information which is in his possession and which relates to matters falling within the scope of the
investigation, and which is either—
(i)requested by the MMC for that purpose, or
(ii)information which in his opinion it would be appropriate for that purpose to give to the MMC without any
such request, and
(b)any other assistance which the MMC may require, and which it is within his power to give, in relation to
any such matters;
and the MMC shall, for the purpose of carrying out any such investigation, take account of any information
given to them for that purpose under this sub-paragraph.
(2)Sub-paragraph (1) shall not affect the operation of paragraph 4(6).
Interpretation
10In this Schedule—
• “the Director” means the Director General of Fair Trading; and
• “the MMC” means the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.
Section 50. SCHEDULE 5SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO PUBLIC TELETEXT SERVICE The relevant service
1In this Schedule “the relevant service” means the teletext service referred to in section 49(2) of this Act.
Applications for licence to provide the relevant service
2(1)Where any such application as is mentioned in section 50(3) of this Act is made in respect of a licence
to provide the relevant service—
(a)the application shall be accompanied by the applicant’s proposals for providing a service that would
comply with the requirements specified in paragraph 3(2) below, and
(b)section 50(4) shall have effect as if the reference to section 50(3)(b) or (d) included a reference to
paragraph (a) above.
(2)The Commission shall, when publishing a notice under section 50(1) in respect of the grant of a licence
to provide the relevant service, publish with the notice general guidance to applicants for the licence which
contains examples of the kinds of material whose inclusion in the service proposed by any such applicant
under sub-paragraph (1)(a) above would be likely to result in a finding by the Commission that the service
would comply with the requirements specified in paragraph 3(2) below.
(3)The notice to be published by the Commission under section 50(6) in respect of the applications made in
pursuance of such a notice as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (2) above shall include the proposals
submitted by each of the applicants under sub-paragraph (1)(a) above.
(4)The Commission shall also publish in such manner as they consider appropriate a notice—
(a)inviting representations to be made to them with respect to any matters published by them in
accordance with section 50(6)(c) or sub-paragraph (3) above, and
(b)specifying the manner in which, and the time by which, any such representations are to be so made.
(5)The notice referred to in sub-paragraph (4) above shall be published as soon as reasonably practicable
after the date specified in the notice under section 50(1) as the closing date for applications for the licence.
Consideration of applications and award of licence
3(1)Where a person has, in accordance with section 50 of this Act and paragraph 2 above, made an
application for a licence to provide the relevant service, the Commission shall not proceed to consider
whether to award him the licence on the basis of his cash bid in accordance with section 51(3) and (4) of
this Act unless it appears to them that his proposed service would comply with the requirements specified
in sub-paragraph (2).
(2)Those requirements are—
(a)that the service includes a sufficient amount of news items which are of high quality and deal with both
national and international matters;
(b)that the service includes a sufficient amount of information which is of particular interest to persons living
within different areas for which the service is provided; and
(c)that (taken as a whole) the service includes a sufficient amount of information (other than news) which is
calculated to appeal to a wide variety of tastes and interests.
(3)Section 51(1) shall accordingly have effect in relation to a licence to provide the relevant service as if the
reference to the requirements of section 51(1)(a) and (b) included a reference to the requirements specified
in sub-paragraph (2) above.
(4)In deciding whether an applicant’s proposed service would comply with those requirements, the
Commission shall take into account any representations made to them in pursuance of paragraph 2(4)(b)
above.
(5)Where the Commission have awarded a licence to provide the relevant service to any person in
accordance with section 51(3) and (4), the matters to be published by them in accordance with section
17(11)(a) and (12) of this Act (as they have effect in accordance with section 51(3) and (4)) shall include
the name of every other applicant in whose case it appeared to them that his proposed service would
comply with the requirements specified in sub-paragraph (2) above.
Conditions requiring licence holder to deliver promised service
4(1)A licence to provide the relevant service shall include such conditions as appear to the Commission to
be appropriate for securing that the service provided under the licence accords with the proposals
submitted by the licence holder under paragraph 2(1)(a) above.
(2)Any conditions imposed in pursuance of sub-paragraph (1) above may be varied by the Commission
with the consent of the licence holder (and section 3(4)(b) shall accordingly not apply to any such
variation).
Failure to begin providing licensed service and financial penalties on revocation of licence
5(1)Subject to sub-paragraph (2), section 18 of this Act shall apply in relation to a licence to provide the
relevant service as it applies in relation to a licence to provide a Channel 3 service.
(2)In the application of that section in relation to a licence to provide the relevant service—
(a)the reference in section 18(1) to section 17 shall be construed as a reference to that section as applied
by section 51(3) of this Act; and
(b)the reference in section 18(4) to section 19(2) to (6) shall be construed as a reference to section 52(2) of
this Act.
Renewal of licence to provide relevant service
6Section 53(5) of this Act shall have effect in relation to an application for the renewal of a licence to
provide the relevant service as if, in addition to the grounds for refusing an application which are specified
in paragraphs (a) to (c) of that provision, there were specified the following ground, namely that the
Commission are not satisfied that the applicant would, if his licence were renewed, provide a service which
complied—
(a)with the conditions included in the licence in pursuance of paragraph 4 above (whether as originally
imposed or as varied under sub-paragraph (2) of that paragraph), or
(b)with the requirements specified in paragraph 3(2) above.
Additional methods of enforcement of licence to provide relevant service
7(1)Subject to sub-paragraph (2), sections 40 and 41 of this Act shall apply in relation to a licence to
provide the relevant service as they apply in relation to a licence to provide a Channel 3 service.
(2)In the application of those sections in relation to a licence to provide the relevant service—
(a)any reference in section 40(4) to a programme shall be construed as a reference to an item; and
(b)section 41 shall have effect with the omission of subsections (1)(a) and (2).
Section 56. SCHEDULE 6THE WELSH AUTHORITY: SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS Status and capacity
1(1)The Welsh Authority (in this Schedule referred to as “the Authority”) shall not be treated for the
purposes of the enactments and rules of law relating to the privileges of the Crown as a body exercising
functions on behalf of the Crown.
(2)It shall be within the capacity of the Authority as a statutory corporation to do such things and enter into
such transactions as are incidental or conducive to the discharge of their functions under this Act, including
the borrowing of money.
Appointment of members
2(1)A person shall be disqualified for being a member of the Authority so long as he is—
(a)a member or employee of the Radio Authority established by this Act;
(b)a member or employee of the Broadcasting Complaints Commission; or
(c)a member or employee of the Broadcasting Standards Council established by this Act.
(2)The members of the Authority shall not at any time include—
(a)more than one person who is either a governor or an employee of the BBC; or
(b)more than one person who is either a member or an employee of the Commission.
(3)Before appointing a person to be a member of the Authority, the Secretary of State shall satisfy himself
that that person will have no such financial or other interest as is likely to affect prejudicially the discharge
by him of his functions as a member of the Authority; and the Secretary of State shall also satisfy himself
from time to time with respect to every member of the Authority that he has no such interest.
(4)Any person who is, or whom the Secretary of State proposes to appoint to be, a member of the Authority
shall, whenever requested by the Secretary of State to do so, furnish him with such information as the
Secretary of State considers necessary for the performance by him of his duties under sub-paragraph (3).
Tenure of office
3(1)Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, each member of the Authority shall hold and
vacate office in accordance with the terms of his appointment.
(2)A person shall not be appointed to be a member of the Authority for more than five years at a time.
(3)Any member of the Authority may at any time resign his office by notice in writing to the Secretary of
State.
Remuneration and pensions of members
4(1)The Authority may pay to each member such remuneration and allowances as the Secretary of State
may determine.
(2)The Authority may pay or make provision for paying to or in respect of any member such sums by way of
pensions, allowances or gratuities as the Secretary of State may determine.
(3)Where a person ceases to be a member otherwise than on the expiry of his term of office and it appears
to the Secretary of State that there are special circumstances which make it right for him to receive
compensation, the Authority may make a payment to him of such amount as the Secretary of State may
determine.
(4)The approval of the Treasury shall be required for any determination under this paragraph.
Disqualification of members of Authority for House of Commons
5In Part II of Schedule 1 to the [1975 c. 24.] House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 (bodies of which
all members are disqualified) there shall be inserted at the appropriate place—
“Sianel Pedwar Cymru”.
Proceedings
6(1)Subject to paragraph 7, the quorum of the Authority and the arrangements relating to their meetings
shall be such as the Authority may determine.
(2)The arrangements may provide for the discharge, under the general direction of the Authority, of any of
the Authority’s functions by a committee or by one or more of the members or employees of the Authority.
7(1)A member who is in any way directly or indirectly interested in any matter that is brought up for
consideration at a meeting of the Authority shall disclose the nature of his interest to the meeting; and,
where such a disclosure is made—
(a)the disclosure shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting, and
(b)(subject to sub-paragraph (2)) the member shall not take any part in any deliberation or decision of the
Authority, or of any of their committees, with respect to that matter.
(2)Sub-paragraph (1)(b) shall not apply in relation to any meeting of the Authority at which all of the other
members present resolve that the member’s interest should be disregarded for the purposes of that
provision.
(3)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1), a general notification given at a meeting of the Authority by a
member to the effect that he is a member of a specified company or firm and is to be regarded as
interested in any matter involving that company or firm shall be regarded as a sufficient disclosure of his
interest in relation to any such matter.
(4)A member need not attend in person at a meeting of the Authority in order to make a disclosure which
he is required to make under this paragraph if he takes reasonable steps to secure that the disclosure is
made by a notice which is taken into consideration and read at the meeting.
(5)In this paragraph references to a meeting of the Authority include references to a meeting of any of their
committees.
8The validity of any proceedings of the Authority shall not be affected by any vacancy among the members
or by any defect in the appointment of a member or by any failure to comply with the requirements of
paragraph 7.
Employees of the Authority
9(1)The Authority shall appoint a secretary and may appoint such other employees as they may determine.
(2)If the Authority determine to do so in the case of any of their employees, the Authority shall pay to or in
respect of those employees such pensions, allowances or gratuities, or provide and maintain for them such
pension schemes (whether contributory or not), as the Authority may determine.
(3)If any employee of the Authority—
(a)is a participant in any pension scheme applicable to his employment, and
(b)becomes a member of the Authority,
he may, if the Secretary of State so determines, be treated for the purposes of the pension scheme as if his
service as a member of the Authority were service as an employee of the Authority.
Authentication of Authority’s seal
10The application of the seal of the Authority shall be authenticated by the signature of the chairman or of
some other person authorised for the purpose.
Presumption of authenticity of documents issued by Authority
11Any document purporting to be an instrument issued by the Authority and to be duly executed under the
seal of the Authority or to be signed on behalf of the Authority shall be received in evidence and shall be
deemed to be such an instrument unless the contrary is shown.
Accounts and audit
12(1)The Authority shall keep proper accounts and proper records in relation to the accounts, and shall
prepare in respect of each financial year a statement of accounts in such form as the Secretary of State
may direct with the approval of the Treasury.
(2)The accounts of the Authority shall be audited by auditors to be appointed by the Authority with the
approval of the Secretary of State.
(3)A person shall not be qualified to be appointed as an auditor in pursuance of sub-paragraph (2) unless
he is a member of one or more of the following bodies—
• the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales;
• the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland;
• the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants;
• the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland;
• any other body of accountants established in the United Kingdom and for the time being recognised for the
purposes of section 389(1)(a) of the [1985 c. 6.] Companies Act 1985 by the Secretary of State,
but a Scottish firm may be so appointed if each of the partners in the firm is qualified to be so appointed.
(4)The Authority shall at all reasonable times upon demand made by the Secretary of State or by any
persons authorised by him in that behalf—
(a)afford to him or them full liberty to examine the accounts of the Authority; and
(b)furnish him or them with all forecasts, estimates, information and documents which he or they may
require with respect to the financial transactions and commitments of the Authority.
Annual reports
13(1)As soon as possible after the end of every financial year, the Authority shall prepare a general report
of their proceedings during that year, and transmit it to the Secretary of State who shall lay copies of it
before each House of Parliament.
(2)The report shall have attached to it the statement of accounts for the year and a copy of any report
made by the auditors on that statement, and shall include such information (including information relating to
the financial position of the Authority) as the Secretary of State may from time to time direct.
Advisory committees
14The Authority may appoint, or arrange for the assistance of, advisory committees to give advice to them
on such matters relating to the Authority’s functions as the Authority may determine.
Sections 67, 77 and 121. SCHEDULE 7QUALIFYING REVENUE: SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS PART IQUALIFYING REVENUE FOR PURPOSES OF PART I OR II OF THIS ACT Computation of qualifying revenue
1(1)It shall be the duty of the Commission to draw up, and from time to time review, a statement setting out
the principles to be followed in ascertaining the qualifying revenue in relation to a person—
(a)for any accounting period of his, or
(b)for any year,
for the purposes of any provision of Part I or Part II of this Act.
(2)A statement under this paragraph may set out different principles for persons holding different kinds of
licences.
(3)Before drawing up or revising a statement under this paragraph the Commission shall consult the
Secretary of State and the Treasury.
(4)The Commission shall—
(a)publish the statement drawn up under this paragraph and every revision of that statement; and
(b)transmit a copy of that statement, and every revision of it, to the Secretary of State;
and the Secretary of State shall lay copies of the statement and of every such revision before each House of
Parliament.
Disputes
2(1)For the purposes of any provision of Part I or Part II of this Act—
(a)the amount of the qualifying revenue in relation to any person for any accounting period of his, or (as the
case may be) for any year, or
(b)the amount of any payment to be made to the Commission by any person in respect of any such
revenue, or of an instalment of any such payment,
shall, in the event of a disagreement between the Commission and that person, be the amount determined
by the Commission.
(2)No determination of the Commission under this paragraph shall be called in question in any court of law,
or be the subject of any arbitration; but nothing in this sub-paragraph shall prevent the bringing of
proceedings for judicial review.
PART IIQUALIFYING REVENUE FOR PURPOSES OF PART III OF THIS ACT Computation of qualifying revenue
1(1)It shall be the duty of the Authority to draw up, and from time to time review, a statement setting out the
principles to be followed in ascertaining the qualifying revenue for any accounting period of a licence holder
for the purposes of any provision of Part III of this Act.
(2)A statement under this paragraph may set out different principles for persons holding different kinds of
licences.
(3)Before drawing up or revising a statement under this paragraph the Authority shall consult the Secretary
of State and the Treasury.
(4)The Authority shall—
(a)publish the statement drawn up under this paragraph and every revision of that statement; and
(b)transmit a copy of that statement, and every revision of it, to the Secretary of State;
and the Secretary of State shall lay copies of the statement and of every such revision before each House of
Parliament.
Disputes
2(1)For the purposes of any provision of Part III of this Act—
(a)the amount of the qualifying revenue for any accounting period of a person, or
(b)the amount of any payment to be made to the Authority by any person in respect of any such revenue,
or of an instalment of any such payment,
shall, in the event of a disagreement between the Authority and that person, be the amount determined by
the Authority.
(2)No determination of the Authority under this paragraph shall be called in question in any court of law, or
be the subject of any arbitration; but nothing in this sub-paragraph shall prevent the bringing of proceedings
for judicial review.
Section 83. SCHEDULE 8THE RADIO AUTHORITY: SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS Status and capacity
1(1)The Authority shall be a body corporate.
(2)The Authority shall not be treated for the purposes of the enactments and rules of law relating to the
privileges of the Crown as a body exercising functions on behalf of the Crown.
(3)It shall be within the capacity of the Authority as a statutory corporation to do such things and enter into
such transactions as are incidental or conducive to the discharge of their functions under this Act, including
(subject to sub-paragraph (4)) the borrowing of money.
(4)The power of the Authority to borrow money (otherwise than under paragraph 13) shall not be exercised
by them except with the consent of, or in accordance with a general authority given by, the Secretary of
State.
Appointment of members
2(1)A person shall be disqualified for being a member of the Authority so long as he is—
(a)a governor or employee of the BBC;
(b)a member or employee of the Channel Four Television Corporation established by this Act;
(c)a member or employee of the Welsh Authority;
(d)a member or employee of the Broadcasting Complaints Commission; or
(e)a member or employee of the Broadcasting Standards Council established by this Act.
(2)Before appointing a person to be a member of the Authority, the Secretary of State shall satisfy himself
that that person will have no such financial or other interest as is likely to affect prejudicially the discharge
by him of his functions as a member of the Authority; and the Secretary of State shall also satisfy himself
from time to time with respect to every member of the Authority that he has no such interest.
(3)Any person who is, or whom the Secretary of State proposes to appoint to be, a member of the Authority
shall, whenever requested by the Secretary of State to do so, furnish him with such information as the
Secretary of State considers necessary for the performance by him of his duties under sub-paragraph (2).
Tenure of office
3(1)Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, each member of the Authority shall hold and
vacate office in accordance with the terms of his appointment.
(2)A person shall not be appointed to be a member of the Authority for more than five years at a time.
(3)Any member of the Authority may at any time resign his office by notice in writing to the Secretary of
State.
Remuneration and pensions of members
4(1)The Authority may pay to each member such remuneration and allowances as the Secretary of State
may determine.
(2)The Authority may pay or make provision for paying to or in respect of any member such sums by way of
pensions, allowances or gratuities as the Secretary of State may determine.
(3)Where a person ceases to be a member otherwise than on the expiry of his term of office and it appears
to the Secretary of State that there are special circumstances which make it right for him to receive
compensation, the Authority may make a payment to him of such amount as the Secretary of State may
determine.
(4)The approval of the Treasury shall be required for any determination under this paragraph.
Disqualification of members of Authority for House of Commons and Northern Ireland Assembly
5In Part II of Schedule 1 to the [1975 c. 24.] House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 (bodies of which
all members are disqualified) there shall be inserted at the appropriate place—
“The Radio Authority”;
and a corresponding amendment shall be made in Part II of Schedule 1 to the [1975 c. 25.] Northern Ireland
Assembly Disqualification Act 1975.
Proceedings
6(1)Subject to paragraph 7, the quorum of the Authority and the arrangements relating to their meetings
shall be such as the Authority may determine.
(2)The arrangements may provide for the discharge, under the general direction of the Authority, of any of
the Authority’s functions by a committee or by one or more of the members or employees of the Authority.
7(1)A member who is in any way directly or indirectly interested in any matter that is brought up for
consideration at a meeting of the Authority shall disclose the nature of his interest to the meeting; and,
where such a disclosure is made—
(a)the disclosure shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting, and
(b)(subject to sub-paragraph (2)) the member shall not take any part in any deliberation or decision of the
Authority, or of any of their committees, with respect to that matter.
(2)Sub-paragraph (1)(b) shall not apply in relation to any meeting of the Authority at which all of the other
members present resolve that the member’s interest should be disregarded for the purposes of that
provision.
(3)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1), a general notification given at a meeting of the Authority by a
member to the effect that he is a member of a specified company or firm and is to be regarded as
interested in any matter involving that company or firm shall be regarded as sufficient disclosure of his
interest in relation to any such matter.
(4)A member need not attend in person at a meeting of the Authority in order to make a disclosure which
he is required to make under this paragraph if he takes reasonable steps to secure that the disclosure is
made by a notice which is taken into consideration and read at the meeting.
(5)In this paragraph references to a meeting of the Authority include references to a meeting of any of their
committees.
8The validity of any proceedings of the Authority shall not be affected by any vacancy among the members
or by any defect in the appointment of a member or by any failure to comply with the requirements of
paragraph 7.
Employees of the Authority
9(1)The Authority shall appoint a secretary and may appoint such other employees as they may determine.
(2)If the Authority determine to do so in the case of any of their employees, the Authority shall pay to or in
respect of those employees such pensions, allowances or gratuities, or provide and maintain for them such
pension schemes (whether contributory or not), as the Authority may determine.
(3)If any employee of the Authority—
(a)is a participant in any pension scheme applicable to his employment, and
(b)becomes a member of the Authority,
he may, if the Secretary of State so determines, be treated for the purposes of the pension scheme as if his
service as a member of the Authority were service as an employee of the Authority.
Authentication of Authority’s seal
10The application of the seal of the Authority shall be authenticated by the signature of the chairman or of
some other person authorised for the purpose.
Presumption of authenticity of documents issued by Authority
11Any document purporting to be an instrument issued by the Authority and to be duly executed under the
seal of the Authority or to be signed on behalf of the Authority shall be received in evidence and shall be
deemed to be such an instrument unless the contrary is shown.
Finances of Authority
12(1)It shall be the duty of the Authority so to conduct their affairs that their revenues become at the
earliest possible date, and continue thereafter, at least sufficient to enable them to meet their obligations
and discharge their functions under this Act.
(2)Any excess of the Authority’s revenues for any financial year over the sums required by them for that
year for meeting their obligations and discharging their functions under this Act shall be applied by the
Authority in such manner as the Secretary of State may direct with the approval of the Treasury and after
consultation with the Authority.
(3)A direction under sub-paragraph (2) may require the whole or any part of any excess of the revenues of
the Authority to be paid into the Consolidated Fund.
Advances to Authority
13(1)For the purpose of—
(a)furnishing the Authority with working capital, or
(b)enabling them to meet any capital expenditure,
the Secretary of State may, with the consent of the Treasury, make advances to the Authority out of money
provided by Parliament.
(2)The aggregate amount outstanding by way of principal in respect of sums advanced to the Authority
under this paragraph shall not at any time exceed £3 million.
(3)Any sums advanced under this paragraph shall be repaid to the Secretary of State at such times and by
such methods, and interest on those sums shall be paid to him at such times and at such rates, as he may
from time to time direct with the consent of the Treasury.
Accounts and audit
14(1)The Authority shall keep proper accounts and proper records in relation to the accounts, and shall
prepare in respect of each financial year a statement of accounts in such form as the Secretary of State
may direct with the approval of the Treasury.
(2)The accounts of the Authority shall be audited by auditors to be appointed by the Authority with the
approval of the Secretary of State.
(3)A person shall not be qualified to be appointed as an auditor in pursuance of sub-paragraph (2) unless
he is a member of one or more of the following bodies—
• the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales;
• the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland;
• the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants;
• the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland;
• any other body of accountants established in the United Kingdom and for the time being recognised for the
purposes of section 389(1)(a) of the [1985 c. 6.] Companies Act 1985 by the Secretary of State,
but a Scottish firm may be so appointed if each of the partners in the firm is qualified to be so appointed.
(4)The Authority shall at all reasonable times upon demand made by the Secretary of State or by any
persons authorised by him in that behalf—
(a)afford to him or them full liberty to examine the accounts of the Authority; and
(b)furnish him or them with all forecasts, estimates, information and documents which he or they may
require with respect to the financial transactions and commitments of the Authority.
Annual reports
15(1)As soon as possible after the end of every financial year, the Authority shall prepare a general report
of their proceedings during that year, and transmit it to the Secretary of State who shall lay copies of it
before each House of Parliament.
(2)The report shall have attached to it the statement of accounts for the year and a copy of any report
made by the auditors on that statement, and shall include such information (including information relating to
the financial position of the Authority) as the Secretary of State may from time to time direct.
Advisory committees
16The Authority may appoint, or arrange for the assistance of, advisory committees to give advice to them
on such matters relating to the Authority’s functions as the Authority may determine.
Section 127. SCHEDULE 9SCHEME PROVIDING FOR DIVISION OF ASSETS OF IBA Preliminary
1In this Schedule—
• “relevant transferee” shall be construed in accordance with paragraph 2(1) below; and
• “transfer scheme” means a scheme under this Schedule made either by the IBA under paragraph 2(1) below or by
the Secretary of State under paragraph 2(4) below.
Making and modification of transfer scheme
2(1)The IBA shall make a scheme under this Schedule for the division of all their property, rights and
liabilities between—
(a)the Commission,
(b)the Radio Authority, and
(c)the nominated company;
and references in this Schedule to the relevant transferees are references to the bodies specified in
paragraphs (a) to (c) above.
(2)Where such a scheme is made by the IBA, it shall not be capable of coming into force in accordance
with section 127(1) of this Act unless it is approved by the Secretary of State.
(3)Where such a scheme is submitted to the Secretary of State for his approval, he may modify the scheme
before approving it.
(4)If—
(a)the IBA have not, before such time as the Secretary of State may notify to them as the latest time for the
submission of such a scheme, submitted such a scheme for his approval, or
(b)the Secretary of State decides not to approve (either with or without modifications) a scheme that has
been submitted to him by the IBA,
the Secretary of State may himself make a scheme for the division of the IBA’s property, rights and liabilities
between the relevant transferees.
(5)If, at any time after the Secretary of State has either—
(a)approved (either with or without modifications) a scheme under this Schedule made by the IBA, or
(b)himself made such a scheme,
but before the scheme has come into force in accordance with section 127(1) of this Act, the Secretary of
State considers it appropriate to do so, he may determine that the scheme shall, on its so coming into force,
come into force with such modifications as may be specified in his determination; and, in any such case, the
scheme shall accordingly, on its coming into force, come into force with those modifications.
(6)If at any time after a transfer scheme has come into force—
(a)the Secretary of State considers it appropriate to make an order under this sub-paragraph, and
(b)every relevant transferee who would be affected by the order either—
(i)(in a case where any such transferee is the nominated company and that company has ceased to be
wholly owned by the Crown) has consented to the making of the order, or
(ii)(in any other case) has been consulted by the Secretary of State,
the Secretary of State may by order provide that the scheme shall for all purposes be deemed to have come
into force with such modifications as may be specified in the order.
(7)Any power to modify a transfer scheme which is conferred on the Secretary of State by this paragraph
may be so exercised as to make any such provision as could have been made by the scheme, and an
order under sub-paragraph (6) above may provide for any of its provisions to have effect as from the
coming into force of the scheme to which it relates.
(8)In determining whether and in what manner to exercise any power conferred on him by this paragraph
the Secretary of State shall have regard to the need to ensure that the division of property, rights and
liabilities between the relevant transferees which is effected under this Schedule allocates property, rights
and liabilities to those transferees in such a manner as appears to him to be appropriate—
(a)in the case of the Commission and the Radio Authority, in the light of the functions conferred on those
bodies by this Act; and
(b)in the case of the nominated company, with a view to the carrying on by that company of a business
consisting of—
(i)the provision of broadcasting transmission services and services related to such services, and
(ii)the carrying out of research and development work relating to broadcasting.
(9)It shall be the duty of the IBA and each of the relevant transferees to provide the Secretary of State with
all such information and other assistance as he may reasonably require for the purposes of, or in
connection with, the exercise of any power conferred on him by this paragraph.
(10)Nothing in this paragraph shall require a scheme under this Schedule to make provision—
(a)with respect to any equipment or other asset which the IBA have agreed to dispose of in pursuance of
section 132(1) or 133(6) of this Act, or
(b)with respect to any liabilities of the IBA which—
(i)have not yet become enforceable against the IBA, and
(ii)are not specifically and exclusively referable to any particular part or parts of the undertaking of the IBA
which is or are transferred in accordance with any such scheme to one or more of the relevant transferees,
or
(c)with respect to any such rights or liabilities as are mentioned in sub-paragraph (11).
(11)Those rights and liabilities are rights and liabilities acquired by the IBA in connection with the sharing
by the IBA and the BBC of the use of facilities (of whatever description) in connection with the transmission
of television programmes or local sound broadcasts.
Content of transfer scheme
3(1)A transfer scheme may—
(a)define the property, rights and liabilities to be allocated to a particular relevant transferee—
(i)by specifying or describing the property, rights and liabilities in question,
(ii)by referring to all the property, rights and liabilities comprised in a specified part of the IBA’s undertaking,
or
(iii)partly in the one way and partly in the other;
(b)provide that any rights or liabilities specified or described in the scheme shall be enforceable either by or
against either or any, or by or against both or all, of two or more relevant transferees;
(c)impose on any relevant transferee an obligation to enter into such written agreements with, or execute
such instruments in favour of, such other relevant transferee as may be specified in the scheme;
(d)create for any of the relevant transferees an interest in or right over property transferred in accordance
with the scheme to any other of those transferees;
(e)in connection with any provision made by virtue of paragraph (d), make incidental provision as to the
interests, rights and liabilities of other persons with respect to the property in question.
(2)Without prejudice to the generality of sub-paragraph (1)(a), a transfer scheme may, in connection with
any transfer to be made in accordance with the scheme, exclude from the transfer any rights and liabilities
falling within paragraph 2(11) above and described in the scheme.
(3)A transfer scheme may also allocate to any of the relevant transferees such property, rights and
liabilities to which the IBA may become entitled or subject after the making of the scheme and before the
transfer date as may be described in the scheme.
(4)The property, rights and liabilities of the IBA that are capable of being transferred in accordance with a
transfer scheme include—
(a)property, rights and liabilities that would not otherwise be capable of being transferred or assigned by
the IBA;
(b)property situated anywhere in the United Kingdom or elsewhere; and
(c)rights and liabilities under the law of any part of the United Kingdom or of any country or territory outside
the United Kingdom.
(5)It is hereby declared for the avoidance of doubt that the rights and liabilities capable of being so
transferred include rights and liabilities of the IBA under any agreement or arrangement for the payment of
pensions, allowances or gratuities.
(6)An obligation imposed by a provision included in a transfer scheme by virtue of sub-paragraph (1)(c)
shall be enforceable by civil proceedings brought by the other relevant transferee in question for an
injunction or interdict or for any other appropriate relief.
Effect of transfer scheme
4(1)Where a transfer scheme comes into force on the transfer date, this sub-paragraph shall have effect on
that date so as to transfer to each of the relevant transferees, in accordance with the scheme’s provisions
and without further assurance, such of the property, rights and liabilities of the IBA as are allocated to that
transferee by the scheme.
(2)A transaction of any description which is effected in pursuance of any provision included in a transfer
scheme in accordance with this Schedule shall be binding on all persons, notwithstanding that it would,
apart from this sub-paragraph, have required the consent or concurrence of any person other than the IBA
or any relevant transferee.
(3)Where apart from this sub-paragraph any person would have power, in consequence of anything done
or likely to be done by or under this Act, to terminate or modify an interest or right which is vested in the
IBA at the passing of this Act, then—
(a)for the purposes of the transfer of the interest or right in accordance with a transfer scheme, that power
shall not be exercisable in relation to the interest or right at any time before its transfer in accordance with
the scheme; and
(b)without prejudice to any other provision of this Schedule, that power shall be exercisable in relation to
the interest or right after its transfer only in so far as the scheme provides for it to be transferred subject to
the power.
(4)Where, in consequence of any transfer made in accordance with a transfer scheme, all the property,
rights and liabilities comprised in a particular part of the IBA’s undertaking are transferred to a relevant
transferee—
(a)the [S.I. 1981/1794.] Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 shall apply
to the transfer, whether or not they would otherwise so apply, and
(b)that undertaking shall accordingly (whether or not it would otherwise be so regarded) be regarded for the
purposes of those Regulations as an undertaking in the nature of a commercial venture.
Third parties affected by transfer scheme
5(1)This paragraph applies where—
(a)in consequence of any transfer made in accordance with a transfer scheme, any right or liability of a
person (other than the IBA or any relevant transferee) which was enforceable against or by the IBA
becomes enforceable against or by one or more relevant transferees; and
(b)apart from this Schedule that person’s consent or concurrence would have been required for that right or
liability to become so enforceable;
and in this paragraph references to a third party are references to any such person.
(2)Subject to sub-paragraph (3), the IBA shall take reasonable steps to identify any third party and to notify
him of the effect of the transfer in question on any right or liability of his falling within sub-paragraph (1),
and of the effect of sub-paragraph (4).
(3)A transfer scheme may provide that the duties imposed on the IBA by sub-paragraph (2) in relation to a
transfer shall be imposed instead on such one of the relevant transferees as may be specified in the
scheme.
(4)Where—
(a)any right or liability of a third party has become enforceable against or by more than one relevant
transferee, and
(b)the value of any property or interest of the third party is diminished thereby,
such compensation as is just shall be paid to the third party by one or more of the relevant transferees.
(5)Any dispute as to whether, and if so how much, compensation is payable under sub-paragraph (4), or as
to the person to or by whom it shall be paid, shall be referred to and determined by—
(a)an arbitrator appointed by the Lord Chancellor; or
(b)where the proceedings are to be held in Scotland, an arbiter appointed by the Lord President of the
Court of Session.
Supplemental provisions of scheme
6(1)A transfer scheme may contain supplemental, consequential and transitional provisions for the
purposes of, or in connection with, the division effected or any other provision made by the scheme.
(2)Without prejudice to the generality of sub-paragraph (1) above, a transfer scheme may provide—
(a)that for purposes connected with any transfer made in accordance with the scheme a relevant transferee
to whom anything is transferred in accordance with the scheme is to be treated as the same person in law
as the IBA;
(b)that, so far as may be necessary for the purposes of or in connection with any such transfer, agreements
made, transactions effected and other things done by or in relation to the IBA are to be treated as made,
effected or done by or in relation to the relevant transferee to whom the transfer is made;
(c)that, so far as may be necessary for the purposes of or in connection with any such transfer, references
in any agreement (whether or not in writing) or in any deed, bond, instrument or other document to, or to
any member or officer of, the IBA are to have effect with such modifications as are specified in the scheme;
(d)that proceedings commenced by or against the IBA are to be continued by or against such one of the
relevant transferees as the scheme may provide in relation to any circumstances specified or described in
it;
(e)that the effect of any transfer made in accordance with the scheme in relation to contracts of
employment with the IBA is not to be to terminate any such contracts but is to be that periods of
employment with the IBA are to count for all purposes as periods of employment with the relevant
transferee to whom the transfer is made;
(f)that disputes as to the effect of the scheme between any of the relevant transferees are to be referred to
such arbitration as may be specified in or determined under the scheme;
(g)that determinations on such arbitrations, and certificates given jointly by all or any two of the relevant
transferees as to the effect of the scheme as between the transferees concerned, are to be conclusive for
all purposes.
Vesting of IBA’s property after coming into force of scheme
7(1)A transfer scheme may provide for the imposition of duties—
(a)on the IBA, and
(b)on all or any of the relevant transferees,
to take all such steps as may be requisite to secure that the vesting in any of those transferees, by virtue of
the scheme, of any foreign property, right or liability is effective under the relevant foreign law.
(2)The provisions of a transfer scheme may require the IBA to comply with any directions of any of the
relevant transferees in performing any duty imposed on the IBA by virtue of a provision included in the
scheme by virtue of sub-paragraph (1).
(3)A transfer scheme may provide that, until the vesting of any foreign property, right or liability of the IBA in
a relevant transferee is effective under the relevant foreign law, it shall be the duty of the IBA to hold that
property or right for the benefit of, or to discharge that liability on behalf of, that transferee.
(4)Nothing in any provision included in a transfer scheme by virtue of this paragraph shall be taken as
prejudicing the effect under the law of any part of the United Kingdom of the vesting in a relevant
transferee, by virtue of the scheme, of any foreign property, right or liability.
(5)The IBA shall have all such powers as may be requisite for the performance of any duty imposed on
them by any provision included in a transfer scheme by virtue of this paragraph; but such a scheme may
require a relevant transferee to act on behalf of the IBA (so far as possible) for the purposes of, or in
connection with, the performance of any such duty in relation to any property, right or liability vested in the
transferee by virtue of the scheme.
(6)A transfer scheme may provide that any foreign property, rights or liabilities that are acquired or incurred
by the IBA after the scheme comes into force are immediately to become property, rights or liabilities of
such one of the relevant transferees as is specified in the scheme; and such a scheme may make the
same provision in relation to any such property, rights or liabilities as can be made, by virtue of the
preceding provisions of this paragraph, in relation to foreign property, rights and liabilities vested in the IBA
when the scheme comes into force.
(7)References in this paragraph to any foreign property, right or liability are references to any property, right
or liability as respects which any issue arising in any proceedings would have to be determined (in
accordance with the rules of private international law) by reference to the law of a country or territory
outside the United Kingdom.
(8)Any expenses incurred by the IBA in consequence of any provision included in a transfer scheme by
virtue of this paragraph shall be met by the relevant transferees in such proportions as may be determined
by or under the scheme.
Certificate of Secretary of State as to vesting of property etc.
8(1)Subject to sub-paragraph (2), a certificate issued by the Secretary of State to the effect that any
property, right or liability of the IBA vested at a particular time by virtue of this Schedule in one or more of
the relevant transferees shall be conclusive evidence of the matters stated in the certificate.
(2)Nothing in any such certificate shall prejudice the operation of a certificate issued by virtue of a provision
included in a transfer scheme by virtue of paragraph 6(2)(g) above.
Power of Secretary of State to control division of IBA’s pension fund
9(1)If the Secretary of State so determines, the trustees of the Independent Broadcasting Authority Staff
Pensions Plan shall refer to him, before such date as he may specify, the division and distribution of the
relevant assets which is to be made by them for the purpose of making a transfer payment to a pension
scheme established by the nominated company for its employees; and, if he does so, any such division
and distribution of those assets and liabilities shall not be made by the trustees except—
(a)with his consent, or
(b)in accordance with an order made by him under sub-paragraph (2).
(2)Where any such division and distribution is referred to the Secretary of State under sub-paragraph (1),
he may by order direct that the relevant assets shall be divided and distributed by the trustees in such
manner, and at such time, as is specified in the order; and any provision of—
(a)the Plan referred to in sub-paragraph (1), or
(b)any enactment relating to occupational pension schemes, including any enactment relating to transfer
values,
shall not have effect to the extent that it is inconsistent with the division and distribution of those assets in
accordance with any such order.
(3)When making an order under sub-paragraph (2) the Secretary of State shall have regard to the interests
of all classes of persons who are for the time being beneficiaries or potential beneficiaries under the Plan
referred to in sub-paragraph (1).
(4)In this paragraph—
• “the relevant assets” means the assets held by or on behalf of the trustees; and
• “the trustees” means the trustees of the Plan referred to in sub-paragraph (1).
(5)An order under sub-paragraph (2) shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either
House of Parliament.
Discharge by IBA of contingent etc. liabilities
10(1)This paragraph applies to any liabilities to which the IBA are subject on or after the transfer date,
being liabilities which—
(a)had not become enforceable against the IBA before that date, and
(b)are not specifically and exclusively referable to any particular part or parts of the undertaking of the IBA
which has or have been transferred in accordance with a transfer scheme to one or more of the relevant
transferees.
(2)Any sums required by the IBA for the purpose of discharging any liabilities to which this paragraph
applies shall be paid to them by the Secretary of State out of money provided by Parliament.
(3)Any payments made to the IBA under sub-paragraph (2) may be so made subject to such conditions as
the Secretary of State may determine with the approval of the Treasury.
Final accounts and annual report of IBA
11(1)The IBA shall, as soon as possible after the transfer date, prepare such a statement of accounts as is
mentioned in subsection (1) of section 42 of the Act 1981 (accounts and audit) in respect of the period
between—
(a)the end of the financial year for which the last statement of accounts was prepared by them under that
section, and
(b)the transfer date,
whether that period is a financial year or not; and that section shall continue to apply on and after that date
in relation to the auditing of accounts kept in accordance with that subsection in respect of that period.
(2)The IBA shall, as soon as possible after the transfer date, prepare and transmit to the Secretary of State,
in accordance with section 43 of that Act (annual reports), such a report as is mentioned in subsection (1)
of that section in respect of the period between—
(a)the end of the financial year for which the last such report was prepared by them under that section, and
(b)the transfer date,
whether that period is a financial year or not.
(3)Subsection (2) of that section shall apply to any such report as if the references to the statement of
accounts for the year in question included references to the statement of accounts prepared in accordance
with sub-paragraph (1) above.
(4)The Secretary of State shall lay copies of any such report before each House of Parliament.
(5)Any expenses incurred by the IBA under this paragraph shall be met by such one or more of the relevant
transferees, and (if more than one) in such proportions, as may be determined by or under a transfer
scheme.
Section 128. SCHEDULE 10SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS RELATING TO DISSOLUTION OF CABLE AUTHORITY Provisions as to vesting of property etc. of Cable Authority
1(1)Sub-paragraph (2) below shall have effect for the purposes of, or in connection with, the vesting in the
Commission by virtue of section 128(1) of this Act of property, rights or liabilities of the Cable Authority.
(2)Any agreement made, transaction effected or other thing done by or in relation to the Cable Authority
which is in force or effective immediately before the transfer date shall have effect as from that date as if
made, effected or done by or in relation to the Commission, in all respects as if the Commission were the
same person, in law, as the Cable Authority; and accordingly references to the Cable Authority—
(a)in any agreement (whether or not in writing) and in any deed, bond or instrument,
(b)in any process or other document issued, prepared or employed for the purpose of any proceeding
before any court or other tribunal or authority, and
(c)in any other document whatever (other than an enactment),
shall be taken as from the transfer date as referring to the Commission.
2(1)Where immediately before the transfer date there is in force an agreement which—
(a)confers or imposes on the Cable Authority any rights or liabilities which vest in the Commission by virtue
of section 128(1), and
(b)refers (in whatever terms and whether expressly or by implication) to a member or officer of the Cable
Authority,
the agreement shall have effect, in relation to anything falling to be done on or after the transfer date, as if
for that reference there were substituted a reference to such person as the Commission may appoint or, in
default of appointment, to the member or employee of the Commission who corresponds as nearly as
possible to the member or officer of the Authority in question.
(2)References in this paragraph to an agreement include references to a deed, bond or other instrument.
Transfer of employees
3(1)It is hereby declared for the avoidance of doubt that—
(a)the effect of section 128(1) in relation to any contract of employment with the Cable Authority in force
immediately before the transfer date is merely to modify that contract (as from that date) by substituting the
Commission as the employer (and not to terminate the contract or vary it in any other way); and
(b)that provision is effective to vest the rights and liabilities of the Cable Authority under any agreement or
arrangement for the payment of pensions, allowances or gratuities in the Commission along with all the
other rights and liabilities of the Authority.
(2)Accordingly, for the purposes of any such agreement or arrangement as it has effect as from the transfer
date, any period of employment with the Cable Authority shall count as employment with the Commission.
(3)The Transfer of Undertakings [S.I. 1981/1794.] (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 shall apply
to the transfer to the Commission, by virtue of section 128(1), of the undertaking of the Cable Authority,
whether or not they would otherwise so apply; and that undertaking shall accordingly (whether or not it
would otherwise be so regarded) be regarded for the purposes of those Regulations as an undertaking in
the nature of a commercial venture.
Final accounts and annual report of Cable Authority
4(1)The Cable Authority shall, as soon as possible after the transfer date, prepare such a statement of
accounts as is mentioned in subsection (1) of section 20 of the [1984 c. 46.] Cable and Broadcasting Act
1984 (accounts and audit) in respect of the period between—
(a)the end of the financial year for which the last statement of accounts was prepared by them under that
section, and
(b)the transfer date,
whether that period is a financial year or not; and that section shall continue to apply on and after that date
in relation to the auditing of accounts kept in accordance with that subsection in respect of that period.
(2)The Cable Authority shall, as soon as possible after the transfer date, prepare and transmit to the
Secretary of State, in accordance with section 21 of that Act (annual reports), such a report as is mentioned
in subsection (1) of that section in respect of the period between—
(a)the end of the financial year for which the last such report was prepared by them under that section, and
(b)the transfer date,
whether that period is a financial year or not.
(3)Subsection (2) of that section shall apply to any such report as if the references to the statement of
accounts for the year in question included references to the statement of accounts prepared in accordance
with sub-paragraph (1) above.
(4)The Secretary of State shall lay copies of any such report before each House of Parliament.
(5)Any expenses incurred by the Cable Authority under this paragraph shall be met by the Commission.
Section 129. SCHEDULE 11TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO IBA’S BROADCASTING SERVICES PART IGENERAL
In this Schedule—
• “the [1981 c. 68.] 1981 Act” means the Broadcasting Act 1981;
• “the Authority” means the Radio Authority;
• “Channel 4” means the additional broadcasting service referred to in section 10(1) of the 1981 Act, but excluding
so much of that service as consisted, immediately before the transfer date, in the broadcasting of programmes for
reception wholly or mainly in Wales, and “on Channel 4” means in the said service;
• “the interim period” means the period referred to in paragraph 1(1) in Part II of this Schedule;
• “local licence” and “local service” have the same meaning as in Part III of this Act;
• “S4C” means the television broadcasting service referred to in section 57(1) of this Act, and “on S4C” means in
that service.
PART IITELEVISION BROADCASTING SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY COMMISSION
IBA’s television broadcasting services to be provided by Commission during interim period
1(1)During the period beginning with the transfer date and ending with 31st December 1992 (referred to in
this Schedule as “the interim period”) the following television broadcasting services, namely—
(a)ITV,
(b)Channel 4,
(c)any teletext service provided by the IBA down to the transfer date, and
(d)any DBS services so provided,
shall be provided by the Commission in accordance with this Part of this Schedule.
(2)The services provided by the Commission as mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) shall be of high quality
both as to the transmission and as to the matter transmitted and (subject to paragraph 3(1) below) shall be
provided by the Commission for so much of the United Kingdom as may from time to time be reasonably
practicable.
(3)During the interim period the following provisions of the 1981 Act, namely—
(a)section 2(2),
(b)sections 3 to 9,
(c)sections 14(3) and 15,
(d)sections 28 and 29, and
(e)Schedule 2,
shall (subject to the provisions of this Part of this Schedule) have effect in connection with the provision of
those services by the Commission as they had effect, immediately before the transfer date, in connection
with the provision of those services by the IBA.
(4)The provisions specified in sub-paragraph (3) above shall have effect in accordance with that sub-
paragraph with the following general modifications, namely—
(a)any reference to the IBA shall (subject to paragraph (b) and sub-paragraph (8) below) be construed as a
reference to the Commission; and
(b)any reference to any of the broadcasting stations used by the IBA shall be construed as a reference to
any of the broadcasting stations used in the provision of any of the services provided by the Commission
as mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) above.
(5)Section 3(2)(b) of the 1981 Act shall have effect in accordance with sub-paragraph (3) above with the
substitution of the following sub-paragraph for sub-paragraph (ii)—
“(ii)by reason of the termination of any contract with a programme contractor; and”.
(6)Section 8 of the 1981 Act shall have effect in accordance with sub-paragraph (3) above with the
omission of subsections (6) to (9) of that section; but (except in the case of any programme to which the
Commission determine that the following prohibition is not to apply) none of the broadcasting services
provided by the Commission as mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) above shall include a programme which is
sponsored by any person whose business consists, wholly or mainly—
(a)in the manufacture or supply of a product, or
(b)in the provision of a service,
the advertising of which in any such broadcasting service is prohibited by virtue of any provision of that Act
(as applied by this paragraph) or of the code under section 9 of that Act (as so applied).
(7)Section 9 of the 1981 Act shall have effect in accordance with sub-paragraph (3) above as if—
(a)in subsection (1)(a), after “standards and practice in advertising” there were inserted “and in the
sponsoring of programmes”;
(b)in subsection (1)(b), there were inserted at the end “and as regards the sponsoring of programmes so
broadcast”; and
(c)after “methods of advertising” (wherever occurring) there were inserted “or sponsorship”;
and the Commission may give effect to paragraph (a) above by making modifications to the code in force
under section 9 immediately before the transfer date.
(8)Section 29(5) of the 1981 Act shall have effect in accordance with sub-paragraph (3) above as if the
reference to requiring the IBA by notice in writing to do, or not to do, anything mentioned in that provision
were a reference to requiring the Commission by notice in writing to direct any programme contractor
specified in the notice—
(a)to do, or not to do, that thing, or
(b)(if the context so requires) to secure that that thing is or is not done.
(9)Without prejudice to the generality of sub-paragraph (5) of paragraph 2 below, the Commission may
make such variations of a contract to which sub-paragraph (1) of that paragraph applies as appear to them
to be appropriate for facilitating or ensuring compliance with any direction or notice given to or served on
them under section 28 or 29 of the 1981 Act (as applied by this paragraph).
General provisions about programme contracts and programme contractors
2(1)Sections 2(3) and 14(2) of the 1981 Act shall have effect in relation to the Commission and the
programmes and teletext transmissions broadcast by them in the services provided by them as mentioned
in paragraph 1(1) above as they had effect immediately before the transfer date in relation to the IBA and
the programmes and teletext transmissions broadcast by them in the services mentioned in paragraph 1(1);
and where a contract between the IBA and a programme contractor or a teletext contractor is effective
immediately before that date—
(a)the contract shall continue to have effect on and after that date (subject to and in accordance with this
Part of this Schedule) as a contract between the Commission and that contractor and any other party to it,
and
(b)any reference in the contract to the IBA shall accordingly be construed, in relation to any time falling on
or after that date, as a reference to the Commission.
(2)During the interim period the following provisions of the 1981 Act, namely—
(a)sections 19(1) to (2B) and 20(2) to (9),
(b)sections 21 to 25,
(c)sections 32 to 35, and
(d)Schedule 4,
shall have effect in relation to any contract to which sub-paragraph (1) applies, or (as the case may be) in
relation to the programme contractor or teletext contractor under any such contract, subject to the
modifications specified in sub-paragraph (3) and subject also to paragraphs 4 and 5 below.
(3)The modifications of the provisions specified in sub-paragraph (2) are as follows—
(a)any reference in those provisions to the IBA shall (subject to paragraphs (b) and (c) below) be construed
as a reference to the Commission;
(b)sections 21 and 23 shall have effect as if any reference to the IBA’s obligation to transmit the
programmes supplied by a programme contractor were a reference to the right and the duty of the
programme contractor under his contract to provide programmes for broadcasting in one of the services
provided by the Commission as mentioned in paragraph 1(1) above;
(c)section 22 shall have effect as if any reference to the programmes, or television programmes, supplied
to the IBA were a reference to the programmes, or television programmes, supplied for broadcasting in one
of those services; and
(d)section 32(1)(a) shall have effect as if—
(i)for “the branch” there were substituted “the part”, and
(ii)for “section 36(2) in relation to that branch” there were substituted “paragraph 12(1) of Schedule 1 to the
Broadcasting Act 1990 in relation to that part”.
(4)The Commission shall do all that they can to secure that during the interim period no person who is, or is
an associate of, a TV programme contractor—
(a)holds any local licence, or
(b)controls any body which holds any such licence, or
(c)is a participant with more than a 20 per cent. interest in a body corporate which holds any such licence,
in a case where the area or locality for which the licensed service is to be provided is to a significant extent
the same as the area for which television programmes are to be provided under the TV programme
contractor’s contract; and this sub-paragraph shall be construed in accordance with Part I of Schedule 2 to
this Act.
(5)The Commission may make such variations of a contract to which sub-paragraph (1) applies as appear
to them to be appropriate in consequence of any of the provisions of this Part of this Schedule.
Provisions relating to Channel 4
3(1)Channel 4 shall be provided by the Commission during the interim period for so much of England,
Scotland and Northern Ireland as may from time to time be reasonably practicable.
(2)The programmes (other than advertisements) broadcast by the Commission on Channel 4 shall (without
prejudice to section 12(2) of the 1981 Act, as applied by this paragraph) be provided by the Commission.
(3)In consequence of sub-paragraph (2), sections 3(2) and 6 of the 1981 Act (as applied by paragraph 1
above) do not apply in the case of Channel 4.
(4)Subject to the modifications specified in sub-paragraph (5), sections 11 to 13 of the 1981 Act shall have
effect in connection with the provision of Channel 4 by the Commission during the interim period as they
had effect immediately before the transfer date in connection with the provision of that service by the IBA.
(5)The modifications of the provisions specified in sub-paragraph (4) are as follows—
(a)any reference in those provisions to the IBA shall (subject to paragraph (c) below) be construed as a
reference to the Commission;
(b)section 12(1) shall have effect as if for the reference to paragraph 4(1) of Schedule 1 to the 1981 Act
there were substituted a reference to paragraph 1(3) of Schedule 1 to this Act;
(c)section 12(2) shall have effect as if for the reference to a subsidiary of the IBA formed by them for the
purpose there were substituted a reference to a subsidiary of the Commission (being the body corporate
formed by the IBA in pursuance of that provision); and
(d)in section 13, subsection (4) shall (in consequence of paragraph 1(6) above) have effect with the
omission of paragraph (c).
Provisions relating to teletext services
4(1)For the purposes of—
(a)this Part of this Schedule, and
(b)the provisions of the 1981 Act which have effect in accordance with this Part of this Schedule,
teletext transmissions shall not be treated as programmes; but this is subject to sub-paragraph (2) and to
any of those provisions of the 1981 Act which expressly requires such transmissions to be so treated for the
purposes of any particular provision.
(2)In paragraphs 1(8) and 2(3)(b) above and 10 below and in the provisions specified in Part I of Schedule
3 to the 1981 Act (as they have effect in accordance with this Part of this Schedule)—
(a)references to programmes or to television programmes shall be read as including references to teletext
transmissions; and
(b)references to programme contractors shall be read as including references to teletext contractors.
(3)In section 3(2) of the 1981 Act, in its application to teletext transmissions or teletext contractors by virtue
of sub-paragraph (2), the reference to section 2(3) of that Act shall be read as a reference to section 14(2)
of that Act (as it has effect by virtue of paragraph 2(1) above).
(4)The following provisions of the 1981 Act, namely—
(a)section 20(2)(b) and (3), and
(b)section 22,
shall not have effect by virtue of paragraph 2(2) above in relation to teletext contractors or their contracts.
Provisions relating to DBS services
5(1)The following provisions of the 1981 Act, namely—
(a)in section 2(2), paragraph (c) and in paragraph (b) the words “and a proper balance and wide range in
their subject matter”,
(b)in section 4(1), paragraph (d) and so much of paragraph (b) as relates to the giving of a sufficient
amount of time in the programmes to news and news features,
(c)section 20(2)(b) and (3),
(d)section 22, and
(e)section 24,
shall not have effect by virtue of paragraph 1(3) or 2(2) above in connection with the provision of DBS services
by the Commission or (as the case may be) in relation to DBS contractors or their contracts.
(2)Every contract between the Commission and a DBS programme contractor shall contain all such
provisions as the Commission think necessary or expedient to ensure that the financial and other
arrangements for the provision of the satellite transponder are made by the contractor.
(3)For the purpose of enabling a DBS programme or teletext contractor to make charges for the reception
of programmes provided by him or transmissions containing material so provided, the Commission may,
notwithstanding anything in the 1981 Act as it has effect in accordance with this Part of this Schedule,
broadcast the programmes or transmissions in such a form (whether scrambled, encoded or otherwise) as
will prevent persons from receiving them unless they obtain from the contractor the means of doing so.
(4)Where under the power conferred by sub-paragraph (3) the Commission broadcast programmes or
transmissions in such a form as is mentioned in that sub-paragraph, nothing in the 1981 Act (as it so has
effect) shall be taken as requiring the Commission to permit advertisements to be included in the
programmes or transmissions.
(5)Where any service falling within section 46(1) of this Act is provided during the interim period on any of
the spare capacity within the frequencies on which any DBS services are provided by the Commission in
accordance with this Part of this Schedule, that service is licensable under section 47 of this Act as a
licensable programme service, and not otherwise.
General provisions relating to S4C
6(1)Subject to the provisions of this paragraph and paragraph 7 below, S4C shall be provided during the
interim period by the Welsh Authority in accordance with Chapter VI of Part I of this Act.
(2)During that period—
(a)any reference in section 57(3) or 58(2) or (4) of this Act to Channel 4 shall be construed as a reference
to the Channel 4 service provided by the Commission in accordance with paragraph 1 above; and
(b)the reference in section 58(2) to the Channel Four Television Corporation shall be construed as a
reference to the Commission.
(3)So much of section 4(1)(d) of the 1981 Act (as applied by paragraph 1 above) as relates to cases where
another language as well as English is in common use among persons served by the station or stations in
question, shall, in the case of programmes broadcast by the Commission on ITV for reception wholly or
mainly in Wales, apply only to languages other than Welsh.
Broadcasting of advertisements on S4C
7(1)During the interim period the programmes broadcast by the Welsh Authority on S4C for reception in the
area of any TV programme contractor may, so long as the provisions of the 1981 Act (as applied by this
Part of this Schedule) are complied with in relation thereto, include advertisements provided for insertion
therein by that contractor in consideration of payments to him.
(2)Any such TV programme contractor shall have the right to provide advertisements for inclusion in the
programmes broadcast on S4C for reception in his area so long as—
(a)he makes the required payments to the Commission, and
(b)the provisions of the 1981 Act (as applied by this Part of this Schedule) are complied with in relation to
such advertisements.
(3)In sub-paragraph (2) “the required payments” means such payments as are required to be paid by the
programme contractor by virtue of any provision of his contract included in pursuance of section 13(2) of
the 1981 Act.
(4)For any period in which programmes are to be broadcast on S4C for reception in the area of a TV
programme contractor it shall be the duty of the Welsh Authority to make suitable arrangements—
(a)for the contractor to receive advance information about the programmes other than advertisements
which are to be so broadcast in that period and about the periods which will be available for the
broadcasting of advertisements; and
(b)for the inclusion, in the programmes so broadcast in that period, of advertisements provided for the
purpose by the contractor in the exercise of his right to do so under sub-paragraph (2).
(5)No period allocated by the Welsh Authority to the broadcasting of advertisements on S4C shall be
located—
(a)in any break in any programme supplied to them by the BBC; or
(b)without the consent of the BBC, at the beginning or end of any such programme.
(6)Orders for the inclusion by a TV programme contractor of advertisements among those provided by him
for insertion in the programmes broadcast on S4C may be received either through advertising or other
agents or direct from the advertiser.
(7)During the interim period—
(a)section 8(5) of the 1981 Act shall apply in relation to the programmes broadcast by the Welsh Authority
on S4C as that provision applies, in accordance with this Part of this Schedule, in relation to the
programmes broadcast by the Commission on ITV;
(b)the Commission shall do all that they can to secure that the provisions of—
(i)Schedule 2 to the 1981 Act (as it applies in accordance with this Part of this Schedule), and
(ii)the code under section 9 of that Act,
are complied with in relation to the advertisements broadcast by the Welsh Authority on S4C and in relation
to the sponsorship of programmes so broadcast;
(c)section 9(2) and (3) of that Act shall apply accordingly in relation to advertisements and other
programmes so broadcast; and
(d)(except in the case of any programme to which the Welsh Authority determine that this paragraph is not
to apply) S4C shall not contain any programme which is sponsored by any person whose business
consists, wholly or mainly—
(i)in the manufacture or supply of a product, or
(ii)in the provision of a service,
the advertising of which on ITV is prohibited by virtue of any provision of that Act or of the code under section
9 of that Act.
(8)So long as any directions given under section 9(4) of the 1981 Act (whether by the IBA or by the
Commission) remain in force, the Welsh Authority shall, in broadcasting advertisements on S4C, give effect
to the provisions of the directions as if they were provisions regulating the times when advertisements are
to be allowed to be broadcast on S4C.
(9)Section 60(1) to (4) and (6) of this Act shall not have effect in relation to the Welsh Authority during the
interim period.
Financing of S4C during interim period
8(1)For each financial year, or part of a financial year, falling within the interim period the Commission shall
(unless any payment has already been made in respect of it under section 39(1) of the 1981 Act) pay to the
Welsh Authority—
(a)such sum or sums as may be agreed between them to be appropriate for enabling the Welsh Authority
to meet their reasonable outgoings, or
(b)in default of such agreement, such sum or sums as the Secretary of State may determine to be
appropriate for that purpose.
(2)For the purposes of section 32(1)(a) of the 1981 Act (as applied by paragraph 2 above) all sums paid by
the Commission to the Welsh Authority in pursuance of sub-paragraph (1) above shall be treated as
expenditure properly incurred in respect of the part of the Commission’s undertaking which consists of the
provision of television broadcasting services.
(3)In deciding from time to time whether to make any, and if so what, use of his power under subsection (8)
of section 32 of the 1981 Act (as so applied) to amend by order subsections (4) and (5) of that section the
Secretary of State may have regard to any increase in the aggregate amount of the payments to be made
under the head described in subsection (1)(a) of that section which is attributable to the provisions of sub-
paragraph (1).
(4)The provisions applied to the Welsh Authority by section 52(2) of the 1981 Act shall continue to apply to
them on and after the transfer date in relation to any financial year ending before that date; and paragraphs
12 and 13 of Schedule 6 to this Act shall accordingly apply in relation to any subsequent financial year.
Delivery of programmes by means of local delivery services
9Part II of this Act shall have effect as if section 72(2) of this Act included a reference to any television
broadcasting service provided by the Commission in accordance with this Part of this Schedule.
Provisions relating to Broadcasting Complaints Commission
10(1)Part V of this Act shall have effect as if—
(a)section 143(2) of this Act included a reference to any television programme broadcast by the
Commission during the interim period;
(b)(subject to sub-paragraph (2)) the Commission were—
(i)in relation to the provision by them of television broadcasting services in accordance with this Part of this
Schedule, and
(ii)in relation to the broadcasting of advertisements on S4C during the interim period,
a broadcasting body within the meaning of that Part of this Act; and
(c)the Welsh Authority accordingly were not a broadcasting body within the meaning of that Part of this Act
in relation to any such broadcasting of advertisements on S4C.
(2)Sub-paragraph (1)(b) shall not have effect for the purposes of section 145(5) of this Act; and the
Commission shall make such variations of any contract to which paragraph 2(1) above applies as appear to
them to be appropriate—
(a)for requiring the programme contractor under that contract—
(i)in the case of every programme provided by him which is broadcast by the Commission during the
interim period, to retain a recording of that programme for the period of 90 days beginning with the
broadcast,
(ii)if requested to do so by the Commission for the purpose of enabling them to comply with any
requirement imposed on them in pursuance of section 145(4), 155(3) or 167(1) of this Act, to produce any
such recording to them, and
(iii)if requested to do so by the Commission for the purpose of enabling them to comply with any
requirement imposed on them in pursuance of section 145(4) or 155(3) of this Act, to produce to them any
transcript of any such programme which he is able to produce to them; and
(b)for ensuring compliance by the programme contractor with any request to which section 145(7) of this
Act applies which may be made to him by the BCC.
(3)For the financial year which includes the commencement of section 149 of this Act, and each
subsequent financial year falling wholly or partly within the interim period, the Secretary of State shall notify
to the Commission the sum which he considers to be the appropriate contribution by that body, in respect
of the programme contractors under contracts to which paragraph 2(1) above applies, towards the
expenses of the BCC; and the Commission shall pay to the Secretary of State any sum notified to them
under this sub-paragraph.
(4)Paragraph 2(1)(g)(i) of Schedule 13 to this Act shall have effect during the interim period as if the
reference to the BBC or the Welsh Authority included a reference to the Commission.
(5)In this paragraph “the BCC” means the Broadcasting Complaints Commission.
Provisions relating to Broadcasting Standards Council
11Part VI of this Act shall have effect during the interim period as if—
(a)section 152(2) of this Act included a reference to any television programme broadcast by the
Commission during that period;
(b)the Commission were—
(i)in relation to the provision by them of television broadcasting services in accordance with this Part of this
Schedule, and
(ii)in relation to the broadcasting of advertisements on S4C during the interim period,
a broadcasting body within the meaning of that Part of this Act; and
(c)the Welsh Authority accordingly were not a broadcasting body within the meaning of that Part of this Act
in relation to any such broadcasting of advertisements on S4C.
Supplementary provisions
12(1)Any code, notice, direction, approval or other thing drawn up, given or done by or in relation to the
IBA—
(a)in pursuance of a provision of the 1981 Act which has effect during the interim period in accordance with
this Part of this Schedule, and
(b)in connection with any of the IBA’s television broadcasting services,
shall, if in force or effective immediately before the transfer date, have effect as from that date for the relevant
purposes as if drawn up, given or done by or in relation to the Commission.
(2)Anything which immediately before that date was in the process of being done by or in relation to the
IBA may, if it was being so done as mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) of sub-paragraph (1), be
continued on or after that date by or in relation to the Commission.
(3)Sections 61 and 62 of the 1981 Act shall have effect during the interim period for the relevant purposes
as if any reference to the IBA were a reference to the Commission.
(4)In this paragraph “the relevant purposes” means the purposes of the 1981 Act as it has effect during the
interim period in accordance with this Part of this Schedule.
PART IIIREPLACEMENT OF DBS CONTRACTS BY LICENCES UNDER PART I Replacement of DBS programme contract by domestic satellite licence
1(1)Where any contract which, by virtue of paragraph 2(1) in Part II of this Schedule, has effect as a
contract between the Commission and a DBS programme contractor is effective immediately before the
relevant date—
(a)the contract shall cease to have effect on that date; but
(b)the contractor shall be granted by the Commission as from that date a licence under Part I of this Act to
provide a domestic satellite service which, in accordance with section 44(2) of this Act, authorises the
provision of a multichannel service on the frequencies on which any DBS services consisting of
programmes provided by him under the contract were being provided by the Commission down to that
date.
(2)In sub-paragraph (1) “multichannel service” means a service which to any extent consists in the
simultaneous transmission of different programmes on different frequencies.
(3)Any licence granted in pursuance of sub-paragraph (1) shall be so granted notwithstanding anything in
sections 15 to 17 of this Act (as applied by section 44 of this Act); and nothing in section 19 of this Act (as
so applied) shall apply to any such licence until such time (if any) as it is renewed in accordance with sub-
paragraph (4).
(4)Section 20 of this Act (as so applied) shall apply to any such licence as if—
(a)in subsection (1), the first reference to a period of fifteen years were a reference to the period beginning
with the relevant date and ending with the date on which the contract referred to in sub-paragraph (1)
would have expired apart from that sub-paragraph;
(b)in subsection (6)(b), the words from “a different” to “as” were omitted; and
(c)in subsection (9)(a), the reference to any conditions included in the licence in pursuance of section 19
were a reference to any conditions so included in accordance with sub-paragraph (5) below.
(5)Where any such licence is to be renewed in accordance with sub-paragraph (4), the Commission shall
(notwithstanding section 3(4) of this Act) by notice served on the licence holder vary the licence, as from
the date of its renewal, by including in it such conditions as appear to them to be necessary or expedient in
consequence of sub-paragraph (3).
(6)Section 3(3) shall, in its application in relation to any such licence, have effect—
(a)with the omission of paragraph (a), and
(b)as if the reference to Part I of this Act included a reference to this Part of this Schedule.
(7)Section 41 shall have effect in relation to any such licence with the omission of subsection (2); and the
maximum amount which the holder of any such licence may be required to pay by way of a financial
penalty imposed in pursuance of subsection (1)(a) of that section shall instead be the sum for the time
being specified in section 45(6).
(8)Except as provided in the preceding provisions of this paragraph, Part I of this Act applies to a licence
granted in pursuance of this paragraph as it applies to any other licence to provide a domestic satellite
service.
(9)In this Part of this Schedule—
(a)“the relevant date” means the day immediately following the end of the interim period; and
(b)“additional services licence” and “domestic satellite licence” have the same meaning as in Part I of this
Act.
Power to require licence holder to make additional payments under 1981 Act
2(1)The Secretary of State may by order provide for such of the provisions of sections 32 to 35 of, and
Schedule 4 to, the 1981 Act as are specified in the order to have effect (subject to such modifications as
are so specified)—
(a)in relation to the holder of any licence granted in pursuance of paragraph 1 above, or
(b)in relation to any such licence,
with a view to making provision for and in connection with the making by the holder of any such licence to
the Commission of payments determined in accordance with section 32 of that Act in respect of profits or
advertising revenue (or both) within the meaning of that section.
(2)Any such order shall be so framed as to secure that, subject to such modifications as the Secretary of
State considers appropriate and to sub-paragraph (4), the provisions of the 1981 Act applied by the order
as mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(a) and (b) so apply in a similar way to that in which they applied
immediately before the relevant date in relation to a DBS programme contractor or (as the case may be) in
relation to the contract of any such contractor.
(3)Without prejudice to the generality of sub-paragraph (2), any such order shall provide for any excess of a
DBS programme contractor’s relevant expenditure over his relevant income to be carried forward and
treated as relevant expenditure for the purpose of computing his profits as the holder of a licence granted in
pursuance of paragraph 1 above.
Expressions used in this sub-paragraph which are also used in Schedule 4 to the 1981 Act have the same
meaning as in that Schedule.
(4)The power of the Secretary of State to make an order under subsection (8) of section 32 of the 1981 Act
shall include power to make an order amending any of the provisions of subsections (4) and (5) of that
section in so far as they have effect, by virtue of sub-paragraph (1), in relation to the holder of a licence
granted in pursuance of paragraph 1 above.
(5)Where an order under sub-paragraph (1) comes into force at any time after the relevant date, the
Commission shall (notwithstanding section 3(4) of this Act) by notice served on the licence holder vary any
licence granted in pursuance of paragraph 1 above by including in it such conditions as appear to them to
be necessary or expedient in consequence of the order.
(6)Nothing in any such order shall impose on the holder of any such licence any liability to make any
payment in respect of any time when any conditions included in the licence in accordance with paragraph
1(5) above are in force.
(7)An order shall not be made by the Secretary of State under sub-paragraph (1) unless a draft of it has
been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.
Replacement of DBS teletext contract by additional services licence
3(1)Where any contract which, by virtue of paragraph 2(1) in Part II of this Schedule, has effect as a
contract between the Commission and a DBS teletext contractor is effective immediately before the
relevant date—
(a)the contract shall cease to have effect on that date; but
(b)the contractor shall be granted by the Commission as from that date an additional services licence under
Part I of this Act which allocates for use under the licence all of the spare capacity within the frequencies on
which any DBS services consisting of programmes provided by him as a DBS programme contractor were
provided by the Commission down to that date.
(2)Any such licence shall be so granted notwithstanding anything in sections 50 and 51 of this Act; and
nothing in section 52 of this Act shall apply to any such licence until such time (if any) as it is renewed in
accordance with sub-paragraph (3).
(3)Section 53 of this Act shall apply to any such licence as if—
(a)in subsection (1)(a), the reference to a period of ten years were a reference to the period beginning with
the relevant date and ending with the date on which any contract to which paragraph 1(1) above applies
and to which the DBS teletext contractor was a party immediately before the relevant date would have
expired apart from that provision;
(b)subsection (3) were omitted;
(c)in subsection (5), paragraph (a) were omitted;
(d)in subsection (7)(b), the words from “a different” to “as” were omitted; and
(e)in subsection (10), the reference to any conditions included in the licence in pursuance of section 52
were a reference to any conditions so included in accordance with sub-paragraph (4) below.
(4)Where any such licence is to be renewed in accordance with sub-paragraph (3), the Commission shall
(notwithstanding section 3(4) of this Act) by notice served on the licence holder vary the licence, as from
the date of its renewal, by including in it such conditions as appear to them to be necessary or expedient in
consequence of sub-paragraph (2).
(5)Section 3(3) shall, in its application in relation to any such licence, have effect—
(a)with the omission of paragraph (a), and
(b)as if the reference to Part I of this Act included a reference to this Part of this Schedule.
(6)Section 55 shall have effect in relation to any such licence with the omission of subsection (2); and the
maximum amount which the holder of any such licence may be required to pay by way of a financial
penalty imposed in pursuance of subsection (1) of that section shall instead be the sum for the time being
specified in section 45(6).
(7)In sub-paragraph (1)(b) above the reference to spare capacity within the frequencies referred to in that
provision includes a reference to spare capacity within those frequencies which (not being spare capacity
within the signals carrying a television broadcasting service) is not spare capacity within the meaning of
Part I of this Act; and references in that Part of this Act (however expressed) to the spare capacity
authorised to be used under an additional services licence shall, in relation to any such licence as is
mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(b), accordingly be construed as including a reference to spare capacity
within those frequencies which is not spare capacity within the meaning of that Part of this Act.
(8)Except as provided in the preceding provisions of this paragraph, Part I of this Act applies to a licence
granted in pursuance of this paragraph as it applies to any other additional services licence.
PART IVSOUND BROADCASTING SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY RADIO AUTHORITY Certain local sound broadcasting services of IBA to be provided by Radio Authority as from transfer date
1(1)So long as any contracts for the provision of local sound broadcasts continue in force on and after the
transfer date by virtue of paragraph 2(1) below, the Authority shall provide, in accordance with this Part of
this Schedule, local sound broadcasting services consisting in the broadcasting of programmes provided by
the programme contractors under those contracts.
(2)The services provided by the Authority as mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) shall be of high quality both
as to the transmission and as to the matter transmitted, and shall be provided for the localities in the United
Kingdom for which the programmes in question are to be provided by the programme contractors under
their contracts.
(3)As from the transfer date the following provisions of the 1981 Act, namely—
(a)section 2(2),
(b)sections 3 to 9,
(c)sections 28 and 29, and
(d)Schedule 2,
shall have effect in connection with the provision of those services by the Authority as they had effect,
immediately before the transfer date, in connection with the provision of local sound broadcasting services
by the IBA.
(4)The provisions specified in sub-paragraph (3) above shall have effect in accordance with that sub-
paragraph with the following general modifications, namely—
(a)any reference to the IBA shall (subject to paragraph (b) and sub-paragraph (8) below) be construed as a
reference to the Authority; and
(b)any reference to any of the broadcasting stations used by the IBA shall be construed as a reference to
any of the broadcasting stations used in the provision of any of the services provided by the Authority as
mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) above.
(5)Section 3(2)(b) of the 1981 Act shall have effect in accordance with sub-paragraph (3) above with the
substitution of the following sub-paragraph for sub-paragraph (ii)—
“(ii)by reason of the termination of any contract with a programme contractor; and”.
(6)Section 8 of the 1981 Act shall have effect in accordance with sub-paragraph (3) above with the
omission of subsections (6) to (9) of that section; but (except in the case of any programme to which the
Authority determine that the following prohibition is not to apply) none of the broadcasting services provided
by the Authority as mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) above shall include a programme which is sponsored
by any person whose business consists, wholly or mainly—
(a)in the manufacture or supply of a product, or
(b)in the provision of a service,
the advertising of which in any such broadcasting service is prohibited by virtue of any provision of that Act
(as applied by this paragraph) or of the code under section 9 of that Act (as so applied).
(7)Section 9 of the 1981 Act shall have effect in accordance with sub-paragraph (3) above as if—
(a)in subsection (1)(a), after “standards and practice in advertising” there were inserted “and in the
sponsoring of programmes”;
(b)in subsection (1)(b), there were inserted at the end “and as regards the sponsoring of programmes so
broadcast”; and
(c)after “methods of advertising” (wherever occurring) there were inserted “or sponsorship”;
and the Authority may give effect to paragraph (a) above by making modifications to the code in force under
section 9 immediately before the transfer date.
(8)Section 29(5) of the 1981 Act shall have effect in accordance with sub-paragraph (3) above as if the
reference to requiring the IBA by notice in writing to do, or not to do, anything mentioned in that provision
were a reference to requiring the Authority by notice in writing to direct any programme contractor specified
in the notice—
(a)to do, or not to do, that thing, or
(b)(if the context so requires) to secure that that thing is or is not done.
(9)Without prejudice to the generality of sub-paragraph (6) of paragraph 2 below, the Authority may make
such variations of a contract to which sub-paragraph (1) of that paragraph applies as appear to them to be
appropriate for facilitating or ensuring compliance with any direction or notice given to or served on them
under section 28 or 29 of the 1981 Act (as applied by this paragraph).
Preservation of certain local sound broadcasting contracts
2(1)Where—
(a)the IBA has, at any time before the transfer date, entered into a contract with a programme contractor for
the provision by the contractor of local sound broadcasts in any locality, and
(b)the contract is effective immediately before that date,
then, unless the contract is one to which paragraph 2 in Part V of this Schedule applies (and subject to
paragraph 1 in that Part)—
(i)the contract shall continue to have effect on and after that date (subject to and in accordance with this
Part of this Schedule) as a contract between the Authority and that contractor and any other party to it, and
(ii)any reference in the contract to the IBA shall accordingly be construed, in relation to any time falling on
or after that date, as a reference to the Authority.
(2)Section 2(3) of the 1981 Act shall have effect in relation to the programmes broadcast by the Authority in
accordance with paragraph 1(1) above as if—
(a)any reference in that subsection to the IBA were a reference to the Authority; and
(b)the reference in that subsection to any such contracts as are there mentioned were a reference to
contracts which continue in force by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) above.
(3)As from the transfer date the following provisions of the 1981 Act, namely—
(a)sections 19(1) to (2B) and 20(2) to (9),
(b)sections 21 to 25,
(c)sections 32 to 35, and
(d)Schedule 4,
shall have effect in relation to any contract which continues in force by virtue of sub-paragraph (1), or (as the
case may be) in relation to the programme contractor under any such contract, subject to the modifications
specified in sub-paragraph (4).
(4)The modifications of the provisions specified in sub-paragraph (3) are as follows—
(a)any reference in those provisions to the IBA shall (subject to paragraphs (b) and (c) below) be construed
as a reference to the Authority;
(b)sections 21 and 23 shall have effect as if any reference to the IBA’s obligation to transmit the
programmes supplied by a programme contractor were a reference to the right and the duty of the
programme contractor under his contract to provide programmes for broadcasting in one of the services
provided by the Authority as mentioned in paragraph 1(1) above;
(c)section 22 shall have effect as if any reference to the programmes supplied to the IBA were a reference
to the programmes supplied for broadcasting in one of those services; and
(d)section 32(2)(a) shall have effect as if—
(i)for “the branch” there were substituted “the part”, and
(ii)for “section 36(2) in relation to that branch” there were substituted “paragraph 12(1) of Schedule 8 to the
Broadcasting Act 1990 in relation to that part”.
(5)The Authority shall do all that they can to secure that, so long as any contract continues in force by
virtue of sub-paragraph (1), neither the programme contractor under the contract nor any associate of his—
(a)holds any local licence, or
(b)controls any body which holds any such licence, or
(c)is a participant with more than a 20 per cent. interest in a body corporate which holds any such licence,
in a case where the area or locality for which the licensed service is to be provided is to a significant extent
the same as the locality for which local sound broadcasts are to be provided under the programme
contractor’s contract; and this sub-paragraph shall be construed in accordance with Part I of Schedule 2 to
this Act.
(6)The Authority may make such variations of a contract which continues in force by virtue of sub-
paragraph (1) as appear to them to be appropriate in consequence of any of the provisions of this Part of
this Schedule.
Delivery of programmes by means of local delivery services
3Part II of this Act shall have effect as if section 72(2) of this Act included a reference to any local sound
broadcasting service provided by the Authority in accordance with this Part of this Schedule.
Provisions relating to Broadcasting Complaints Commission
4(1)Part V of this Act shall have effect as if—
(a)section 143(2) of this Act included a reference to any sound programme broadcast by the Authority in
accordance with this Part of this Schedule; and
(b)(subject to sub-paragraph (2)) the Authority were, in relation to the provision by them of local sound
broadcasting services in accordance with this Part of this Schedule, a broadcasting body within the
meaning of that Part of this Act.
(2)Sub-paragraph (1)(b) shall not have effect for the purposes of section 145(5) of this Act; and the
Authority shall make such variations of any contract which continues in force by virtue of paragraph 2(1)
above as appear to them to be appropriate—
(a)for requiring the programme contractor under that contract—
(i)in the case of every programme provided by him which is broadcast by the Authority in accordance with
this Part of this Schedule, to retain a recording of that programme for the period of 42 days beginning with
the broadcast,
(ii)if requested to do so by the Authority for the purpose of enabling them to comply with any requirement
imposed on them in pursuance of section 145(4), 155(3) or 167(1) of this Act, to produce any such
recording to them, and
(iii)if requested to do so by the Authority for the purpose of enabling them to comply with any requirement
imposed on them in pursuance of section 145(4) or 155(3) of this Act, to produce to them any transcript of
any such programme which he is able to produce to them; and
(b)for ensuring compliance by the programme contractor with any request to which section 145(7) of this
Act applies which may be made to him by the BCC.
(3)For the financial year which includes the commencement of section 149 of this Act, and each
subsequent financial year falling wholly or partly within the period during which the Authority provide local
sound broadcasting services in accordance with this Part of this Schedule, the Secretary of State shall
notify to the Authority the sum which he considers to be the appropriate contribution by that body, in
respect of the programme contractors under contracts which continue in force by virtue of paragraph 2(1)
above, towards the expenses of the BCC; and the Authority shall pay to the Secretary of State any sum
notified to them under this sub-paragraph.
(4)Paragraph 2(1)(g)(i) of Schedule 13 to this Act shall have effect during the period referred to in sub-
paragraph (3) above as if the reference to the BBC or the Welsh Authority included a reference to the
Authority.
(5)In this paragraph “the BCC” means the Broadcasting Complaints Commission.
Provisions relating to Broadcasting Standards Council
5Part VI of this Act shall have effect as if—
(a)section 152(2) of this Act included a reference to any sound programme broadcast by the Authority in
accordance with this Part of this Schedule; and
(b)the Authority were, in relation to the provision by them of local sound broadcasting services in
accordance with this Part of this Schedule, a broadcasting body within the meaning of that Part of this Act.
Supplementary provisions
6(1)Any code, notice, direction, approval or other thing drawn up, given or done by or in relation to the
IBA—
(a)in pursuance of a provision of the 1981 Act which has effect as from the transfer date in accordance with
this Part of this Schedule, and
(b)in connection with any of the IBA’s local sound broadcasting services which are to be provided by the
Authority as from that date in accordance with paragraph 1(1) above,
shall, if in force or effective immediately before that date, have effect as from that date for the relevant
purposes as if drawn up, given or done by or in relation to the Authority.
(2)Anything which immediately before that date was in the process of being done by or in relation to the
IBA may, if it was being so done as mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) of sub-paragraph (1), be
continued on or after that date by or in relation to the Authority.
(3)As from that date sections 61 and 62 of the 1981 Act shall have effect for the relevant purposes as if any
reference to the IBA were a reference to the Authority.
(4)In this paragraph “the relevant purposes” means the purposes of the 1981 Act as it has effect as from
the transfer date in accordance with this Part of this Schedule.
PART VREPLACEMENT OF PROGRAMME CONTRACTS BY LOCAL LICENCES Replacement of contracts to which paragraph 2(1) in Part IV applies by local licences
1(1)The Authority may, if the programme contractor under a relevant contract so requests—
(a)determine the contract as from any time falling on or after the transfer date; and
(b)subject to paragraph 3(2) below, grant to the programme contractor as from that time a licence to
provide a local service for the locality in which local sound broadcasts were to be provided by him under
the contract.
(2)In sub-paragraph (1) “relevant contract” means a contract which (apart from that sub-paragraph) would
continue in force by virtue of paragraph 2(1) in Part IV of this Schedule.
(3)A licence granted in pursuance of sub-paragraph (1) shall (subject to the provisions of Part III of this Act)
continue in force for such period as the Authority may determine, except that the licence shall not expire—
(a)before the date on which the contract referred to in that sub-paragraph would have expired if it had not
been determined under that sub-paragraph, or
(b)later than 31st December 1996 or the date which falls three years after the date referred to in paragraph
(a), whichever is the earlier.
Replacement by local licences of certain contracts for the provision of local sound broadcasts in localities in which such broadcasts were already provided
2(1)Any contract which—
(a)the IBA has, at any time on or after 1st September 1989, entered into with a programme contractor for
the provision by the contractor of local sound broadcasts in a locality comprised in the locality in which such
broadcasts were for the time being to be provided by another programme contractor under a contract
entered into before that time, and
(b)is effective immediately before the transfer date,
shall cease to have effect on that date; but, if the first-mentioned programme contractor so requests at any
time before that date, the Authority may, subject to paragraph 3(2) below, grant to him as from that date a
licence to provide a local service for that locality.
(2)A licence granted in pursuance of sub-paragraph (1) shall (subject to the provisions of Part III of this Act)
continue in force until 31st December 1994.
Common provisions applying to licences granted in pursuance of paragraph 1(1) or 2(1) above
3(1)A request for the grant of a licence which is made to the Authority by any person in pursuance of
paragraph 1(1) or 2(1) above must be in writing and accompanied by—
(a)his proposals for providing a service that would cater for the tastes and interests of persons living in the
locality for which it would be provided or for any particular tastes and interests of such persons; and
(b)such information as the Authority may reasonably require as to his present financial position and his
projected financial position during the period for which the licence would be in force.
(2)The Authority shall not grant a licence to any person in pursuance of paragraph 1(1) or 2(1) above
unless they are satisfied that the service proposed to be provided by that person would cater for the tastes
and interests of persons living in the locality for which it would be provided or for any particular tastes and
interests of such persons.
(3)Section 104 of this Act shall not apply in relation to the grant of any such licence.
(4)Section 106(1) of this Act shall apply to any such licence as if for “when making his application” there
were substituted “in pursuance of paragraph 3(1) in Part V of Schedule 11”.
(5)In section 86(4) of this Act the reference to Part III of this Act shall include a reference to this Part of this
Schedule.
(6)Except as provided in the preceding provisions of this paragraph, Part III of this Act applies to a licence
granted in pursuance of paragraph 1(1) or 2(1) above as it applies to any other local licence granted under
that Part.
Saving for liabilities under terminated contracts
4(1)Where the contract of a programme contractor is terminated by the Authority under this Part of this
Schedule, the termination of that contract shall not affect any liability of his which has accrued under or by
virtue of the contract before its termination.
(2)Where any such contract is so terminated but the programme contractor is granted a local licence as
from the date of its termination, any agreement—
(a)made before that date between the contractor and any other person, and
(b)framed (whether expressly or by implication) by reference to the contract or to the contractor’s status as
a programme contractor,
shall (unless it expressly provides otherwise) have effect as from that date with such modifications as are
necessary to take account of the replacement of the contract by the licence or of the contractor’s new status
as the holder of the licence (as the case may require).
(3)References in sub-paragraph (2) to an agreement include references—
(a)to an oral agreement, and
(b)to a deed, bond or other instrument.
Section 134. SCHEDULE 12TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO EXISTING CABLE SERVICES PART IGENERAL 1(1)In this Schedule—
• “the 1984 Act” means the [1984 c. 46.] Cable and Broadcasting Act 1984;
• “diffusion service” and “prescribed diffusion service” have the same meaning as in Part I of the 1984 Act;
• “local delivery licence” and “local delivery service” have the same meaning as in Part II of this Act;
and in Part III of this Schedule “relevant licence” means a licence to provide a prescribed or other diffusion
service in force by virtue of paragraph 1, 3, 5 or 8 in Part II of this Schedule.
(2)Any order which, immediately before the transfer date, is in force under section 2(3) of the 1984 Act
(meaning of “cable programme service” etc.) shall continue in force on and after that date for the purposes
of the definition of “prescribed diffusion service” applied by sub-paragraph (1).
2This Schedule applies to a licence granted under section 58 of the [1984 c. 12.] Telecommunications Act
1984 (power of Secretary of State to license cable services) as it applies to one granted under section 4 of
the [1984 c. 46.] Cable and Broadcasting Act 1984 (power of Cable Authority to license such services).
PART IILICENSING OF EXISTING CABLE SERVICES Prescribed diffusion services: continuation in force of existing licences
1(1)Subject to paragraph 2 below, any licence to provide a prescribed diffusion service which is in force
under Part I of the 1984 Act immediately before the transfer date shall, notwithstanding any repeals made
by this Act, continue in force (subject to and in accordance with the provisions of this Schedule) for the
remainder of the period specified in the licence.
(2)Where any licence continues in force by virtue of sub-paragraph (1), any conditions which—
(a)were included in it in pursuance of any provision of the 1984 Act, and
(b)were in force immediately before the transfer date,
shall similarly continue in force (subject to the provisions of this Schedule), but any reference in the licence
to the Cable Authority shall be construed, in relation to any time falling on or after that date, as a reference
to the Commission.
(3)Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph 2(4) in Part III of this Schedule, the Commission may, in
accordance with that provision, make such variations of a licence which continues in force by virtue of sub-
paragraph (1) above as appear to them to be appropriate in consequence of any of the provisions of this
Schedule.
Prescribed diffusion services: replacement of cable licences by local delivery licences
2(1)Where—
(a)any person is the holder of a licence to provide a prescribed diffusion service, being a licence to which
paragraph 1(1) above applies (“the existing licence”), and
(b)the closing date for the making of applications for the licence under section 6 of the 1984 Act fell before
7th November 1988,
that person may, within the period of six months beginning with the transfer date, request the Commission to
grant him a licence under Part II of this Act to provide a local delivery service for the area in which the
prescribed diffusion service is authorised to be provided under the existing licence.
(2)Where any request is duly made to them under sub-paragraph (1), the Commission shall
(notwithstanding anything in sections 74 to 76 of this Act) grant the licence applied for; and, on the coming
into force of that licence, the existing licence shall cease to have effect.
(3)A local delivery licence granted in pursuance of this paragraph may authorise the licensed service to be
provided by wireless telegraphy to such extent as is specified in the licence.
(4)Nothing in section 77 of this Act shall apply to such a local delivery licence until such time (if any) as it is
renewed in accordance with sub-paragraph (5).
(5)Section 78 of this Act shall apply to such a local delivery licence as if—
(a)in subsection (1), the first reference to a period of fifteen years were a reference to the period of fifteen
years beginning with the date of the coming into force of the existing licence;
(b)in subsection (4), paragraph (b) were omitted;
(c)subsection (5) were omitted;
(d)in subsection (6)(b), the words from “a different” to “as” were omitted; and
(e)in subsection (9), the reference to any conditions included in the licence in pursuance of section 77 were
a reference to any conditions so included in accordance with sub-paragraph (6) below.
(6)Where such a local delivery licence is to be renewed in accordance with sub-paragraph (5), the
Commission shall (notwithstanding section 3(4) of this Act, as applied by section 73(3)) by notice served on
the licence holder vary the licence, as from the date of its renewal, by including in it such conditions as
appear to them to be necessary or expedient in consequence of sub-paragraph (4).
(7)Section 3(3) of this Act shall, in its application (in accordance with section 73(3)) to a local delivery
licence granted in pursuance of this paragraph, have effect as if the reference to Part I of this Act included
a reference to this Part of this Schedule.
(8)Section 81(3) and (4) of this Act shall not apply in relation to a local delivery licence granted in
pursuance of this paragraph.
(9)Except as provided in the preceding provisions of this paragraph, Part II of this Act applies to a local
delivery licence granted in pursuance of this paragraph as it applies to any other such licence granted
under that Part.
Prescribed diffusion services: grant of new licences to provide existing services
3(1)The Commission may on or after the transfer date grant a licence to provide a prescribed diffusion
service (“the new service”) if—
(a)the new service would be authorised to be provided in the same area as that in which a prescribed
diffusion service (“the existing service”) is for the time being authorised to be provided under a licence to
which paragraph 1(1) above applies;
(b)the licence to provide the new service would come into force on the expiry of the licence to provide the
existing service;
(c)the applicant for the licence to provide the new service is the holder of the licence to provide the existing
service; and
(d)after the expiry of the latter licence there will remain in force under Part II of the [1984 c.
12.] Telecommunications Act 1984 a licence which authorises the running of the telecommunication system
by means of which the existing service is provided.
(2)A licence granted under this paragraph shall be in writing and (subject to the provisions of this Schedule)
shall continue in force for such period not exceeding eight years as may be specified in the licence.
(3)Any such licence may include—
(a)such conditions as appear to the Commission to be requisite having regard to the duties imposed on
them by virtue of this Schedule;
(b)conditions requiring the rendering to the Commission of a payment on the grant of the licence or
payments during the currency of the licence (or both) of such amount or amounts as may be determined by
or under the licence; and
(c)conditions requiring the holder of the licence to furnish to the Commission, in such manner and at such
times as they may reasonably require, such information as they may require for the purpose of exercising
the functions conferred on them by virtue of this Schedule.
(4)Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (a) of sub-paragraph (3), conditions included in a
licence by virtue of that paragraph may require the holder of the licence—
(a)to comply with any direction given by the Commission as to such matters as are specified in the licence
or are of a description so specified; or
(b)except in so far as the Commission consent to his doing or not doing them, not to do or to do such things
as are specified in the licence or are of a description so specified.
(5)Any application for the grant of a licence under this paragraph must be in writing; and in deciding
whether to grant such a licence the Commission shall take into account all matters appearing to them to be
relevant.
(6)No person shall, in connection with a particular licence to which paragraph 1(1) above applies, be
granted both a licence granted in pursuance of this paragraph and a licence granted in pursuance of
paragraph 4 below; and that paragraph shall have effect subject to this sub-paragraph.
Prescribed diffusion services: cable licences to be succeeded on their expiry by local delivery licences
4(1)Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, a person who is the holder of a licence to provide
a prescribed diffusion service, being a licence to which paragraph 1(1) above applies (“the existing
licence”), may apply to the Commission for the grant, as from the date on which the existing licence is due
to expire (“the expiry date”), of a licence under Part II of this Act to provide a local delivery service for the
area in which the prescribed diffusion service is authorised to be provided under the existing licence.
(2)An application under sub-paragraph (1)—
(a)may be made by the holder of the existing licence not earlier than five years before the expiry date and
not later than the relevant date; and
(b)must be in writing and specify—
(i)the area which would be covered by the applicant’s proposed local delivery service, and
(ii)the technical means by which that service would be provided.
(3)Where any such application is made before the relevant date, the Commission may postpone the
consideration of it by them for as long as they think appropriate but not beyond that date.
(4)In sub-paragraphs (2) and (3) “the relevant date” means the date which the Commission determine to be
that by which they would need to publish a notice under section 74 of this Act if they were to grant, as from
the expiry date, such a licence under Part II of this Act as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (1).
(5)Notwithstanding anything in sections 74 to 76 of this Act, where an application under sub-paragraph (1)
has been duly made to the Commission, they may only refuse the application if—
(a)they propose to grant, as a replacement for the existing licence, a local delivery licence authorising the
provision of a local delivery service for an area which would be different from that in which the applicant’s
service is authorised to be provided under the existing licence (“the franchise area”); or
(b)the applicant is not, at the time when he makes his application, providing a prescribed diffusion service
throughout the whole of the franchise area; or
(c)it appears to them that the applicant’s proposed local delivery service would not cover the whole of the
franchise area; or
(d)it appears to them that any telecommunication system proposed to be used by the applicant in the
provision of that service would not be acceptable to the relevant licensing authorities.
(6)A local delivery licence granted in pursuance of this paragraph shall come into force on the expiry date.
(7)Subject to sub-paragraph (8), subsections (6) to (9) of section 78 of this Act shall apply in connection
with the grant of an application for a local delivery licence under sub-paragraph (1) above as they apply in
connection with the grant of an application for the renewal of a local delivery licence under subsection (1) of
that section.
(8)In the application of those subsections in accordance with sub-paragraph (7)—
(a)any reference to the renewal of a local delivery licence shall be construed as a reference to the grant of
such a licence in pursuance of this paragraph (and related expressions shall be construed accordingly);
(b)in subsection (6)(b), the words from “a different” to “as” shall be omitted;
(c)in subsection (7), the words “, in accordance with sections 74 to 76, a licence” shall be substituted for “a
fresh licence”; and
(d)in subsection (8), the words from “formally” to “so” shall be omitted.
(9)Sub-paragraphs (3) and (7) to (9) of paragraph 2 above shall have effect in relation to a local delivery
licence granted in pursuance of this paragraph as they have effect in relation to such a licence granted in
pursuance of that paragraph.
(10)In this paragraph “the relevant licensing authorities” has the same meaning as in section 75 of this Act.
Other diffusion services: continuation in force of existing licences
5(1)Subject to paragraph 7(1) below, where immediately before the transfer date there is in force under
Part I of the 1984 Act a licence to provide a diffusion service which—
(a)is not a prescribed diffusion service, but
(b)is provided in an area which is comprised in the area in which such a service is for the time being
authorised to be provided under a licence to which paragraph 1(1) above applies,
the licence shall, notwithstanding any repeals made by this Act, continue in force (subject to and in
accordance with the provisions of this Schedule) for the remainder of the period specified in the licence.
(2)Where any licence continues in force by virtue of sub-paragraph (1), any conditions which—
(a)were included in it in pursuance of any provision of the 1984 Act, and
(b)were in force immediately before the transfer date,
shall similarly continue in force (subject to the provisions of this Schedule), but any reference in the licence
to the Cable Authority shall be construed, in relation to any time falling on or after that date, as a reference
to the Commission.
(3)Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph 2(4) in Part III of this Schedule, the Commission may, in
accordance with that provision, make such variations of a licence which continues in force by virtue of sub-
paragraph (1) above as appear to them to be appropriate in consequence of any of the provisions of this
Schedule.
(4)Where—
(a)a licence to which sub-paragraph (1) applies (“the relevant licence”) is due to expire on a particular date
in accordance with that sub-paragraph (being a date falling within the period specified in sub-paragraph
(5)), and
(b)it appears to the Commission that on that date there would be in force either—
(i)any such licence to provide a prescribed diffusion service as is referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(b), or
(ii)a local delivery licence authorising the provision of a local delivery service for an area consisting of or
including the area in which a diffusion service is for the time being provided under the relevant licence (“the
relevant service”), but
(c)it also appears to them that on that date the holder of any such licence would not be in a position to
provide his licensed service for all of the dwelling-houses for which the relevant service is for the time being
provided,
the Commission shall so vary the relevant licence as to secure that (subject to sub-paragraph (5)) the licence
continues in force until such time subsequent to that date as they may specify in a notice given to the holder
of the licence; and the Commission shall not specify a time for the purposes of this sub-paragraph unless
they have reasonable grounds for believing that, at that time, the holder of any such licence as is mentioned
in paragraph (b)(i) or (ii) above would be in a position to provide his licensed service for all of the dwelling-
houses referred to in paragraph (c) above.
(5)A licence to which sub-paragraph (1) applies shall not continue in force in accordance with that sub-
paragraph or sub-paragraph (4) beyond the end of the period of eight years beginning with the transfer
date.
(6)If on the date when such a licence ceases to be in force (“the expiry date”) either of the conditions
specified in sub-paragraph (7) is satisfied, the holder of that licence (“the relevant licence”) shall be granted
by the Commission, as from the expiry date, a licence under Part II of this Act to provide a local delivery
service for the area in which a diffusion service was being provided under the relevant licence immediately
before that date.
(7)The conditions referred to in sub-paragraph (6) are—
(a)that neither of the following is in force, namely—
(i)any such licence to provide a prescribed diffusion service as is referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(b), or
(ii)a local delivery licence authorising the provision of a local delivery service for an area consisting of or
including the area in which a diffusion service was being provided under the relevant licence immediately
before the expiry date;
(b)that any such licence as is mentioned in paragraph (a)(i) or (ii) above is in force but it appears to the
Commission that the holder of the licence is not in a position to provide his licensed service for all of the
dwelling-houses for which a diffusion service was being provided under the relevant licence immediately
before the expiry date.
(8)Subject to sub-paragraph (9), the following provisions, namely—
(a)sub-paragraphs (7) to (9) of paragraph 2 above, and
(b)sub-paragraphs (2) to (5) of paragraph 6 below,
shall have effect in relation to a local delivery licence granted in pursuance of sub-paragraph (6) above as
they have effect in relation to such a licence granted in pursuance of paragraph 2 above or (as the case may
be) paragraph 6 below.
(9)In its application in relation to a licence granted in pursuance of sub-paragraph (6), paragraph 6(4)(a)
shall have effect with the substitution of a reference to the date as from which the licence is granted for the
reference to the transfer date.
Other diffusion services: replacement of cable licences by local delivery licences
6(1)Subject to paragraph 7(1) below, where immediately before the transfer date there is in force under
Part I of the 1984 Act a licence to provide a diffusion service which is neither—
(a)a prescribed diffusion service, nor
(b)a diffusion service to which paragraph 5(1) above applies,
the licence shall cease to have effect on the transfer date; but the holder of the licence shall be granted by
the Commission as from that date a licence under Part II of this Act to provide a local delivery service for the
area in which the diffusion service was authorised to be provided immediately before that date.
(2)So much of section 73(2) of this Act as relates to the provision of local delivery services by wireless
telegraphy shall not apply to a local delivery licence granted in pursuance of this paragraph.
(3)Any local delivery licence granted in pursuance of this paragraph shall be so granted notwithstanding
anything in sections 74 to 76 of this Act; and nothing in section 77 of this Act shall apply to such a local
delivery licence until such time (if any) as it is renewed in accordance with sub-paragraph (4).
(4)Section 78 of this Act shall apply to such a local delivery licence as if—
(a)in subsection (1), the first reference to a period of fifteen years were a reference to the period of five
years beginning with the transfer date, and the second reference to a period of fifteen years were a
reference to a period of five years;
(b)in subsection (2), the reference to five years were a reference to three years;
(c)in subsection (4), paragraph (b) were omitted;
(d)subsection (5) were omitted;
(e)in subsection (6)(b), the words from “a different” to “as” were omitted; and
(f)in subsection (9), the reference to any conditions included in the licence in pursuance of section 77 were
a reference to any conditions so included in accordance with sub-paragraph (5).
(5)Where such a local delivery licence is to be renewed in accordance with sub-paragraph (4), the
Commission shall (notwithstanding section 3(4) of this Act, as applied by section 73(3)) by notice served on
the licence holder vary the licence, as from the date of its renewal, by including in it such conditions as
appear to them to be necessary or expedient in consequence of sub-paragraph (3).
(6)Sub-paragraphs (7) to (9) of paragraph 2 above shall have effect in relation to a local delivery licence
granted in pursuance of this paragraph as they have effect in relation to such a licence granted in
pursuance of that paragraph.
Other diffusion services: certain licences to cease to have effect
7(1)Neither paragraph 5(1) nor paragraph 6(1) above applies to a licence to provide a diffusion service—
(a)for a single building, or
(b)in an area in which there are not more than the prescribed number of dwelling-houses;
and any such licence shall cease to have effect on the transfer date.
(2)In sub-paragraph (1) “the prescribed number” means such number as the Secretary of State may by
order prescribe; and any order under this sub-paragraph shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a
resolution of either House of Parliament.
Other diffusion services: certain unlicensed services to be licensed as cableservices or local delivery services
8(1)This paragraph has effect in relation to any diffusion service—
(a)which immediately before the transfer date is, by virtue of paragraph 1 of the Schedule to the [S.I.
1988/1370.] Cable Programme Services (Exceptions) Order 1988, not required to be licensed under Part I
of the 1984 Act; and
(b)which is for the time being provided by means of a telecommunication system which has not previously
been used for the purpose of providing a service licensed under that Part of that Act; but
(c)which on that date either—
(i)constitutes a local delivery service for the purposes of Part II of this Act, or
(ii)is specified in an order made by the Secretary of State.
(2)Where immediately before that date any such service (“the relevant service”) is provided in an area
which is comprised in the area in which a prescribed diffusion service is for the time being authorised to be
provided under a licence to which paragraph 1(1) above applies, the Commission shall, if the person
providing the relevant service so requests before that date, grant that person as from that date a licence to
provide a diffusion service in the area in which the relevant service was being provided immediately before
that date.
(3)A licence granted under sub-paragraph (2) shall be in writing and (subject to the provisions of this
Schedule) shall continue in force for the period of five years beginning with the transfer date.
(4)Sub-paragraphs (3) and (4) of paragraph 3 above shall apply to a licence granted under sub-paragraph
(2) as they apply to a licence granted under that paragraph.
(5)Where—
(a)a licence granted under sub-paragraph (2) (“the relevant licence”) is due to expire on a particular date in
accordance with sub-paragraph (3), and
(b)it appears to the Commission that on that date there would be in force either—
(i)any such licence to provide a prescribed diffusion service as is referred to in sub-paragraph (2), or
(ii)a local delivery licence authorising the provision of a local delivery service for an area consisting of or
including the area in which a diffusion service is for the time being provided under the relevant licence (“the
relevant service”), but
(c)it also appears to them that on that date the holder of any such licence would not be in a position to
provide his licensed service for all of the dwelling-houses for which the relevant service is for the time being
provided,
the Commission shall so vary the relevant licence as to secure that (subject to sub-paragraph (6)) the licence
continues in force until such time subsequent to that date as they may specify in a notice given to the holder
of the licence; and the Commission shall not specify a time for the purposes of this sub-paragraph unless
they have reasonable grounds for believing that, at that time, the holder of any such licence as is mentioned
in paragraph (b)(i) or (ii) above would be in a position to provide his licensed service for all of the dwelling-
houses referred to in paragraph (c) above.
(6)A licence granted under sub-paragraph (2) shall not continue in force in accordance with sub-paragraph
(5) beyond the end of the period of eight years beginning with the transfer date.
(7)If on the date when such a licence ceases to be in force (“the expiry date”) either of the conditions
specified in sub-paragraph (8) is satisfied, the holder of that licence (“the relevant licence”) shall be granted
by the Commission, as from the expiry date, a licence under Part II of this Act to provide a local delivery
service for the area in which a diffusion service was being provided under the relevant licence immediately
before that date.
(8)The conditions referred to in sub-paragraph (7) are—
(a)that neither of the following is in force, namely—
(i)any such licence to provide a prescribed diffusion service as is referred to in sub-paragraph (2), or
(ii)a local delivery licence authorising the provision of a local delivery service for an area consisting of or
including the area in which a diffusion service was being provided under the relevant licence immediately
before the expiry date;
(b)that any such licence as is mentioned in paragraph (a)(i) or (ii) above is in force but it appears to the
Commission that the holder of the licence is not in a position to provide his licensed service for all of the
dwelling-houses for which a diffusion service was being provided under the relevant licence immediately
before the expiry date.
(9)Where immediately before the transfer date any such diffusion service as is mentioned in sub-paragraph
(1) above is not being provided in any such area as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (2), the Commission
shall, if the person providing the service so requests before that date, grant that person as from that date a
licence under Part II of this Act to provide a local delivery service for the area in which the diffusion service
was being provided immediately before that date.
(10)Subject to sub-paragraph (11), the following provisions, namely—
(a)sub-paragraphs (7) to (9) of paragraph 2 above, and
(b)sub-paragraphs (2) to (5) of paragraph 6 above,
shall have effect in relation to a local delivery licence granted in pursuance of sub-paragraph (7) or (9) above
as they have effect in relation to such a licence granted in pursuance of paragraph 2 or (as the case may be)
paragraph 6 above.
(11)In its application in relation to a licence granted in pursuance of sub-paragraph (7) above, paragraph
6(4)(a) shall have effect with the substitution of a reference to the date as from which the licence is granted
for the reference to the transfer date.
(12)In the case of a local delivery licence granted in pursuance of sub-paragraph (9) above, nothing in
paragraph 1(1) in Part II of Schedule 2 to this Act shall have the effect of rendering—
(a)a local authority, or
(b)a body which is controlled by such an authority,
a disqualified person in relation to the licence during the period of five years beginning with the date of its
coming into force; and in this sub-paragraph “local authority” has the same meaning as in that Schedule.
Other diffusion services: services falling partly within and partly outside franchise areas
9(1)Where immediately before the transfer date there is in force under Part I of the 1984 Act a licence to
provide a diffusion service which—
(a)is not a prescribed diffusion service, but
(b)is provided in an area (“the relevant area”) only part of which is comprised in the area in which a
prescribed diffusion service is for the time being authorised to be provided under a licence to which
paragraph 1(1) applies (“the franchise area”),
then (subject to paragraph 7 above)—
(i)paragraph 5 above shall apply to the licence to the extent that it authorises the provision of a diffusion
service in so much of the relevant area as is comprised in the franchise area, and
(ii)paragraph 6(1) above shall apply to the licence to the extent that it authorises the provision of such a
service in so much of the relevant area as is not so comprised.
(2)The reference in paragraph 6(1) to the area in which a diffusion service was authorised to be provided
immediately before the transfer date shall accordingly be construed, in relation to a licence to which sub-
paragraph (1) above applies, as a reference to so much of that area as is not comprised in the franchise
area.
(3)The reference in paragraph 7(1) above to a licence to provide a diffusion service shall be construed, in
relation to a licence to which sub-paragraph (1) above applies—
(a)in connection with the application of paragraph 5(1) above, as a reference to the licence to the extent
that it authorises the provision of such a service as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(i) above; and
(b)in connection with the application of paragraph 6(1) above, as a reference to the licence to the extent
that it authorises the provision of such a service as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(ii) above.
(4)Where immediately before the transfer date any such diffusion service as is mentioned in paragraph 8(1)
above is provided in an area (“the relevant area”) only part of which is comprised in the area in which a
prescribed diffusion service is for the time being authorised to be provided under a licence to which
paragraph 1(1) above applies (“the franchise area”), then (subject to sub-paragraph (5) below)—
(a)paragraph 8(2) above shall apply to the service to the extent that it is, immediately before that date,
being provided in so much of the relevant area as is comprised in the franchise area, and
(b)paragraph 8(9) above shall apply to the service to the extent that it is then being provided in so much of
the relevant area as is not so comprised.
(5)Neither paragraph 8(2) nor paragraph 8(9) shall apply to a diffusion service in accordance with sub-
paragraph (4) above if the part of the service to which it would otherwise so apply would serve only—
(a)a single building, or
(b)an area in which there are not more than the prescribed number of dwelling-houses;
and in paragraph (b) “the prescribed number” has the same meaning as in paragraph 7(1) above.
Restricted services: replacement of existing licences
10(1)Where immediately before the transfer date there is in force under Part I of the 1984 Act a licence to
provide a restricted service (“the restricted service licence”), the licence shall cease to have effect on the
transfer date; but if he makes the appropriate request before that date the holder of the licence shall—
(a)where the restricted service consists in the provision of television programmes, be granted by the
Commission as from that date a licence under Part I of this Act to provide a licensable programme service,
or
(b)where the restricted service consists in the provision of sound programmes, be granted by the Radio
Authority as from that date a licence under Part III of this Act to provide a licensable sound programme
service,
being a service of such a description as will, in the opinion of the Commission or (as the case may be) the
Radio Authority, enable the service to be provided under the licence mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) to
correspond as nearly as possible to the service provided under the restricted service licence.
(2)In sub-paragraph (1) “the appropriate request”—
(a)in a case to which paragraph (a) of that sub-paragraph applies, means a request to the Commission;
and
(b)in a case to which paragraph (b) of that sub-paragraph applies, means a request to the Radio Authority.
(3)Nothing in section 47(1) to (3) or (as the case may be) section 86(3)(b) or 113(1) or (2) of this Act shall
apply in relation to a licence granted in pursuance of sub-paragraph (1); and any such licence shall (subject
to the provisions of Part I or, as the case may be, Part III of this Act) continue in force for the remainder of
the period specified in the restricted service licence.
(4)Section 3(3) of this Act shall, in its application to a licence granted in pursuance of sub-paragraph (1)(a),
have effect as if the reference to Part I of this Act included a reference to this Part of this Schedule; and
section 86(4) of this Act shall, in its application to a licence granted in pursuance of sub-paragraph (1)(b),
have effect as if the reference to Part III of this Act included a reference to this Part of this Schedule.
(5)Except as provided in sub-paragraphs (3) and (4)—
(a)Part I of this Act applies to a licence granted in pursuance of sub-paragraph (1)(a) as it applies to any
other licence granted under that Part to provide a licensable programme service; and
(b)Part III of this Act applies to a licence granted in pursuance of sub-paragraph (1)(b) as it applies to any
other licence granted under that Part to provide a licensable sound programme service.
(6)In this paragraph—
• “licensable programme service” has the same meaning as in Part I of this Act;
• “licensable sound programme service” has the same meaning as in Part III of this Act;
• “restricted service” has the same meaning as in Part I of the 1984 Act.
Requests made under this Part
11Any request made to the Commission in pursuance of any provision of this Part of this Schedule must be
in writing.
Saving for liabilities under terminated licences
12(1)Where any licence ceases to have effect at any time on or after the transfer date by virtue of any
provision of this Part of this Schedule, any liability of the licence holder which has accrued before that time
under or by virtue of the licence shall not be affected by the licence so ceasing to have effect.
(2)Where any such licence (“the existing licence”) so ceases to have effect but the licence holder is granted
in its place a licence (“the new licence”) in pursuance of any provision of this Part of this Schedule, any
agreement—
(a)made between the licence holder and any other person before the time when the existing licence so
ceases to have effect, and
(b)framed (whether expressly or by implication) by reference to the existing licence or to the licence
holder’s status as the holder of that licence,
shall (unless it expressly provides otherwise) have effect as from that time with such modifications as are
necessary to take account of the replacement of the existing licence by the new licence or of the licence
holder’s new status as the holder of the new licence (as the case may require).
(3)References in sub-paragraph (2) to an agreement include references—
(a)to an oral agreement, and
(b)to a deed, bond or other instrument.
PART IIIPROVISIONS RELATING TO LICENCES IN FORCE UNDER OR BY VIRTUE OF THIS SCHEDULE Effect of relevant licences
1(1)Subject to sub-paragraph (4) below, a relevant licence shall have effect only so as to authorise the
provision of a service consisting in the use of a telecommunication system for the purpose of the delivery of
one or more of the following, namely—
(a)any of the services specified in section 72(2) of this Act, or
(b)any television or local sound broadcasting service provided by the Commission or the Radio Authority in
accordance with Schedule 11 to this Act,
for simultaneous reception in dwelling-houses in the area for which the licensed service is to be provided.
(2)Accordingly the holder of any such licence shall not be subject to regulation under Part I or Part III of this
Act as respects the programmes included in any service delivered by the telecommunication system in
question except—
(a)to the extent that he is to be regarded for the purposes of that Part of this Act as providing any such
service, or
(b)in the case of Part I, in consequence of sub-paragraph (3)(b) below.
(3)In section 79 of this Act—
(a)subsection (1) shall apply to the holder of a relevant licence and the service authorised to be provided
under such a licence (“a licensed diffusion service”) as it applies to the holder of a local delivery licence and
his local delivery service; and
(b)subsections (2) and (3) shall apply to a licensed diffusion service as they apply to a licensed local
delivery service.
(4)The holder of a relevant licence shall be taken to be authorised by his licence to include in his licensed
diffusion service advertisements which are inserted by him and are not included in any service falling within
section 72(2) of this Act; but, if any such advertisements are so included by him, sections 8 and 9 of this
Act shall have effect as if the delivery of those advertisements constituted the provision of a service
licensed under Part I of this Act and he were the holder of a licence in force under that Part.
(5)Section 80 of this Act shall apply to the holder of a relevant licence as it applies to the holder of a local
delivery licence.
(6)Section 82(1) of this Act shall not apply to any local delivery service which is a licensed diffusion service.
General provisions about relevant licences
2(1)It shall be the duty of the Commission to discharge their functions under this Schedule as respects the
licensing of diffusion services in the manner which they consider is best calculated to ensure fair and
effective competition in the provision of such services and services connected with them.
(2)The Commission—
(a)shall not grant a licence to any person under paragraph 3 or 8(2) in Part II of this Schedule unless they
are satisfied that he is a fit and proper person to hold it; and
(b)shall do all that they can to secure that, if they cease to be so satisfied in the case of any person holding
a relevant licence, that person does not remain the holder of the licence;
and nothing in that Part of this Schedule shall be construed as affecting the operation of this sub-paragraph
or paragraph 3 below.
(3)The payment or payments required to be rendered to the Commission—
(a)in the case of a licence which continues in force by virtue of paragraph 1 or 5 in Part II of this Schedule,
by virtue of conditions included in it in pursuance of section 4(5)(b) of the 1984 Act, or
(b)by virtue of conditions included in a licence in pursuance of paragraph 3(3)(b) or 8(4) in Part II of this
Schedule,
shall be such as to represent what appears to the Commission to be the appropriate contribution of the holder
of the licence towards meeting the sums which the Commission regard as necessary in order to discharge
their duty under paragraph 12(1) of Schedule 1 to this Act.
(4)The Commission may vary a relevant licence by a notice served on the holder of the licence if—
(a)in the case of a variation of the period for which the licence is to continue in force, the licence holder
consents; or
(b)in the case of any other variation, the licence holder has been given a reasonable opportunity of making
representations to the Commission about the variation.
(5)The Commission shall not under sub-paragraph (4)—
(a)vary the period for which a licence to provide a prescribed diffusion service is to continue in force if that
period, as varied, would exceed—
(i)fifteen years in the case of a licence to which section 4(4)(a) of the 1984 Act applied immediately before
the transfer date, or
(ii)eight years in the case of any other licence, or
(b)vary the period for which—
(i)a licence to which paragraph 5(1) in Part II of this Schedule applies, or
(ii)a licence granted in pursuance of paragraph 8(2) in that Part,
is to continue in force.
(6)Sub-paragraph (4)(a) does not apply to any variation effected in accordance with paragraph 5(4) or 8(5)
in Part II of this Schedule; but any such variation shall be effected by means of a notice served by the
Commission on the holder of the licence in question.
(7)Section 3(6) and (7) of this Act shall apply to a relevant licence as they apply to a licence granted under
Part II of this Act.
Restrictions on the holding of certain relevant licences
3(1)The Commission shall do all that they can to secure that none of the following, namely—
(a)a local authority,
(b)a body whose objects are wholly or mainly of a religious or political nature,
(c)an individual who is an officer of a body falling within paragraph (b) above, or
(d)a body which is controlled by a person falling within any of the preceding paragraphs, or by two or more
such persons taken together,
becomes or remains the holder of a licence to which this paragraph applies.
(2)The Commission shall do all that they can to secure that a person who is (or is an associate of)—
(a)a programme contractor for the provision of television programmes or sound broadcasts for any area or
locality,
(b)the holder of a licence to provide a regional Channel 3 service or a local radio service for any area or
locality, or
(c)the proprietor of a local newspaper circulating wholly or mainly in any area,
does not become or remain the holder of a licence to which this paragraph applies if the service to be provided
under that licence is to be so provided in any part of that area or locality.
(3)The Commission shall do all that they can to secure that a person who is (or is an associate of) the
holder of a licence to provide Channel 5 does not become or remain the holder of a licence to which this
paragraph applies if the service to be provided under that licence is to be so provided in any part of the
area for which the Channel 5 service is to be provided.
(4)The Commission shall do all that they can to secure that a body corporate in which—
(a)any of the persons mentioned in sub-paragraph (5) is a participant, or
(b)any of the persons mentioned in sub-paragraph (6) is a principal participant,
does not become or remain the holder of a licence to which this paragraph applies if, in the opinion of the
Commission, that person’s participation in the body corporate has led, is leading or is likely to lead to results
which are adverse to the public interest.
(5)The persons referred to in sub-paragraph (4)(a) are—
(a)a local authority;
(b)a body whose objects are wholly or mainly of a religious or political nature;
(c)the BBC and the Welsh Authority; and
(d)a body which is controlled by a person falling within any of the preceding paragraphs, or by two or more
such persons taken together.
(6)The persons referred to in sub-paragraph (4)(b) are—
(a)a person who is a principal participant in another body corporate which is—
(i)the holder of a licence to which this paragraph applies, or
(ii)the holder of a local delivery licence;
(b)a programme contractor;
(c)the holder of a licence to provide any of the following services, namely a Channel 3 service, Channel 4,
Channel 5, a domestic satellite service, a national radio service or a local radio service;
(d)the proprietor of a national or local newspaper;
(e)an advertising agent;
(f)an associate of a person falling within any of the preceding paragraphs;
(g)a person who has control over a body falling within any of the preceding paragraphs; and
(h)a body which is controlled by a person falling within any of paragraphs (a) to (f) above, or by two or more
such persons taken together.
(7)This paragraph applies to any relevant licence authorising the provision of a prescribed diffusion service.
(8)In this paragraph—
(a)“associate”, “local authority” and “participant” have the same meaning as in Schedule 2 to this Act, and
“principal participant”, in relation to a body corporate, means a person who (whether alone or jointly with
one or more other persons, and whether directly or through one or more nominees) holds or is beneficially
entitled to not less than one-twentieth of the shares, or possesses not less than one-twentieth of the voting
power, in that body corporate;
(b)any reference to a national or local newspaper is a reference to a newspaper which is, or is to be treated
as, a national or local newspaper for the purposes of Part IV of that Schedule;
(c)“programme contractor” has the same meaning as in the [1981 c. 68.] Broadcasting Act 1981;
(d)any reference to a Channel 3 service (whether regional or otherwise), to Channel 4 or 5, or to a
domestic satellite service shall be construed in accordance with section 71(1) of this Act; and
(e)any reference to a national or local radio service is a reference to a national or local service within the
meaning of Part III of this Act.
Inclusion of broadcasts in licensed services
4(1)Section 13 of the 1984 Act (inclusion of certain broadcasts in cable services) shall, during the interim
period, have effect in relation to diffusion services provided under relevant licences as it had effect,
immediately before the transfer date, in relation to such services provided under licences in force under
Part I of that Act, but subject to the following modifications, namely—
(a)any reference to the Cable Authority shall be construed as a reference to the Commission;
(b)any reference to a broadcasting authority shall (subject to paragraph (c) below) be construed as a
reference to the BBC or the Welsh Authority or to the Commission in so far as they are providing a
television broadcasting service in accordance with Schedule 11 to this Act; and
(c)in subsection (1) the reference to both broadcasting authorities shall be construed as a reference to the
BBC and the Welsh Authority, and the words “or sound” shall be omitted.
(2)As from the end of the interim period section 13 of the 1984 Act shall have effect as provided in sub-
paragraph (1) but subject to the following modifications (instead of those specified in paragraphs (a) to (c)
of that sub-paragraph), namely—
(a)any reference to the Cable Authority shall be construed as a reference to the Commission;
(b)any reference to a broadcasting authority shall (subject to paragraph (c) below) be construed as a
reference to—
(i)the BBC,
(ii)the Welsh Authority,
(iii)the Channel Four Television Corporation, or
(iv)the holder of a licence under Part I of this Act to provide a Channel 3 service within the meaning of that
Part of this Act;
(c)in subsection (1)—
(i)the reference to both broadcasting authorities shall be construed as a reference to the BBC and the
Welsh Authority, and
(ii)the words “or sound” shall be omitted; and
(d)subsections (5) and (6) shall be omitted.
(3)Any order which, immediately before the transfer date, is in force under section 13(1) of the 1984 Act
shall continue in force on and after that date until revoked by a subsequent order made under that
provision.
(4)In this paragraph “the interim period” means the period beginning with the transfer date and ending with
31st December 1992.
Inclusion of local material in prescribed diffusion services
5(1)In the case of a licence which continues in force by virtue of paragraph 1 in Part II of this Schedule,
nothing in this Schedule shall be construed as prejudicing the operation of any conditions included in the
licence which—
(a)were included in it in pursuance of section 4(5)(a) of the 1984 Act, and
(b)relate to the inclusion of such programmes, or to assisting such organisations, as are mentioned in
section 7(2)(f) of that Act.
(2)Where—
(a)any licence (“the new licence”) is granted under paragraph 3 in Part II of this Schedule, and
(b)the licence to provide the existing service (within the meaning of that paragraph) included any such
conditions as are mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) above,
the new licence shall include conditions corresponding to those conditions.
Revocation of licences
6(1)Every relevant licence shall contain all such provisions as the Commission consider requisite or
expedient to ensure that—
(a)if, in view of any failure by the licence holder to comply with any condition of the licence or any direction
given by the Commission, the Commission consider it necessary to do so in the public interest, or
(b)where the licence authorises the provision of a prescribed diffusion service, if the Commission consider
it necessary to do so for the purpose of complying with paragraph 3 above, or
(c)where—
(i)the licence holder is a body, and
(ii)any change affecting the nature or characteristics of the body, or any change in the persons having
control over or interests in the body, has taken place after the granting of the licence, and
(iii)the change is such that, if it fell to the Commission to determine whether to grant the licence to the body
in the new circumstances of the case, they would be induced by the change to refrain from granting the
licence to the body,
the Commission may revoke the licence by notice given to the licence holder and taking effect forthwith or
on a date specified in the notice.
(2)Before revoking a licence under a provision included in a licence in pursuance of sub-paragraph (1), the
Commission shall—
(a)give the licence holder a reasonable opportunity of making representations to them about the matters
complained of; and
(b)consult the licensing authorities for the purposes of the [1984 c. 12.] Telecommunications Act 1984.
Supplementary provisions
7(1)Any notice, direction or other thing given or done by or in relation to the Cable Authority—
(a)in pursuance of section 4(5) or 17 of the 1984 Act, and
(b)in connection with any licence which continues in force as from the transfer date by virtue of paragraph 1
or 5 in Part II of this Schedule,
shall, if in force or effective immediately before that date, have effect as from that date as if given or done by
or in relation to the Commission.
(2)Anything which immediately before that date was in the process of being done by or in relation to the
Cable Authority may, if it was being so done as mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) of sub-paragraph (1),
be continued on or after that date by or in relation to the Commission.
Section 142. SCHEDULE 13THE BROADCASTING COMPLAINTS COMMISSION: SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS Status and capacity
1(1)The BCC shall not be treated for the purposes of the enactments and rules of law relating to the
privileges of the Crown as a body exercising functions on behalf of the Crown.
(2)It shall be within the capacity of the BCC as a statutory corporation to do such things and enter into such
transactions as are incidental or conducive to the discharge of their functions under this Act.
Appointment of members
2(1)A person shall be disqualified for being a member of the BCC so long as he is—
(a)a governor or employee of the BBC;
(b)a member or employee of the Independent Television Commission established by this Act;
(c)a member or employee of the Radio Authority established by this Act;
(d)a member or employee of the Channel Four Television Corporation established by this Act;
(e)a member or employee of the Welsh Authority;
(f)a member or employee of the Broadcasting Standards Council established by this Act; or
(g)a person who does not fall within any of the preceding paragraphs but who appears to the Secretary of
State to be concerned with, or to have an interest in—
(i)the preparation or provision of programmes for broadcasting by the BBC or the Welsh Authority; or
(ii)the provision of a licensed service or the preparation or provision of programmes for inclusion in such a
service.
(2)Before appointing a person to be a member of the BCC the Secretary of State shall satisfy himself that
that person will have no such financial or other interest as is likely to affect prejudicially the discharge by
him of his functions as a member of the BCC; and the Secretary of State shall also satisfy himself from time
to time with respect to every member of the BCC that he has no such interest.
(3)Any person who is, or whom the Secretary of State proposes to appoint to be, a member of the BCC
shall, whenever requested by the Secretary of State to do so, furnish him with such information as the
Secretary of State considers necessary for the performance by him of his duties under sub-paragraph (2).
Tenure of office
3(1)Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, each member of the BCC shall hold and vacate
office in accordance with the terms of his appointment.
(2)A person shall not be appointed to be a member of the BCC for more than five years at a time.
(3)Any member of the BCC may at any time resign his office by notice in writing to the Secretary of State.
Remuneration and pensions of members
4(1)The BCC may pay to each member such remuneration and allowances as the Secretary of State may
determine.
(2)The BCC may pay or make provision for paying to or in respect of any member such sums by way of
pensions, allowances or gratuities as the Secretary of State may determine.
(3)Where a person ceases to be a member otherwise than on the expiry of his term of office and it appears
to the Secretary of State that there are special circumstances which make it right for him to receive
compensation, the BCC may make a payment to him of such amount as the Secretary of State may
determine.
(4)The approval of the Treasury shall be required for any determination under this paragraph.
Proceedings
5(1)Subject to paragraph 6 and to the provisions of Part V of this Act, the quorum of the BCC and the
arrangements relating to their meetings shall be such as the BCC may determine.
(2)The arrangements may provide for the discharge, under the general direction of the BCC, of any of the
BCC’s functions by a committee or by one or more of the members or employees of the BCC.
6(1)A member who is in any way directly or indirectly interested in any matter that is brought up for
consideration at a meeting of the BCC shall disclose the nature of his interest to the meeting; and, where
such a disclosure is made—
(a)the disclosure shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting, and
(b)(subject to sub-paragraph (2)) the member shall not take any part in any deliberation or decision of the
BCC, or of any of their committees, with respect to that matter.
(2)Sub-paragraph (1)(b) shall not apply in relation to any meeting of the BCC at which all of the other
members present resolve that the member’s interest should be disregarded for the purposes of that
provision.
(3)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1), a general notification given at a meeting of the BCC by a
member to the effect that he is a member of a specified company or firm and is to be regarded as
interested in any matter involving that company or firm shall be regarded as a sufficient disclosure of his
interest in relation to any such matter.
(4)A member need not attend in person at a meeting of the BCC in order to make a disclosure which he is
required to make under this paragraph if he takes reasonable steps to secure that the disclosure is made
by a notice which is taken into consideration and read at the meeting.
(5)In this paragraph references to a meeting of the BCC include references to a meeting of any of their
committees.
7The validity of any proceedings of the BCC shall not be affected by any vacancy among the members or
by any defect in the appointment of a member or by any failure to comply with the requirements of
paragraph 6.
Employees of the BCC
8(1)The BCC may appoint such number of employees as they may determine.
(2)The remuneration and other conditions of service of the persons appointed under this paragraph shall be
determined by the BCC.
(3)If the BCC determine to do so in the case of any of their employees, the BCC shall pay to or in respect
of those employees such pensions, allowances or gratuities, or provide and maintain for them such pension
schemes (whether contributory or not), as the BCC may determine.
(4)Any determination under sub-paragraph (1), (2) or (3) shall require the approval of the Secretary of State
given with the consent of the Treasury.
(5)If any employee of the BCC—
(a)is a participant in any pension scheme applicable to his employment, and
(b)becomes a member of the BCC,
he may, if the Secretary of State so determines, be treated for the purposes of the pension scheme as if his
service as a member of the BCC were service as an employee of the BCC.
(6)The [1969 c. 57.] Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 shall not require insurance to be
effected by the BCC.
Financial provisions
9(1)The Secretary of State shall pay to the BCC—
(a)any expenses incurred or to be incurred by the BCC by virtue of paragraph 4 or 8; and
(b)with the consent of the Treasury, such sums as he thinks fit for enabling the BCC to meet other
expenses.
(2)Any sums required by the Secretary of State for making payments under sub-paragraph (1) shall be paid
out of money provided by Parliament.
Authentication of BCC’s seal
10The application of the seal of the BCC shall be authenticated by the signature of the chairman or of
some other person authorised for the purpose.
Presumption of authenticity of documents issued by BCC
11Any document purporting to be an instrument issued by the BCC and to be duly executed under the seal
of the BCC or to be signed on behalf of the BCC shall be received in evidence and shall be deemed to be
such an instrument unless the contrary is shown.
Accounts and audit
12(1)The BCC shall keep proper accounts and proper records in relation to the accounts, and shall prepare
in respect of each financial year a statement of accounts in such form as the Secretary of State may direct
with the approval of the Treasury.
(2)The accounts of the BCC shall be audited by auditors to be appointed by the BCC with the approval of
the Secretary of State.
(3)A person shall not be qualified to be appointed as an auditor in pursuance of sub-paragraph (2) unless
he is a member of one or more of the following bodies—
• the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales;
• the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland;
• the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants;
• the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland;
• any other body of accountants established in the United Kingdom and for the time being recognised for the
purposes of section 389(1)(a) of the [1985 c. 6.] Companies Act 1985 by the Secretary of State,
but a Scottish firm may be so appointed if each of the partners in the firm is qualified to be so appointed.
(4)The BCC shall at all reasonable times upon demand made by the Secretary of State or by any persons
authorised by him in that behalf—
(a)afford to him or them full liberty to examine the accounts of the BCC; and
(b)furnish him or them with all forecasts, estimates, information and documents which he or they may
require with respect to the financial transactions and commitments of the BCC.
Section 151. SCHEDULE 14THE BROADCASTING STANDARDS COUNCIL: SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS Status and capacity
1(1)The Council shall not be treated for the purposes of the enactments and rules of law relating to the
privileges of the Crown as a body exercising functions on behalf of the Crown.
(2)It shall be within the capacity of the Council as a statutory corporation to do such things and enter into
such transactions as are incidental or conducive to the discharge of their functions under this Act.
Appointment of members
2(1)A person shall be disqualified for being a member of the Council so long as he is—
(a)a governor or employee of the BBC; or
(b)a member or employee of the Independent Television Commission established by this Act; or
(c)a member or employee of the Radio Authority established by this Act; or
(d)a member or employee of the Channel Four Television Corporation established by this Act; or
(e)a member or employee of the Welsh Authority; or
(f)a member or employee of the Broadcasting Complaints Commission.
(2)Before appointing a person to be a member of the Council the Secretary of State shall satisfy himself
that that person will have no such financial or other interest as is likely to affect prejudicially the discharge
by him of his functions as a member of the Council; and the Secretary of State shall also satisfy himself
from time to time with respect to every member of the Council that he has no such interest.
(3)Any person who is, or whom the Secretary of State proposes to appoint to be, a member of the Council
shall, whenever requested by the Secretary of State to do so, furnish him with such information as the
Secretary of State considers necessary for the performance by him of his duties under sub-paragraph (2).
Tenure of office
3(1)Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, each member of the Council shall hold and vacate
office in accordance with the terms of his appointment.
(2)A person shall not be appointed to be a member of the Council for more than five years at a time.
(3)Any member of the Council may at any time resign his office by notice in writing to the Secretary of
State.
Remuneration and pensions of members
4(1)The Council may pay to each member such remuneration and allowances as the Secretary of State
may determine.
(2)The Council may pay or make provision for paying to or in respect of any member such sums by way of
pensions, allowances or gratuities as the Secretary of State may determine.
(3)Where a person ceases to be a member otherwise than on the expiry of his term of office and it appears
to the Secretary of State that there are special circumstances which make it right for him to receive
compensation, the Council may make a payment to him of such amount as the Secretary of State may
determine.
(4)The approval of the Treasury shall be required for any determination under this paragraph.
Disqualification of members of Council for House of Commons and Northern Ireland Assembly
5In Part II of Schedule 1 to the [1975 c. 24.] House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 (bodies of which
all members are disqualified) there shall be inserted at the appropriate place—
“The Broadcasting Standards Council”;
and a corresponding amendment shall be made in Part II of Schedule 1 to the [1975 c. 25.] Northern Ireland
Assembly Disqualification Act 1975.
Proceedings
6(1)Subject to paragraph 7 and to the provisions of Part VI of this Act, the quorum of the Council and the
arrangements relating to their meetings shall be such as the Council may determine.
(2)The arrangements may provide for the discharge, under the general direction of the Council, of any of
the Council’s functions by a committee or by one or more of the members or employees of the Council.
7(1)A member who is in any way directly or indirectly interested in any matter that is brought up for
consideration at a meeting of the Council shall disclose the nature of his interest to the meeting; and, where
such a disclosure is made—
(a)the disclosure shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting, and
(b)(subject to sub-paragraph (2)) the member shall not take any part in any deliberation or decision of the
Council, or of any of their committees, with respect to that matter.
(2)Sub-paragraph (1)(b) shall not apply in relation to any meeting of the Council at which all of the other
members present resolve that the member’s interest should be disregarded for the purposes of that
provision.
(3)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1), a general notification given at a meeting of the Council by a
member to the effect that he is a member of a specified company or firm and is to be regarded as
interested in any matter involving that company or firm shall be regarded as a sufficient disclosure of his
interest in relation to any such matter.
(4)A member need not attend in person at a meeting of the Council in order to make a disclosure which he
is required to make under this paragraph if he takes reasonable steps to secure that the disclosure is made
by a notice which is taken into consideration and read at the meeting.
(5)In this paragraph references to a meeting of the Council include references to a meeting of any of their
committees.
8The validity of any proceedings of the Council shall not be affected by any vacancy among the members
or by any defect in the appointment of a member or by any failure to comply with the requirements of
paragraph 7.
Employees of the Council
9(1)The Council may appoint such number of employees as they may determine.
(2)The remuneration and other conditions of service of the persons appointed under this paragraph shall be
determined by the Council.
(3)If the Council determine to do so in the case of any of their employees, the Council shall pay to or in
respect of those employees such pensions, allowances or gratuities, or provide and maintain for them such
pension schemes (whether contributory or not), as the Council may determine.
(4)Any determination under sub-paragraph (1), (2) or (3) shall require the approval of the Secretary of State
given with the consent of the Treasury.
(5)If any employee of the Council—
(a)is a participant in any pension scheme applicable to his employment, and
(b)becomes a member of the Council,
he may, if the Secretary of State so determines, be treated for the purposes of the pension scheme as if his
service as a member of the Council were service as an employee of the Council.
(6)The [1969 c. 57.] Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 shall not require insurance to be
effected by the Council.
Financial provisions
10(1)The Secretary of State shall pay to the Council—
(a)any expenses incurred or to be incurred by the Council by virtue of paragraph 4 or 9; and
(b)with the consent of the Treasury, such sums as he thinks fit for enabling the Council to meet other
expenses.
(2)Any sums required by the Secretary of State for making payments under sub-paragraph (1) shall be paid
out of money provided by Parliament.
Authentication of Council’s seal
11The application of the seal of the Council shall be authenticated by the signature of the chairman or of
some other person authorised for the purpose.
Presumption of authenticity of documents issued by Council
12Any document purporting to be an instrument issued by the Council and to be duly executed under the
seal of the Council or to be signed on behalf of the Council shall be received in evidence and shall be
deemed to be such an instrument unless the contrary is shown.
Accounts and audit
13(1)It shall be the duty of the Council—
(a)to keep proper accounts and proper records in relation to the accounts,
(b)to prepare in respect of each financial year a statement of accounts in such form as the Secretary of
State may direct with the approval of the Treasury, and
(c)to send copies of each such statement to the Secretary of State and the Comptroller and Auditor
General not later than 31st August next following the end of the financial year to which the statement
relates.
(2)The Comptroller and Auditor General shall examine, certify and report on each statement of accounts
sent to him by the Council and shall lay a copy of every such statement and of his report before each
House of Parliament.
Section 162. SCHEDULE 15APPLICATION OF 1959 ACT TO TELEVISION AND SOUND PROGRAMMES Interpretation
1In this Schedule—
• “the 1959 Act” means the [1959 c. 66.] Obscene Publications Act 1959;
• “relevant programme” means a programme included in a programme service;
and other expressions used in this Schedule which are also used in the 1959 Act have the same meaning
as in that Act.
Liability of person providing live programme material
2Where—
(a)any matter is included by any person in a relevant programme in circumstances falling within section
1(5) of the 1959 Act, and
(b)that matter has been provided, for inclusion in that programme, by some other person,
the 1959 Act shall have effect as if that matter had been included in that programme by that other person (as
well as by the person referred to in sub-paragraph (a)).
Obscene articles kept for inclusion in programmes
3It is hereby declared that where a person has an obscene article in his ownership, possession or control
with a view to the matter recorded on it being included in a relevant programme, the article shall be taken
for the purposes of the 1959 Act to be an obscene article had or kept by that person for publication for gain.
Requirement for consent of Director of Public Prosecutions
4(1)Proceedings for an offence under section 2 of the 1959 Act for publishing an obscene article shall not
be instituted except by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions in any case where—
(a)the relevant publication, or
(b)the only other publication which followed from the relevant publication,
took place in the course of the inclusion of a programme in a programme service; and in this sub-paragraph
“the relevant publication” means the publication in respect of which the defendant would be charged if the
proceedings were brought.
(2)Proceedings for an offence under section 2 of the 1959 Act for having an obscene article for publication
for gain shall not be instituted except by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions in any
case where—
(a)the relevant publication, or
(b)the only other publication which could reasonably have been expected to follow from the relevant
publication,
was to take place in the course of the inclusion of a programme in a programme service; and in this sub-
paragraph “the relevant publication” means the publication which, if the proceedings were brought, the
defendant would be alleged to have had in contemplation.
(3)Without prejudice to the duty of a court to make an order for the forfeiture of an article under section 1(4)
of the [1964 c. 74.] Obscene Publications Act 1964 (orders on conviction), in a case where by virtue of sub-
paragraph (2) above proceedings under section 2 of the 1959 Act for having an article for publication for
gain could not be instituted except by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions, no order
for the forfeiture of the article shall be made under section 3 of the 1959 Act (power of search and seizure)
unless the warrant under which the article was seized was issued on an information laid by or on behalf of
the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Defences
5(1)A person shall not be convicted of an offence under section 2 of the 1959 Act in respect of the inclusion
of any matter in a relevant programme if he proves that he did not know and had no reason to suspect that
the programme would include matter rendering him liable to be convicted of such an offence.
(2)Where the publication in issue in any proceedings under that Act consists of the inclusion of any matter
in a relevant programme, section 4(1) of that Act (general defence of public good) shall not apply; but—
(a)a person shall not be convicted of an offence under section 2 of that Act, and
(b)an order for forfeiture shall not be made under section 3 of that Act,
if it is proved that the inclusion of the matter in question in a relevant programme is justified as being for the
public good on the ground that it is in the interests of—
(i)drama, opera, ballet or any other art,
(ii)science, literature or learning, or
(iii)any other objects of general concern.
(3)Section 4(2) of that Act (admissibility of opinions of experts) shall apply for the purposes of sub-
paragraph (2) above as it applies for the purposes of section 4(1) and (1A) of that Act.
Exclusion of proceedings under common law
6Without prejudice to section 2(4) of the 1959 Act, a person shall not be proceeded against for an offence
at common law—
(a)in respect of a relevant programme or anything said or done in the course of such a programme, where
it is of the essence of the common law offence that the programme or (as the case may be) what was said
or done was obscene, indecent, offensive, disgusting or injurious to morality; or
(b)in respect of an agreement to cause a programme to be included in a programme service or to cause
anything to be said or done in the course of a programme which is to be so included, where the common
law offence consists of conspiring to corrupt public morals or to do any act contrary to public morals or
decency.
Section 171. SCHEDULE 16AMENDMENTS OF THE [1967 C. 41.] MARINE, &C., BROADCASTING (OFFENCES) ACT 1967 1(1)Section 2 (prohibition of broadcasting from marine structures) shall be amended as follows.
(2)In subsection (1)(a)), for “external waters or in tidal waters in the United Kingdom” substitute “any waters
to which this section applies”.
(3)After subsection (2) insert the following subsection—
“(3)This section applies to—
(a)tidal waters in the United Kingdom;
(b)external waters; and
(c)waters in a designated area within the meaning of the Continental Shelf Act 1964.”
2After section 2 insert the following section—
“2AUnlawful broadcasting from within prescribed areas of the high seas
(1)Subject to subsection (4) below, it shall not be lawful to make a broadcast which—
(a)is made from a ship (other than one registered in the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man or any of the
Channel Islands) while the ship is within any area of the high seas prescribed for the purposes of this
section by an order made by the Secretary of State; and
(b)is capable of being received in, or causes interference with any wireless telegraphy in, the United
Kingdom.
(2)If a broadcast is made from a ship in contravention of subsection (1) above, the owner of the ship, the
master of the ship and every person who operates, or participates in the operation of, the apparatus by
means of which the broadcast is made shall be guilty of an offence.
(3)A person who procures the making of a broadcast in contravention of subsection (1) above shall be
guilty of an offence.
(4)The making of a broadcast does not contravene subsection (1) above if it is shown to have been
authorised under the law of any country or territory outside the United Kingdom.
(5)Any order under this section shall be made by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of
a resolution of either House of Parliament.”
3In section 3 (prohibition of acts connected with broadcasting from certain ships and aircraft, and from
marine structures outside the United Kingdom)—
(a)in subsection (1), at the beginning insert “Subject to subsection (1A) below,”; and
(b)after subsection (1) insert the following subsection—
“(1A)Subsection (1)(a) above does not apply to any broadcast made in contravention of section 2A(1) of
this Act, and subsections (1)(c) and (d) above do not apply to structures or other objects in waters falling
within section 2(3)(c) of this Act.”
4After section 3 insert the following section—
“3AProhibition of management of stations broadcasting from ships, aircraft etc
(1)Any person who, from any place in the United Kingdom or external waters, participates in the
management, financing, operation or day-to-day running of any broadcasting station by which broadcasts
are made—
(a)in contravention of section 1, 2 or 2A(1) of this Act, or
(b)as mentioned in section 3(1)(a) of this Act,
shall be guilty of an offence.
(2)In this section “broadcasting station” means any business or other operation (whether or not in the
nature of a commercial venture) which is engaged in the making of broadcasts.”
5(1)Section 4 (prohibition of acts facilitating broadcasting from ships, aircraft etc.) shall be amended as
follows.
(2)In subsection (1), after paragraph (a) insert—
“(aa)where paragraph (a) above does not apply but the broadcasts in question are made, or are to be
made, from any structure or other object (not being a ship or aircraft) in waters falling within section 2(3)(c)
of this Act, he does the act on that structure or other object within those waters; or
(ab)where paragraph (a) above does not apply but the broadcasts in question are made, or are to be made,
from a ship in contravention of section 2A(1) of this Act, he does the act in that ship within any such area of
the high seas as is mentioned in paragraph (a) of that provision; or”.
(3)In subsection (3)(e), for “or 2(1)” substitute “, 2(1) or 2A(1)”.
6(1)Section 5 (prohibition of acts relating to matter broadcast from ships, aircraft etc.) shall be amended as
follows.
(2)In subsection (1), after paragraph (a) insert—
“(aa)where paragraph (a) above does not apply but the broadcasts in question are made, or are to be
made, from any structure or other object (not being a ship or aircraft) in waters falling within section 2(3)(c)
of this Act, he does the act on that structure or other object within those waters; or
(ab)where paragraph (a) above does not apply but the broadcasts in question are made, or are to be made,
from a ship in contravention of section 2A(1) of this Act, he does the act in that ship within any such area of
the high seas as is mentioned in paragraph (a) of that provision; or”.
(3)In subsections (3)(a) and (4), for “or 2(1)”, in each place where those words occur, substitute “, 2(1) or
2A(1)”.
7(1)Section 6 (penalties and legal proceedings) shall be amended as follows.
(2)In subsection (1)(a), for “three” substitute “six”.
(3)In subsection (5), for “on behalf of”, in both places where those words occur, substitute “with the consent
of the Secretary of State or”.
8After section 7 insert the following section—
“7APowers of enforcement in relation to marine offences under this Act
(1)The following persons are enforcement officers for the purposes of this section—
(a)persons authorised by the Secretary of State to exercise the powers conferred by subsection (5) below;
(b)police officers;
(c)commissioned officers of Her Majesty’s armed forces;
(d)officers commissioned by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise under section 6(3) of the Customs
and Excise Management Act 1979; and
(e)persons not falling within any of the preceding paragraphs who are British sea-fishery officers by virtue
of section 7(1) of the Sea Fisheries Act 1968;
and in this subsection “armed forces” means the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the regular army and the
regular air force, and any reserve or auxiliary force of any of those services which has been called out on
permanent service, or called into actual service, or embodied.
(2)If an enforcement officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting—
(a)that an offence under this Act has been or is being committed by the making of a broadcast from any
ship, structure or other object in external waters or in tidal waters in the United Kingdom or from a ship
registered in the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man or any of the Channel Islands while on the high seas,
(b)that an offence under section 2 of this Act has been or is being committed by the making of a broadcast
from a structure or other object in waters falling within subsection (3)(c) of that section, or
(c)that an offence under section 2A of this Act has been or is being committed by the making of a
broadcast from a ship,
and the Secretary of State has issued a written authorisation for the exercise of the powers conferred by
subsection (5) below in relation to that ship, structure or other object, then (subject to subsections (6) and (7)
below) the officer may, with or without persons assigned to assist him in his duties, so exercise those powers.
(3)If—
(a)the Secretary of State has issued an authorisation under subsection (2) above for the exercise of the
powers conferred by subsection (5) below in relation to any ship, structure or other object, and
(b)an enforcement officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting that an offence under section 4 or 5 of
this Act has been or is being committed in connection with the making of a broadcast from that ship,
structure or other object,
then (subject to subsections (6) and (7) below) the officer may, with or without persons assigned to assist
him in his duties, also exercise those powers in relation to any ship, structure or other object which he has
reasonable grounds to suspect has been or is being used in connection with the commission of that offence.
(4)Where—
(a)an enforcement officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting that an offence under section 4 or 5 of
this Act has been or is being committed in connection with the making of a broadcast from a ship, structure
or other object, but
(b)an authorisation has not been issued under subsection (2) above for the exercise of the powers
conferred by subsection (5) below in relation to that ship, structure or other object,
then (subject to subsections (6) and (7) below) the officer may, with or without persons assigned to assist
him in his duties, nevertheless exercise those powers in relation to any ship, structure or other object which
he has reasonable grounds to suspect has been or is being used in connection with the commission of that
offence if the Secretary of State has issued a written authorisation for the exercise of those powers in relation
to that ship, structure or other object.
(5)The powers conferred by this subsection on an enforcement officer in relation to any ship, structure or
other object are—
(a)to board and search the ship, structure or other object;
(b)to seize and detain the ship, structure or other object and any apparatus or other thing found in the
course of the search which appears to him to have been used, or to have been intended to be used, in
connection with, or to be evidence of, the commission of the suspected offence;
(c)to arrest and search any person who he has reasonable grounds to suspect has committed or is
committing an offence under this Act if—
(i)that person is on board the ship, structure or other object, or
(ii)the officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting that that person was so on board at, or shortly before,
the time when the officer boarded the ship, structure or other object;
(d)to arrest any person who assaults him, or a person assigned to assist him in his duties, while exercising
any of the powers conferred by this subsection or who intentionally obstructs him or any such person in the
exercise of any of those powers;
(e)to require any person on board the ship, structure or other object to produce any documents or other
items which are in his custody or possession and are or may be evidence of the commission of any offence
under this Act;
(f)to require any such person to do anything for the purpose of facilitating the exercise of any of the powers
conferred by this subsection, including enabling any apparatus or other thing to be rendered safe and, in
the case of a ship, enabling the ship to be taken to a port;
(g)to use reasonable force, if necessary, in exercising any of those powers;
and references in paragraphs (a) to (c) and (e) above to the ship, structure or other object include references
to any ship’s boat or other vessel used from the ship, structure or other object.
(6)Except as provided in subsection (7) below, the powers conferred by subsection (5) above shall only be
exercised in tidal waters in the United Kingdom or in external waters.
(7)Those powers may in addition—
(a)in relation to a suspected offence under this Act committed in a ship registered in the United Kingdom,
the Isle of Man or any of the Channel Islands while on the high seas, be exercised in relation to that ship on
the high seas;
(b)in relation to a suspected offence under section 2 of this Act committed on a structure or other object
within waters falling within subsection (3)(c) of that section, be exercised in relation to that structure or
other object within those waters; and
(c)in relation to a suspected offence under section 2A of this Act committed in a ship within any such area
of the high seas as is mentioned in subsection (1)(a) of that section, be exercised in relation to that ship
within that area of the high seas.
(8)Any person who—
(a)assaults an enforcement officer, or a person assigned to assist him in his duties, while exercising any of
the powers conferred by subsection (5) above or intentionally obstructs him or any such person in the
exercise of any of those powers, or
(b)without reasonable excuse fails or refuses to comply with any such requirement as is mentioned in
paragraph (e) or (f) of that subsection,
shall be guilty of an offence under this Act.
(9)Neither an enforcement officer nor a person assigned to assist him in his duties shall be liable in any civil
or criminal proceedings for anything done in purported exercise of any of the powers conferred by
subsection (5) above if the court is satisfied that the act was done in good faith and that there were
reasonable grounds for doing it.
(10)Nothing in this section shall have effect so as to prejudice the exercise of any powers exercisable apart
from this section.
(11)Any reference in this section, in relation to a person assigned to assist an enforcement officer in his
duties, to the exercise of any of the powers conferred by subsection (5) above is a reference to the
exercise by that person of any of those powers on behalf of that officer.”
Section 176. SCHEDULE 17 INFORMATION ABOUT PROGRAMMES: COPYRIGHT PART I COPYRIGHT LICENSING
1(1)This paragraph applies where the person providing a programme service has assigned to another the
copyright in works containing information to which this Schedule applies.
(2)The person providing the programme service, not the assignee, is to be treated as the owner of the
copyright for the purposes of licensing any act restricted by the copyright done on or after the day on which
this paragraph comes into force.
(3)Where the assignment by the person providing the programme service occurred before 29th September
1989 then, in relation to any act restricted by the copyright so assigned—
(a)sub-paragraph (2) does not have effect, and
(b)references below in this Schedule to the person providing the programme service are to the assignee.
PART IIUSE OF INFORMATION AS OF RIGHT Circumstances in which right available
2(1)Paragraph 4 applies to any act restricted by the copyright in works containing information to which this
Schedule applies done by the publisher if—
(a)a licence to do the act could be granted by the person providing the programme service but no such
licence is held by the publisher,
(b)the person providing the programme service refuses to grant to the publisher a licence to do the act,
being a licence of such duration, and of which the terms as to payment for doing the act are such, as would
be acceptable to the publisher, and
(c)the publisher has complied with paragraph 3.
(2)The reference in sub-paragraph (1) to refusing to grant a licence includes failing to do so within a
reasonable time of being asked.
(3)References below in this Schedule to the terms of payment are to the terms as to payment for doing any
act restricted by the copyright in works containing information to which this Schedule applies.
Notice of intention to exercise right
3(1)A publisher intending to avail himself of the right conferred by paragraph 4 must—
(a)give notice of his intention to the person providing the programme service, asking that person to propose
terms of payment, and
(b)after receiving the proposal or the expiry of a reasonable time, give reasonable notice to the person
providing the programme service of the date on which he proposes to begin exercising the right and the
terms of payment in accordance with which he intends to do so.
(2)Before exercising the right the publisher must—
(a)give reasonable notice to the Copyright Tribunal of his intention to exercise the right and of the date on
which he proposes to begin to do so, and
(b)apply to the Tribunal under paragraph 5 to settle the terms of payment.
Conditions for exercise of right
4(1)Where the publisher, on or after the date specified in a notice under paragraph 3(1)(b), does any act in
circumstances in which this paragraph applies, he shall, if he makes the payments required by this
paragraph, be in the same position as regards infringement of copyright as if he had at all material times
been the holder of a licence to do so granted by the person providing the programme service.
(2)Payments are to be made at not less than quarterly intervals in arrears.
(3)The amount of any payment is that determined in accordance with any order of the Copyright Tribunal
under paragraph 5 or, if no such order has been made—
(a)in accordance with any proposal for terms of payment made by the person providing the programme
service pursuant to a request under paragraph 3(1)(a), or
(b)where no proposal has been so made or the amount determined in accordance with the proposal so
made appears to the publisher to be unreasonably high, in accordance with the terms of payment notified
under paragraph 3(1)(b).
Applications to settle payments
5(1)On an application to settle the terms of payment, the Copyright Tribunal shall consider the matter and
make such order as it may determine to be reasonable in the circumstances.
(2)An order under sub-paragraph (1) has effect from the date the applicant begins to exercise the right
conferred by paragraph 4 and any necessary repayments, or further payments, shall be made in respect of
amounts that have fallen due.
Application for review of order
6(1)A person exercising the right conferred by paragraph 4, or the person providing the programme
service, may apply to the Tribunal to review any order under paragraph 5.
(2)An application under sub-paragraph (1) shall not be made, except with the special leave of the
Tribunal—
(a)within twelve months from the date of the order, or of the decision on a previous application under this
paragraph, or
(b)if the order was made so as to be in force for fifteen months or less, or as a result of a decision on a
previous application is due to expire within fifteen months of that decision, until the last three months before
the expiry date.
(3)On the application the Tribunal shall consider the matter and make such order confirming or varying the
original order as it may determine to be reasonable in the circumstances.
(4)An order under this paragraph has effect from the date on which it is made or such later date as may be
specified by the Tribunal.
PART III SUPPLEMENTARY 7(1) This Schedule and the [1988 c. 48.] Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 shall have effect as if the
Schedule were included in Chapter III of Part I of that Act, and that Act shall have effect as if proceedings
under this Schedule were listed in section 149 of that Act (jurisdiction of the Copyright Tribunal).
(2)References in this Schedule to anything done by the publisher include anything done on his behalf.
(3) References in this Schedule to works include future works, and references to the copyright in works
include future copyright.
Section 180. SCHEDULE 18TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS CONNECTED WITH TELEVISION LICENCES PART I[1949 C. 54.] AMENDMENTS OF WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY ACT 1949 1(1)Section 1 (licensing of wireless telegraphy) shall be amended as follows.
(2)In subsection (1), for the words from “granted” to “any person” substitute “granted under this section—
(a)by the Secretary of State (unless it is a television licence), or
(b)if it is a television licence, by the BBC;
and any person”.
(3)In subsection (2), for the words from “limitations as” (where first occurring) to “including”
substitute “limitations—
(a)as the Secretary of State may think fit; or
(b)in the case of a television licence, as the Secretary of State may direct or (subject to any such direction)
the BBC may think fit,
including”.
(4)In subsection (3), before “, continue in force” insert “or (if it is a television licence) by the BBC”.
(5)In subsection (4)—
(a)after “wireless telegraphy licence” insert “other than a television licence”; and
(b)at the end add “; and a television licence may be revoked, or the terms, provisions or limitations thereof
varied, by the BBC (either of their own motion or to give effect to any direction of the Secretary of State
under subsection (2)(b) of this section)—
(a)by a notice in writing served on the holder of the licence; or
(b)by a general notice published as mentioned above.”
(6)At the end of the section add the following subsection—
“(7)In this Act—
• “television licence” means a wireless telegraphy licence authorising the installation and use of a television receiver;
and
• “television receiver” means television receiving apparatus of any class or description specified in regulations made
by the Secretary of State under section 2 of this Act.”
2(1)Section 2 (fees and charges for wireless telegraphy licences) shall be amended as follows.
(2)In subsection (1), for the words from “paid to” to “by the person” substitute “paid—
(a)to the Secretary of State; or
(b)in the case of a television licence, to the BBC,
by the person”.
(3)For the first paragraph of subsection (2) substitute—
• “Notwithstanding anything in subsection (1) of this section, where— (a)
an application for the issue or renewal of a television licence is made to the BBC by a person
ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom, and
(b)
the BBC are satisfied, by means of a certificate issued by the local authority and produced
to them by the applicant, that the applicant is a blind person not resident in a public or
charitable institution or in a school,
the BBC shall, to such extent as the Secretary of State may determine, dispense with the
payment of any sum which would otherwise be payable on the issue or renewal of the
licence.”
3In section 15(1) (entry and search of premises etc.), for the words from “authorising” down to (but not
including) “and named” substitute “authorising—
(a)any person or persons authorised in that behalf by the Secretary of State; or
(b)where the offence relates to the installation or use of a television receiver, any person or persons
authorised in that behalf by the BBC or the Secretary of State,”.
4In section 19 (interpretation), insert the following subsection after subsection (2)—
“(2A)In this Act—
• “the BBC” means the British Broadcasting Corporation; and
• “television licence” and “television receiver” have the meaning given by section 1(7) of this Act.”
PART II[1967 C. 72.] AMENDMENTS OF PART I OF WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY ACT 1967 1In the following provisions, namely—
(a)subsections (1), (2), (4) and (5) of section 1 (registration of dealers),
(b)subsections (1), (3) and (6) of section 2 (notification and recording of transactions),
(c)subsection (1) of section 3 (power to call for additional information),
(d)subsections (1) and (2) of section 4 (service of notices, etc.), and
(e)subsections (3) to (5) of section 5 (offences and enforcement),
for “the Postmaster General” wherever those words occur (which are, by virtue of section 3(1) of the [1969
c. 48.] Post Office Act 1969 and the [S.I. 1974/691.] Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (Dissolution)
Order 1974, to be construed as, or in certain instances as including, a reference to the Secretary of State)
substitute “the BBC”.
2In section 1(5), for “him” substitute “them”.
3In section 2(3)—
(a)for “him” substitute “them”; and
(b)for “he” substitute “they”.
4In section 3(1), for “him” (where first occurring) substitute “them”.
5In section 4(2), for “him” (wherever occurring) substitute “them”.
6In section 5—
(a)in subsection (3), for “his” substitute “their”; and
(b)in subsection (5), after “came to” insert “their or”.
7In section 6(1)—
(a)insert the following definition after the definition of “appointed day”—
““the BBC” means the British Broadcasting Corporation;”; and
(b)at the end of the definition of “prescribed” add “after consultation with the BBC”.
Section 183. SCHEDULE 19THE GAELIC TELEVISION COMMITTEE: SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS Status and capacity
1(1)The Committee shall be a body corporate.
(2)The Committee shall not be treated for the purposes of the enactments and rules of law relating to the
privileges of the Crown as a body exercising functions on behalf of the Crown.
(3)It shall be within the capacity of the Committee as a statutory corporation to do such things and enter
into such transactions as are incidental or conducive to the discharge of their functions under section 183
of this Act.
Tenure of office and remuneration
2(1)Subject to sub-paragraph (2), each member of the Committee shall hold and vacate office in
accordance with the terms of his appointment.
(2)Any member of the Committee may at any time resign his office by notice to the Commission.
(3)The Commission may pay to each member such remuneration and allowances as they may determine.
Disqualification of members of Committee for House of Commons
3In Part II of Schedule 1 to the [1975 c. 24.] House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 (bodies of which
all members are disqualified) there shall be inserted at the appropriate place—
“Comataidh Telebhisein Gaidhlig”.
Proceedings
4(1)Subject to paragraph 5, the quorum of the Committee and the arrangements relating to their meetings
shall be such as the Committee may determine.
(2)The arrangements may, with the approval of the Commission, provide for the discharge, under the
general direction of the Committee, of any of the Committee’s functions by a committee or by one or more
of the members or employees of the Committee.
5(1)A member who is in any way directly or indirectly interested in any matter that is brought up for
consideration at a meeting of the Committee shall disclose the nature of his interest to the meeting; and,
where such a disclosure is made—
(a)the disclosure shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting, and
(b)(subject to sub-paragraph (2)) the member shall not take any part in any deliberation or decision of the
Committee, or of any of their committees, with respect to that matter.
(2)Sub-paragraph (1)(b) shall not apply in relation to any meeting of the Committee at which all of the other
members present resolve that the member’s interest should be disregarded for the purposes of that
provision.
(3)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1), a general notification given at a meeting of the Committee by a
member to the effect that he is a member of a specified company or firm and is to be regarded as
interested in any matter involving that company or firm shall be regarded as a sufficient disclosure of his
interest in relation to any such matter.
(4)A member need not attend in person at a meeting of the Committee in order to make a disclosure which
he is required to make under this paragraph if he takes reasonable steps to secure that the disclosure is
made by a notice which is taken into consideration and read at the meeting.
(5)In this paragraph references to a meeting of the Committee include references to a meeting of any of
their committees.
6The validity of any proceedings of the Committee shall not be affected by any vacancy among the
members or by any defect in the appointment of a member or by any failure to comply with the
requirements of paragraph 5.
Employees of the Committee
7(1)The Committee may appoint such employees as they may determine with the consent of the
Commission as to numbers and terms of employment.
(2)If the Committee determine to do so in the case of any of their employees, the Committee shall pay to or
in respect of those employees such pensions, allowances or gratuities, or provide and maintain for them
such pension schemes (whether contributory or not), as the Committee may determine.
(3)The [1969 c. 57.] Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 shall not require insurance to be
effected by the Committee.
Financial provision
8There shall be defrayed out of the Gaelic Television Fund—
(a)any expenses incurred by the Commission—
(i)by virtue of paragraph 2,
(ii)in paying the salaries of any employees of the Commission whose services have been furnished to the
Committee by the Commission, or
(iii)in connection with providing the Committee with office accommodation or other facilities;
(b)any expenses incurred by the Committee by virtue of paragraph 7; and
(c)with the approval of the Commission, any other expenses incurred by the Committee.
Authentication of Committee’s seal
9The application of the seal of the Committee shall be authenticated by the signature of the chairman or of
some other person authorised for the purpose.
Presumption of authenticity of documents issued by the Committee
10Any document purporting to be an instrument issued by the Committee and to be duly executed under
the seal of the Committee or to be signed on behalf of the Committee shall be received in evidence and
shall be deemed to be such an instrument unless the contrary is shown.
Accounts and audit
11(1)The Committee shall keep proper accounts and proper records in relation to the accounts, and shall
prepare in respect of each financial year a statement of accounts in such form as the Commission may
direct.
(2)The accounts of the Committee shall be audited by auditors to be appointed by the Committee with the
approval of the Commission.
(3)A person shall not be qualified to be appointed as an auditor in pursuance of sub-paragraph (2) unless
he is a member of one or more of the following bodies—
• the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales;
• the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland;
• the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants;
• the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland;
• any other body of accountants established in the United Kingdom and for the time being recognised for the
purposes of section 389(1)(a) of the [1985 c. 6.] Companies Act 1985 by the Secretary of State,
but a Scottish firm may be so appointed if each of the partners in the firm is qualified to be so appointed.
(4)The Committee shall at all reasonable times upon demand made by the Commission or by any persons
authorised by them in that behalf—
(a)afford to them full liberty to examine the accounts of the Committee; and
(b)furnish them with all forecasts, estimates, information and documents which they may require with
respect to the financial transactions and commitments of the Committee.
Annual reports
12(1)As soon as possible after the end of each financial year, the Committee shall prepare a general report
of their proceedings during that year and transmit it to the Commission.
(2)The report shall have attached to it the statement of accounts for the year and a copy of any report
made by the auditors on that statement.
(3)The Commission shall send a copy of each annual report received by them in accordance with this
paragraph to the Secretary of State who shall lay copies of it before each House of Parliament.
Section 203(1). SCHEDULE 20MINOR AND CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS
Parliamentary Papers Act 1840 (c. 9)
1Section 3 (protection in respect of proceedings for printing extracts from or abstracts of parliamentary
papers) shall have effect as if the reference to printing included a reference to including in a programme
service.
Law of Libel Amendment Act 1888 (c. 64)
2Section 3 (contemporary reports of proceedings before courts exercising judicial authority) shall apply in
relation to reports or matters included in a programme service, and in relation to any inclusion in such a
service of any such report or matter, as it applies in relation to reports and matters published in a
newspaper and to publication in a newspaper.
Children and Young Persons Act 1933 (c. 12)
3(1)In section 28 (powers of entry)—
(a)in subsection (2)(a), omit “a cable programme studio” and for “broadcast in a cable programme”
substitute “programme service”; and
(b)for subsection (4) substitute—
“(4)In this section—
• “broadcasting studio” means a studio used in connection with the provision of a programme service;
• “programme service” has the same meaning as in the Broadcasting Act 1990.”
(2)Sections 39 and 49 (restriction on newspaper reports of court proceedings involving children and young
persons) shall, with the necessary modifications, apply in relation to reports or matters included in a
programme service, and in relation to including any such reports or matters in such a service, as they apply
in relation to reports or matters published in newspapers and to publishing any matter in a newspaper.
Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937 (c. 37)
4(1)In section 36 (power to enter studios)—
(a)in subsection (2)(a), omit “a cable programme studio” and for “broadcast in a cable programme”
substitute “programme service”; and
(b)for subsection (4) substitute—
“(4)In this section—
• “broadcasting studio” means a studio used in connection with the provision of a programme service;
• “programme service” has the same meaning as in the Broadcasting Act 1990”.
(2)Section 46 (restriction on newspaper reports of court proceedings involving children and young persons)
shall, with the necessary modifications, apply in relation to reports or matters included in a programme
service, and in relation to including any such reports or matters in such a service, as it applies in relation to
reports or matters published in newspapers and to publishing any matter in a newspaper.
Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 (c. 67)
5In section 1(7) (admission of public to meetings of local authorities and other bodies), for the words from
“or for” to “licensed” substitute “or for programme services (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act
1990) other than sound or television broadcasting services”.
Children and Young Persons Act 1963 (c. 37)
6In section 37(2) (restriction on persons under 16 taking part in certain performances), for paragraph (d)
substitute—
“(d)any performance not falling within paragraph (c) above but included in a programme service (within the
meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990);”.
Licensing Act 1964 (c. 26)
7In section 182(1) (relaxation, with respect to licensed premises, of law relating to music and dancing
licences), for the words from “or by the” to “licensed” substitute “or of programmes included in any
programme service (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990) other than a sound or television
broadcasting service”.
Private Places of Entertainment (Licensing) Act 1967 (c. 19)
8In section 2(3) (certain private places of entertainment to require licences), for the words from “or of being”
onwards substitute “or of being included in any programme service (within the meaning of the Broadcasting
Act 1990) other than a sound or television broadcasting service.”
Wireless Telegraphy Act 1967 (c. 72)
9In section 6(1) (interpretation of Part I of the Act), for the definition of “television programme” substitute—
““television programme” means a programme included in any television broadcasting or other television
programme service (within the meaning of Part I of the Broadcasting Act 1990);”.
London Cab Act 1968 (c. 7)
10In section 4(5) (restrictions on advertising in connection with private hire-cars), in the definition of
“advertisement”, for “or by inclusion in a cable programme service” substitute “or by inclusion in any
programme service (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990) other than a sound or television
broadcasting service”.
Trade Descriptions Act 1968 (c. 29)
11In section 39(2) (interpretation), for “or in a programme included in a cable programme service”
substitute “or in any programme included in any programme service (within the meaning of the
Broadcasting Act 1990) other than a sound or television broadcasting service”.
Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 (c. 49)
12In section 58(1) (prohibition of publication of proceedings in a children’s hearing), for the words
“broadcast or a programme included in cable programme service”—
(a)in the first place where they occur, substitute “programme included in a programme service (within the
meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990)”; and
(b)in the second place where they occur, substitute “programme included in such a programme service”.
Theatres Act 1968 (c. 54)
13In section 7(2)(b) (exceptions for performance given in certain circumstances), for sub-paragraph (iii)
substitute—
“(iii)the performance to be included in a programme service (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act
1990) other than a sound or television broadcasting service;”.
Gaming Act 1968 (c. 65)
14In section 42(8) (definition of “advertisement” for the purposes of restrictions on advertisements relating
to gaming), for “or by inclusion in a cable programme service” substitute “or by inclusion in any programme
service (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990) other than a sound or television broadcasting
service”.
Children and Young Persons Act (Northern Ireland) 1968 (c. 34 (N.I.))
15(1)In section 40(2) (restriction on persons under 16 taking part in certain performances), for paragraph
(d) substitute—
“(d)any performance not falling within paragraph (c) but included in a programme service (within the
meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990);”.
(2)In section 45 (powers of entry)—
(a)in subsection (2)(a), omit “a cable programme studio” and for “broadcast in a cable programme”
substitute “programme service”; and
(b)for subsection (5) substitute—
“(5)In this section—
• “broadcasting studio” means a studio used in connection with the provision of a programme service;
• “programme service” has the same meaning as in the Broadcasting Act 1990.”
(3)In section 59 (power to prohibit publication of certain matter in newspapers and broadcasts)—
(a)in subsection (1)—
(i)in paragraph (a), for “in any newspaper or in any broadcast” substitute “which is published in any
newspaper or included in any programme service (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990)”; and
(ii)in paragraph (b), for “in any television broadcast” substitute “included in any such service”; and
(b)in subsection (2), after “publishes” insert “or includes in a programme service”.
(4)In section 68 (restrictions on newspaper and broadcast reports of proceedings in juvenile courts)—
(a)in subsection (1)—
(i)in paragraph (a), for the words from “in any newspaper” to “court” substitute “of any proceedings in a
juvenile court which is published in any newspaper or included in any programme service (within the
meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990)”; and
(ii)in paragraph (b), for “in any television broadcast” substitute “included in any such service”; and
(b)in subsection (3), after “publishes” insert “or includes in a programme service”.
Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70)
16In section 100K (interpretation and application of Part VA of the Act), in paragraph (b) of the definition of
“newspaper”, for sub-paragraph (ii) substitute—
“(ii)for inclusion in programmes to be included in any programme service (within the meaning of the
Broadcasting Act 1990) other than a sound or television broadcasting service;”.
Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 1972 (c. 9 (N.I.))
17In section 148(1) (interpretation), in the definition of “newspaper”, for the words from “or for” onwards
substitute “or for programmes to be included in a programme service (within the meaning of the
Broadcasting Act 1990) other than a sound or television broadcasting service;”.
Employment Agencies Act 1973 (c. 35)
18In section 13(4) (interpretation), for paragraphs (c) and (d) substitute “or
(c)to providing a programme service (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990).”
Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973 (c. 36)
19In Schedule 3 (minimum reserved matters), in paragraph 14, for the words from “, (including” onwards
substitute “and the provision of programme services (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990).”
Fair Trading Act 1973 (c. 41)
20In section 133(2)(a) (exceptions to restriction on disclosure of information), after “the Electricity Act
1989,” insert “or the Broadcasting Act 1990,”.
Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21)
21In subsection (2) of sections 169 and 374 (restrictions on report of proceedings involving person under
16), for the words from “broadcasts” to “service” substitute “programmes included in a programme service
(within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990)”.
Industry Act 1975 (c. 68)
22In section 9 (the National Enterprise Board and the media)—
(a)in subsection (1), for paragraphs (b) and (c) substitute—
“(b)shall become the holder of a relevant licence.”;
(b)in subsection (3), for paragraphs (ii) and (iii) substitute—
“(ii)activities connected with the provision of a service under a relevant licence.”;
(c)in subsection (9)—
(i)for “a programme contractor, they shall consult the Independent Broadcasting Authority” substitute “the
holder of a relevant licence, they shall consult the appropriate authority”; and
(ii)for “that Authority” substitute “the appropriate authority”;
(d)omit subsection (9A);
(e)in subsection (10), for “programme contractor” substitute “holder of a relevant licence”; and
(f)for subsection (11) substitute—
“(11)In this section—
• “appropriate authority” means— (a)
in relation to a licence granted under Part I of the Broadcasting Act 1990, the Independent Television Commission;
and
(b)
in relation to a licence granted under Part III of that Act, the Radio Authority;
• “relevant licence” means a licence granted by the Independent Television Commission or the Radio Authority under
Part I or (as the case may be) Part III of that Act.”
Scottish Development Agency Act 1975 (c. 69)
23In section 17 (the Scottish Development Agency and the media), for “Cable and Broadcasting Act 1984”
substitute “Broadcasting Act 1990”.
Welsh Development Agency Act 1975 (c. 70)
24In section 19 (the Welsh Development Agency and the media)—
(a)in subsection (1), for paragraphs (b) and (c) substitute—
“(b)shall become the holder of a relevant licence.”;
(b)in subsection (3), for paragraphs (ii) and (iii) substitute—
“(ii)activities connected with the provision of a service under a relevant licence.”;
(c)in subsection (9)—
(i)for “a programme contractor, they shall consult the Independent Broadcasting Authority” substitute “the
holder of a relevant licence, they shall consult the appropriate authority”; and
(ii)for “that Authority” substitute “the appropriate authority”;
(d)omit subsection (9A);
(e)in subsection (10), for “programme contractor” substitute “holder of a relevant licence”; and
(f)for subsection (11) substitute—
“(11)In this section—
• “appropriate authority” means— (a)
in relation to a licence granted under Part I of the Broadcasting Act 1990, the Independent Television Commission;
and
(b)
in relation to a licence granted under Part III of that Act, the Radio Authority;
• “relevant licence” means a licence granted by the Independent Television Commission or the Radio Authority under
Part I or (as the case may be) Part III of that Act.”
Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1976 (c. 34)
25In section 41(1)(a) (exceptions to restriction on disclosure of information), after “the Electricity Act 1989”
insert “or the Broadcasting Act 1990”.
Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1976 (c. 82)
26(1)In section 4 (anonymity of complainants in rape etc. cases)—
(a)in subsection (1), for “broadcast or included in a cable programme”, in each place where those words
occur, substitute “included in a relevant programme for reception” and for “broadcasting or inclusion in a
cable programme” substitute “inclusion in a relevant programme”;
(b)in subsection (5), for “broadcast or included in a cable programme” substitute “or included in a relevant
programme” and for paragraphs (c) and (d) substitute “and
(c)in the case of matter included in a relevant programme, any body corporate which is engaged in
providing the service in which the programme is included and any person having functions in relation to the
programme corresponding to those of an editor of a newspaper,”;
(c)in subsection (5A), for “or broadcast of any matter or the inclusion of any matter in a cable programme,”
substitute “of any matter or the inclusion of any matter in a relevant programme,” and for “, broadcast or
cable programme” substitute “or programme”;
(d)in subsection (6), omit the definitions of “a broadcast” and “cable programme” and after the definition of
“complainant” insert—
““relevant programme” means a programme included in a programme service (within the meaning of the
Broadcasting Act 1990);”; and
(e)in subsection (7), for “broadcast or inclusion in a cable programme” substitute “or upon matter included
in a relevant programme”.
(2)In section 5(5) (supplementary provisions), for “broadcast or cable programme in question was of”
substitute “or programme in question was of, or (as the case may be) included,”.
(3)In section 7(6) (extent to Northern Ireland), for “broadcast or inclusion in a cable programme” substitute
“in, or such an inclusion of matter in a relevant programme for reception in,”.
Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (S.I. 1978/460 (N.I.5))
27(1)In Article 6 (anonymity of complainants in rape offence cases)—
(a)in paragraph (1), for “broadcast or included in a cable programme” substitute “included in a relevant
programme for reception”;
(b)in paragraph (5), for “broadcast or included in a cable programme” substitute “or included in a relevant
programme” and for sub-paragraphs (c) and (d) substitute “and
(c)in the case of matter included in a relevant programme, any body corporate which is engaged in
providing the service in which the programme is included and any person having functions in relation to the
programme corresponding to those of an editor of a newspaper,”;
(c)in paragraph (6), omit the definitions of “a broadcast” and “cable programme” and after the definition of
“complainant” insert—
““relevant programme” means a programme included in a programme service (within the meaning of the
Broadcasting Act 1990);”; and
(d)in paragraph (7), for “broadcasting or inclusion in a cable programme” substitute “or inclusion in a
relevant programme” and for “broadcast or inclusion in a cable programme” substitute “or upon matter
included in a relevant programme”.
(2)In Article 7(3) (supplementary provisions), for “broadcast or cable programme in question was of”
substitute “or programme in question was of, or (as the case may be) included,”.
(3)In Article 8(1) (anonymity of defendants in rape offence cases), for “broadcast or included in a cable
programme” substitute “included in a relevant programme (as defined in Article 6(6)) for reception”.
Competition Act 1980 (c. 21)
28In section 19(3) (exceptions to restriction on disclosure of information), after paragraph (m) insert—
“(n)the Broadcasting Act 1990.”
Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43)
29(1)In section 8 (restrictions on reports of committal proceedings)—
(a)in subsection (1), for “broadcast or include in a cable programme” substitute “include in a relevant
programme for reception”;
(b)in subsections (2B), (4), (5) and (8), for “broadcast or included in a cable programme”, in each place
where those words occur, substitute “or included in a relevant programme”;
(c)in subsection (3), for “broadcast or include in a cable programme”, in each place where those words
occur, substitute “or include in a relevant programme”;
(d)in subsection (5), for paragraphs (c) and (d) substitute—
“(c)in the case of the inclusion of a report in a relevant programme, any body corporate which provides the
service in which the programme is included and any person having functions in relation to the programme
corresponding to those of an editor of a newspaper,”;
(e)in subsection (10), omit the definitions of “broadcast” and “cable programme” and after the definition of
“publish” insert—
““relevant programme” means a programme included in a programme service (within the meaning of the
Broadcasting Act 1990).”
(2)In section 71 (reports of domestic proceedings), for subsection (1) substitute—
“(1)In the case of domestic proceedings in a magistrates' court (other than proceedings under the Adoption
Act 1976) it shall not be lawful for a person to whom this subsection applies—
(a)to print or publish, or cause or procure to be printed or published, in a newspaper or periodical, or
(b)to include, or cause or procure to be included, in a programme included in a programme service (within
the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990) for reception in Great Britain,
any particulars of the proceedings other than such particulars as are mentioned in subsection (1A) below.
(1A)The particulars referred to in subsection (1) above are—
(a)the names, addresses and occupations of the parties and witnesses;
(b)the grounds of the application, and a concise statement of the charges, defences and counter-charges in
support of which evidence has been given;
(c)submissions on any point of law arising in the course of the proceedings and the decision of the court on
the submissions;
(d)the decision of the court, and any observations made by the court in giving it.
(1B)Subsection (1) above applies—
(a)in relation to paragraph (a) of that subsection, to the proprietor, editor or publisher of the newspaper or
periodical, and
(b)in relation to paragraph (b) of that subsection, to any body corporate which provides the service in which
the programme is included and to any person having functions in relation to the programme corresponding
to those of an editor of a newspaper.”;
and in subsection (2), for “subsection (1)” substitute “subsection (1A)”.
Indecent Displays (Control) Act 1981 (c. 42)
30In section 1(4) (provisions relating to indecent displays disapplied in relation to broadcasting etc.), for
paragraph (a) substitute—
“(a)included by any person in a television broadcasting service or other television programme service
(within the meaning of Part I of the Broadcasting Act 1990);”.
Contempt of Court Act 1981 (c. 49)
31(1)In section 2 (limitation of scope of strict liability)—
(a)in subsection (1), for “broadcast cable programme” substitute “programme included in a programme
service”; and
(b)after subsection (4) insert—
“(5)In this section “programme service” has the same meaning as in the Broadcasting Act 1990.”
(2)In section 19 (interpretation), omit the definition of “cable programme”.
Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 (S.I. 1981/839 (N.I.20))
32In Article 11(4) (interpretation), for sub-paragraphs (c) and (d) substitute “or
(c)to providing a programme service (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990).”
Magistrates' Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 (S.I. 1981/1675 (N.I.26))
33(1)In Article 44 (reports of preliminary proceedings)—
(a)in paragraphs (1) and (2), for “or published”, in each place where those words occur, substitute “,
published or included in a relevant programme”; and
(b)after paragraph (5) insert—
“(6)In this Article “relevant programme” means a programme included in a programme service (within the
meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990) for reception in Northern Ireland.”
(2)In Article 90 (reports of domestic proceedings), for paragraph (1) substitute—
“(1)A person to whom this paragraph applies shall not—
(a)print or publish, or cause or procure to be printed or published, in a newspaper or periodical, or
(b)include, or cause or procure to be included, in a programme included in a programme service (within the
meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990) for reception in Northern Ireland,
any particulars of any domestic proceedings other than such particulars as are mentioned in paragraph (1A)
below.
(1A)The particulars referred to in paragraph (1) above are—
(a)the names, addresses and occupations of the parties and witnesses;
(b)the grounds of the application, and a concise statement of the charges, defences and counter-charges in
support of which evidence has been given;
(c)submissions on any point of law arising in the course of the proceedings, and decisions of the court on
the submissions; and
(d)the decisions of the court, and any observations made by the court in giving its decision.
(1B)Paragraph (1) above applies—
(a)in relation to sub-paragraph (a) of that paragraph, to the proprietor, editor or publisher of the newspaper
or periodical, and
(b)in relation to sub-paragraph (b) of that paragraph, to any body corporate which provides the service in
which the programme is included and to any person having functions in relation to the programme
corresponding to those of an editor of a newspaper.”
Insurance Companies Act 1982 (c. 50)
34In section 72(6) (meaning of “advertisement” for the purposes of insurance advertisements), for “or by
inclusion in a cable programme service” substitute “or by inclusion in any programme service (within the
meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990) other than a sound or television broadcasting service”.
Representation of the People Act 1983 (c. 2)
35(1)Part II shall be amended as follows.
(2)In section 75(1)(i) (election expenses in relation to publications or broadcasts), for the words from “the
Independent” onwards substitute “or by Sianel Pedwar Cymru or in a programme included in any service
licensed under Part I or III of the Broadcasting Act 1990;”.
(3)In section 92 (broadcasting from outside United Kingdom), for subsection (1) substitute—
“(1)No person shall, with intent to influence persons to give or refrain from giving their votes at a
parliamentary or local government election, include, or aid, abet, counsel or procure the inclusion of, any
matter relating to the election in any programme service (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990)
provided from a place outside the United Kingdom otherwise than in pursuance of arrangements made
with—
(a)the British Broadcasting Corporation;
(b)Sianel Pedwar Cymru; or
(c)the holder of any licence granted by the Independent Television Commission or the Radio Authority,
for the reception and re-transmission of that matter by that body or the holder of that licence.”
(4)In section 93 (broadcasting during elections)—
(a)in subsection (1)(a), for “broadcast from a television or other wireless transmitting station in the United
Kingdom” substitute—
“(a)broadcast by the British Broadcasting Corporation or Sianel Pedwar Cymru; or
(b)included in any service licensed under Part I or III of the Broadcasting Act 1990”;
and
(b)omit subsection (3).
(5)Without prejudice to the generality of section 20(2) of the [1978 c. 30.] Interpretation Act 1978, any
reference in this paragraph to a provision of the Representation of the [1983 c. 2.] People Act 1983
includes a reference to that provision as applied by any regulations made under paragraph 2 of Schedule 1
to the [1978 c. 10.] European Parliamentary Elections Act 1978.
National Audit Act 1983 (c. 44)
36In Part II of Schedule 4 (nationalised industries and other public authorities liable to examination by
Comptroller and Auditor General), for the entries relating to the Independent Broadcasting Authority and
the Welsh Fourth Channel Authority substitute—
“Sianel Pedwar Cymru.”
Value Added Tax Act 1983 (c. 55)
37In section 20 (refund of value added tax in certain cases)—
(a)in subsection (3), for paragraph (j) substitute—
“(j)a nominated news provider, as defined by section 31(3) of the Broadcasting Act 1990;”; and
(b)after subsection (4) insert—
“(4A)No tax shall be refunded under this section to a nominated news provider which in the opinion of the
Commissioners is attributable to activities other than the provision of news programmes for broadcasting by
holders of regional Channel 3 licences (within the meaning of Part I of the Broadcasting Act 1990).”
Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12)
38(1)In section 6 (exceptions to prohibition on the running of unlicensed telecommunication systems)—
(a)omit subsection (1) (exception for the running of a telecommunication system by a broadcasting
authority);
(b)in subsection (2), for “such a system as is mentioned in subsection (1) above” substitute “a
telecommunication system to which subsection (2A) below applies”; and
(c)after subsection (2) insert the following subsection—
“(2A)This subsection applies to a telecommunication system in the case of which every conveyance made
by it is either—
(a)a transmission, by wireless telegraphy, from a transmitting station for general reception of sounds, visual
images or such signals as are mentioned in paragraph (c) of section 4(1) above; or
(b)a conveyance within a single set of premises of sounds, visual images or such signals which are to be or
have been so transmitted.”
(2)In section 7 (power to license telecommunication systems)—
(a)in subsection (10A), for “Cable Authority” substitute “Independent Television Commission”; and
(b)in subsection (10B), for “licensable cable programme service” substitute “local delivery service (within
the meaning of Part II of the Broadcasting Act 1990)”.
(3)In section 42(2) (fraudulent use of telecommunication system), for “to which section 53 of the Cable and
Broadcasting Act 1984 applies)” substitute “such as is mentioned in section 297(1) of the Copyright,
Designs and Patents Act 1988)”.
(4)In section 43(2) (improper use of public telecommunication system), for “cable programme service”
substitute “programme service (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990)”.
(5)In section 49 (investigation of complaints by the Director General of Telecommunications) omit
subsection (2).
Video Recordings Act 1984 (c. 39)
39In section 3(8) (exempted supplies), for paragraphs (a) and (b) substitute “a programme service (within
the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990)”.
Cinemas Act 1985 (c. 13)
40In section 21(1) (interpretation), in the definition of “film exhibition”, for paragraphs (a) and (b) substitute
“programmes included in a programme service (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990);”.
Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 66)
41In subsection (5) of section 70 (supplies by utilities), for the words from “services”, where it second
occurs, onwards substitute “local delivery services within the meaning of Part II of the Broadcasting Act
1990”.
Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (S.I. 1985/1204 (N.I.11))
42In Article 130(8) (definition of “advertisement” for the purposes of restrictions on advertisements relating
to gaming), after “television,” insert “or by inclusion in any programme service (within the meaning of the
Broadcasting Act 1990) other than a sound or television broadcasting service,”.
Insolvency Act 1986 (c. 45)
43In sections 233(5)(d) and 372(5)(c) (supplies of gas, water, electricity and telecommunication services),
for the words “services consisting” onwards, in each place where they occur, substitute “local delivery
services within the meaning of Part II of the Broadcasting Act 1990.”
Building Societies Act 1986 (c. 53)
44In section 50(10) (powers to control advertising), in the definition of “advertisement”, for the words from
“whether” to “and references” substitute “whether—
(a)documentary,
(b)by way of sound broadcasting or television or by inclusion in any programme service (within the meaning
of the Broadcasting Act 1990) other than a sound or television broadcasting service, or
(c)by any pictorial means not falling within paragraph (a) or (b) above;
and references”.
Financial Services Act 1986 (c. 60)
45(1)In section 207 (interpretation)—
(a)in subsection (2), after “television” insert “or by inclusion in any programme service (within the meaning
of the Broadcasting Act 1990) other than a sound or television broadcasting service”; and
(b)omit subsection (4).
(2)In paragraph 25A in Part III of Schedule 1 (advice given in sound, television or cable programmes
excluded from activities constituting investment business)—
(a)in sub-paragraph (1), for the words from “or teletext” onwards substitute “included, or made for inclusion,
in a programme service.”; and
(b)for sub-paragraph (2) substitute—
“(2)In this paragraph—
(a)“programme”, in relation to a programme service, includes an advertisement and any other item included
in that service; and
(b)“programme service” has the same meaning as in the Broadcasting Act 1990.”
Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 (S.I. 1986/594 (N.I.3))
46In Article 2(2) (interpretation), in the definition of “newspaper”, for the words from “cable programme”
onwards substitute “programme service (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990) other than a
sound or television broadcasting service;”.
Criminal Justice Act 1987 (c. 38)
47In section 11 (restrictions on reporting applications for dismissal and preparatory hearings)—
(a)in subsection (1), for “broadcast or include in a cable programme” substitute “include in a relevant
programme for reception”;
(b)in subsections (4), (8) and (12), for “, broadcast or included in a cable programme” substitute “or
included in a relevant programme”;
(c)in subsections (5) and (7), for “, broadcast or include in a cable programme” substitute “or include in a
relevant programme”;
(d)in subsection (10), for “broadcast or included in a cable programme” substitute “included in a relevant
programme” and for “, broadcast or inclusion in a cable programme” substitute “or inclusion in a relevant
programme”;
(e)in subsection (12), for paragraphs (c) and (d) substitute—
“(c)in the case of the inclusion of a report in a relevant programme, any body corporate which is engaged in
providing the service in which the programme is included and any person having functions in relation to the
programme corresponding to those of an editor of a newspaper,”; and
(f)in subsection (15), omit the definitions of “broadcast” and “cable programme” and after the definition of
“publish” insert—
““relevant programme” means a programme included in a programme service (within the meaning of the
Broadcasting Act 1990).”
Consumer Protection Act 1987 (c. 43)
48In section 24 (defences to offence of giving misleading price indication)—
(a)in subsection (2), for the words from “, film” to “service,” substitute “or film or in a programme included in
a programme service (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990),”; and
(b)in subsection (6), omit the definition of “cable programme service”.
Consumer Protection (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 (S.I.1987/2049 (N.I.20))
49In Article 17 (defences to offence of giving misleading price indication)—
(a)in paragraph (2), for “film or radio or television broadcast or in a programme included in a cable
programme service,” substitute “or film or in a programme included in a programme service (within the
meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990),”; and
(b)in paragraph (6), omit the definition of “cable programme service”.
Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (c. 48)
50(1)In section 69 (recording for purposes of supervision and control of broadcasts etc.), for subsections
(2) and (3) substitute—
“(2)Copyright is not infringed by anything done in pursuance of—
(a)section 11(1), 95(1), 145(4), (5) or (7), 155(3) or 167(1) of the Broadcasting Act 1990;
(b)a condition which, by virtue of section 11(2) or 95(2) of that Act, is included in a licence granted under
Part I or III of that Act; or
(c)a direction given under section 109(2) of that Act (power of Radio Authority to require production of
recordings etc.).
(3)Copyright is not infringed by—
(a)the use by the Independent Television Commission or the Radio Authority, in connection with the
performance of any of their functions under the Broadcasting Act 1990, of any recording, script or transcript
which is provided to them under or by virtue of any provision of that Act; or
(b)the use by the Broadcasting Complaints Commission or the Broadcasting Standards Council, in
connection with any complaint made to them under that Act, of any recording or transcript requested or
required to be provided to them, and so provided, under section 145(4) or (7) or section 155(3) of that Act.”
(2)In paragraph 17 of Schedule 2 (rights in performances: recordings for purposes of supervision and
control of broadcasts etc.), for sub-paragraphs (2) to (4) substitute—
“(2)The rights conferred by Part II are not infringed by anything done in pursuance of—
(a)section 11(1), 95(1), 145(4), (5) or (7), 155(3) or 167(1) of the Broadcasting Act 1990;
(b)a condition which, by virtue of section 11(2) or 95(2) of that Act, is included in a licence granted under
Part I or III of that Act; or
(c)a direction given under section 109(2) of that Act (power of Radio Authority to require production of
recordings etc.).
(3)The rights conferred by Part II are not infringed by—
(a)the use by the Independent Television Commission or the Radio Authority, in connection with the
performance of any of their functions under the Broadcasting Act 1990, of any recording, script or transcript
which is provided to them under or by virtue of any provision of that Act; or
(b)the use by the Broadcasting Complaints Commission or the Broadcasting Standards Council, in
connection with any complaint made to them under that Act, of any recording or transcript requested or
required to be provided to them, and so provided, under section 145(4) or (7) or section 155(3) of that Act.”
Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988 (S.I. 1988/915)
51(1)In regulation 2(1) (interpretation)—
(a)omit the definitions of “broadcast advertisement”, “Cable Authority”, “IBA” and “licensable service”;
(b)before the definition of “court” insert—
““the Commission” means the Independent Television Commission”;
(c)for the definition of “licensed service” insert—
““licensed service” means—
(a)in relation to a complaint made to the Commission, a service in respect of which the Commission have
granted a licence under Part I or II of the Broadcasting Act 1990; and
(b)in relation to a complaint made to the Radio Authority, a service in respect of which the Radio Authority
have granted a licence under Part III of that Act;
and “licensed local delivery service” means a service in respect of which
the Commission have granted a licence under Part II of that Act;”; and
(d)after the definition of “publication” insert—
““relevant body” means the Commission or the Radio Authority;
“on S4C” has the same meaning as in Part I of the Broadcasting Act 1990;
“the Welsh Authority” has the same meaning as in that Act;”.
(2)In regulation 4(2) (exceptions to complaints to be considered by Director General of Fair Trading), for
“the IBA or the Cable Authority” substitute “the Commission, the Radio Authority or the Welsh Authority”.
(3)For regulations 8 to 11 substitute—
“COMPLAINTS TO THE COMMISSION AND THE RADIO AUTHORITY
8(1)Subject to paragraph (2) below, it shall be the duty of a relevant body to consider any complaint made
to it that any advertisement included or proposed to be included in a licensed service is misleading, unless
the complaint appears to the body to be frivolous or vexatious.
(2)The Commission shall not consider any complaint about an advertisement included or proposed to be
included in a licensed local delivery service by the reception and immediate re-transmission of broadcasts
made by the British Broadcasting Corporation.
(3)A relevant body shall give reasons for its decisions.
(4)In exercising the powers conferred on it by these Regulations a relevant body shall have regard to all the
interests involved and in particular the public interest.
CONTROL BY THE COMMISSION AND THE RADIO AUTHORITY OF MISLEADING ADVERTISEMENTS
9(1)If, having considered a complaint about an advertisement pursuant to regulation 8(1) above, it
considers that the advertisement is misleading, a relevant body may, if it thinks it appropriate to do so,
exercise in relation to the advertisement the power conferred on it—
(a)where the relevant body is the Commission, by section 9(6) of the Broadcasting Act 1990 (power of
Commission to give directions about advertisements), or
(b)where the relevant body is the Radio Authority, by section 93(6) of that Act (power of Radio Authority to
give directions about advertisements).
(2)A relevant body may require any person appearing to it to be responsible for an advertisement which the
body believes may be misleading to furnish it with evidence as to the accuracy of any factual claim made in
the advertisement. In deciding whether or not to make such a requirement the body shall have regard to
the legitimate interests of any person who would be the subject of or affected by the requirement.
(3)If such evidence is not furnished to it following a requirement made by it under paragraph (2) above or if
it considers such evidence inadequate, a relevant body may consider the factual claim inaccurate.
COMPLAINTS TO THE WELSH AUTHORITY
10(1)Subject to paragraph (2) below, it shall be the duty of the Welsh Authority to consider any complaint
made to them that any advertisement broadcast or proposed to be broadcast on S4C is misleading, unless
the complaint appears to the Authority to be frivolous or vexatious.
(2)The Welsh Authority shall not consider any complaint about an advertisement broadcast or proposed to
be broadcast on S4C by the reception and immediate re-transmission of broadcasts made by the British
Broadcasting Corporation.
(3)The Welsh Authority shall give reasons for their decisions.
(4)In exercising the powers conferred on them by these Regulations the Welsh Authority shall have regard
to all the interests involved and in particular the public interest.
CONTROL BY THE WELSH AUTHORITY OF MISLEADING ADVERTISEMENTS
11(1)If, having considered a complaint about an advertisement pursuant to regulation 10(1) above, they
consider that the advertisement is misleading, the Welsh Authority may, if they think it appropriate to do so,
refuse to broadcast the advertisement.
(2)The Welsh Authority may require any person appearing to them to be responsible for an advertisement
which the Authority believe may be misleading to furnish them with evidence as to the accuracy of any
factual claim made in the advertisement. In deciding whether or not to make such a requirement the
Authority shall have regard to the legitimate interests of any person who would be the subject of or affected
by the requirement.
(3)If such evidence is not furnished to them following a requirement made by them under paragraph (2)
above or if they consider such evidence inadequate, the Welsh Authority may consider the factual claim
inaccurate.”
Criminal Justice (Serious Fraud) (Northern Ireland) Order 1988 (S.I.1988/1846 (N.I.16))
52In Article 10 (restrictions on reporting applications for dismissal and preparatory hearings)—
(a)in paragraph (1), for “broadcast or include in a cable programme” substitute “include in a relevant
programme for reception”;
(b)in paragraphs (5), (9) and (13), for “, broadcast or included in a cable programme” substitute “or included
in a relevant programme”;
(c)in paragraphs (6) and (8), for “, broadcast or include in a cable programme” substitute “or include in a
relevant programme”;
(d)in paragraph (12), for “broadcast or included in a cable programme” substitute “included in a relevant
programme” and for “, broadcast or inclusion in a cable programme” substitute “or inclusion in a relevant
programme”;
(e)in paragraph (13), for sub-paragraphs (c) and (d) substitute—
“(c)in the case of the inclusion of a report in a relevant programme, any body corporate which is engaged in
providing the service in which the programme is included and any person having functions in relation to the
programme corresponding to those of an editor of a newspaper,”; and
(f)in paragraph (16), omit the definitions of “broadcast” and “cable programme” and after the definition of
“publish” insert—
““relevant programme” means a programme included in a programme service (within the meaning of the
Broadcasting Act 1990).”
Children Act 1989 (c. 41)
53In section 97(5) (privacy for children involved in certain proceedings), for paragraph (a) of the definition
of “publish” substitute—
“(a)include in a programme service (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990);”.
Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 (S.I. 1989/2405 (N.I.19))
54In Articles 197(3) and 343(4) (supplies of water, electricity and telecommunication services), for the
words from “services consisting” onwards, in each place where they occur, substitute “local delivery
services within the meaning of Part II of the Broadcasting Act 1990.”
Section 203(3). SCHEDULE 21REPEALS
Chapter Short title Extent of repeal
1933 c. 12. Children and Young Persons Act 1933.
In section 28(2)(a), the words “a cable programme studio”.
1937 c. 37. Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937.
In section 36(2)(a), the words “a cable programme studio”.
1949 c. 54. Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949. Section 14(1B)(a).
In section 15, in subsection (1) the words “and named in the warrant”, and in subsection (2) the words “and named in the authorisation”.
1952 c. 66. Defamation Act 1952. Section 1.
1955 c. 7. Wireless Telegraphy (Blind Persons) Act 1955.
The whole Act.
1955 c. 11 (N.I.). Defamation Act (Northern Ireland) 1955.
Section 1.
1959 c. 66. Obscene Publications Act 1959. In section 1, the proviso to subsection (3).
1967 c. 72. Wireless Telegraphy Act 1967. Section 3(2).
Section 5(2).
1968 c. 34 (N.I.). Children and Young Persons Act (Northern Ireland) 1968.
In section 45(2)(a), the words “a cable programme studio”.
1973 c. 41. Fair Trading Act 1973. In Schedule 7, in Part I, paragraphs 8 and 9.
1975 c. 24. House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975.
In Schedule 1, in Part II, the entries relating to the Cable Authority, the Independent Broad- casting Authority and the Welsh Fourth Channel Authority.
1975 c. 25. Northern Ireland Assembly Disqualification Act 1975.
In Schedule 1, in Part II, the entries relating to the Cable Authority and the Independent Broad- casting Authority.
1975 c. 68. Industry Act 1975. Section 9(9A).
1975 c. 70. Welsh Development Agency Act 1975.
Section 19(9A).
1976 c. 82. Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1976.
In section 4(6), the definitions of “a broadcast” and “cable programme”.
S.I. 1978/460 (N.I.5).
Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 1978.
In Article 6(6), the definitions of “a broadcast” and “cable programme”.
Chapter Short title Extent of repeal
1980 c. 43. Magistrates Courts Act 1980. In section 8(10), the definitions of “broadcast” and “cable programme”.
1980 c. 65. Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980.
In Schedule 16, paragraph 16.
1981 c. 49. Contempt of Court Act 1981. In section 19, the definition of “cable programme”.
1981 c. 68. Broadcasting Act 1981. The whole Act.
1982 c. 39. Finance Act 1982. Section 144(3).
1982 c. 45. Civic Government (Scot- land) Act 1982.
In section 51, subsection (6)(a) and, in subsection (8), in the definition of “material” the words from “and” onwards, and the word “showing,”.
1983 c. 2. Representation of the People Act 1983.
Section 93(3).
1984 c. 12. Telecommunications Act 1984. Section 6(1).
Section 49(2).
In section 79(2), the words “or them”.
In Schedule 4, paragraph 81.
In Schedule 5, paragraphs 8(1) and (3) and 30.
1984 c. 46. Cable and Broadcasting Act 1984. The whole Act.
1985 c. 9. Companies Consolidation (Consequential Provisions) Act 1985.
In Schedule 2, the entries relating to the Broadcasting Act 1981.
1986 c. 41. Finance Act 1986. Section 111.
Schedule 22.
1986 c. 60. Financial Services Act 1986. Section 207(4).
1986 c. 64. Public Order Act 1986. In section 22, in subsection (2) the words “broad- casting or cable”, in subsections (4)(b) and (5)(b) the words “broad- cast or”, wherever occur ring, and subsections (7) and (8).
Section 23(4).
In section 29, the definitions of “broadcast” and “cable programme service”.
In Schedule 2, paragraphs 5 and 6.
1987 c. 10. Broadcasting Act 1987. The whole Act.
1987 c. 38. Criminal Justice Act 1987. In section 11(15), the definitions of “broadcast” and “cable programme”.
1987 c. 43. Consumer Protection Act 1987. In section 24(6), the definition of “cable programme service”.
S.I.1987/463 (N.I.7).
Public Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1987.
In Article 12, in paragraph (2)(a) the words “broad- casting or cable”, in paragraphs (4)(b) and (5)(b) the words “broadcast or”, wherever occurring, and paragraphs (7) and (8).
Article 13(4).
Chapter Short title Extent of repeal
In Article 17, the defini- tions of “broadcast” and “cable programme service”.
S.I.1987/2049 (N.I.20).
Consumer Protection (Northern Ireland) Order 1987.
In Article 17(6), the definition of “cable programme service”.
1988 c. 40. Education Reform Act 1988. In Schedule 12, paragraph 49.
1988 c. 48. Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
In section 73, subsection (2)(a) and the word “or” immediately following it, and subsection (3)(a) and the word “or” immediately following it.
Section 134(4).
Section 299(2).
In Schedule 2, paragraph 19(2)(a) and the word “or” immediately following it.
In Schedule 7, paragraphs 29 and 30.
S.I.1988/915. Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988.
In regulation 2(1), the definitions of “broadcast advertisement”, “Cable Authority”, “IBA” and “licensable service”.
S.I.1988/1846 (N.I.16).
Criminal Justice (Serious Fraud) (Northern Ireland) Order 1988.
In Article 10(16), the definitions of “broadcast” and “cable programme”.
1989 c. 26. Finance Act 1989. Section 181.
Schedule 16.
Section 203(4). SCHEDULE 22TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS AND SAVINGS Preservation of appointments of existing members of the Welsh Authority, the BCC and the BSC
1(1)Where, immediately before the date when the relevant section of this Act comes into force, any person
holds office as chairman, deputy chairman or other member of the Welsh Authority, the BCC or the BSC,
he shall continue to hold office as from that date as if he had been appointed under that section.
(2)Except in so far as the Secretary of State may otherwise determine, any such person shall hold office as
from that date in accordance with the terms of his original appointment.
(3)In this paragraph “the relevant section of this Act” means—
(a)in relation to the Welsh Authority, section 56;
(b)in relation to the BCC, section 142; and
(c)in relation to the BSC, section 151.
(4)In this paragraph and in paragraph 2 “the BCC” means the Broadcasting Complaints Commission and
“the BSC” means the Broadcasting Standards Council.
Power to make provision with respect to complaints to the BCC or BSC
2(1)The Secretary of State may by order make such transitional provision as he considers appropriate in
connection with—
(a)the making, on or after the transfer date, of complaints to the BCC concerning programmes broadcast by
the IBA before that date and the performance by the BCC, on or after that date, of functions in connection
with complaints made to them about such programmes (whether so made before that date or by virtue of
this paragraph), and
(b)the making, on or after the relevant date, of complaints to the BCC or the BSC concerning programmes
broadcast in accordance with Schedule 11 and the performance by the BCC and the BSC respectively, on
or after that date, of functions in connection with complaints made to them about such programmes
(whether so made before that date or by virtue of this paragraph);
and (subject to sub-paragraph (4)) references in this sub-paragraph to the performance of functions are, in
relation to the BCC, references to the performance of functions under Part V of this Act and, in relation to the
BSC, are references to the performance of functions under Part VI of this Act.
(2)Without prejudice to the generality of sub-paragraph (1), an order under that sub-paragraph may provide
that, in relation to complaints falling within that sub-paragraph, the BCC or (as the case may be) the BSC
may give directions in pursuance of section 146 or (as the case may be) 156 of this Act to persons other
than those referred to in section 146(1) or 156(1).
(3)Without prejudice to the generality of section 200(2)(b) of this Act, an order under sub-paragraph (1)
may make—
(a)such transitional modifications of any provision of this Act, and
(b)such modifications of and savings in any other statutory provision,
as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
(4)In this paragraph—
(a)“the relevant date” means—
(i)in the case of a complaint concerning a television programme, the day after the end of the interim period
within the meaning of Schedule 11, and
(ii)in the case of a complaint concerning a sound programme, the day after the end of the period during
which the local sound broadcasting service in which it was broadcast was provided in accordance with
Schedule 11,
(b)“the transfer date” means the day appointed under section 127(1) of this Act,
(c)“statutory provision” means any provision of an enactment or of an instrument having effect under an
enactment,
(d)“the IBA” means the Independent Broadcasting Authority, and
(e)references to programmes include references to teletext transmissions,
and in connection with complaints to the BCC concerning programmes broadcast by the IBA before the
transfer date, a reference to Part V of this Act or to any provision of that Part includes a reference to Part III
of the [1981 c. 68.] Broadcasting Act 1981 or (as the case may be) to any corresponding provision of that
Part of that Act.
Power to make provision with respect to complaints under the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988
3(1)The Secretary of State may by order make such transitional provision as he considers appropriate in
connection with—
(a)the making, on or after the transfer date, of complaints to the relevant authority concerning
advertisements included before that date in any programme or teletext transmission broadcast by the IBA
or in any licensed service; and
(b)the performance by each of the relevant authorities, on or after that date, of functions under the [S.I.
1988/915.] Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988 in relation to complaints concerning
such advertisements (whether made before that date or by virtue of paragraph (a)).
(2)In sub-paragraph (1) “the relevant authority”—
(a)in relation to an advertisement included in—
(i)a television programme, other than one broadcast on the Fourth Channel in Wales,
(ii)a teletext transmission, or
(iii)a licensed service,
means the Independent Television Commission;
(b)in relation to an advertisement included in a television programme broadcast on the Fourth Channel in
Wales, means the Welsh Authority; and
(c)in relation to an advertisement included in a sound programme, means the Radio Authority.
(3)In this paragraph—
(a)“the transfer date” means the day appointed under section 127(1) of this Act,
(b)“the Fourth Channel in Wales” has the same meaning as in Part II of the Broadcasting Act 1981, and
(c)“the IBA” means the Independent Broadcasting Authority;
and expressions used in this paragraph which are also used in the Control of Misleading Advertisements
Regulations 1988 (as they have effect without the amendments made by paragraph 51 of Schedule 20 to
this Act) have the same meaning as in those Regulations.
Saving of amendments made by Cable and Broadcasting Act 1984
4The amendments made by paragraphs 12, 24, 32 and 45 of Schedule 5 to the [1984 c. 46.] Cable and
Broadcasting Act 1984 shall not be affected by the repeals made by this Act but shall continue to have
effect, subject to any amendments made by Schedule 20 to this Act.
Transitional modification of amendments made by this Act
5(1)Any provision to which this sub-paragraph applies—
(a)shall have effect in relation to the programme contractor or teletext contractor under a contract which
continues in force by virtue of Part II of Schedule 11 to this Act, or in relation to any such contract, as it has
effect in relation to the holder of a licence granted under Part I of this Act or in relation to any such licence;
(b)shall have effect in relation to the programme contractor under a contract which continues in force by
virtue of Part IV of Schedule 11, or in relation to any such contract, as it has effect in relation to the holder
of a licence granted under Part III of this Act or in relation to any such licence; and
(c)shall have effect in relation to any broadcasting service provided by the Independent Television
Commission or the Radio Authority in accordance with Schedule 11 as it has effect in relation to any
service provided under a licence granted under Part I or Part III of this Act.
(2)Sub-paragraph (1) applies to the following provisions (as amended by this Act), namely—
(a)section 9 of the [1975 c. 68.] Industry Act 1975;
(b)section 19 of the [1975 c. 70.] Welsh Development Agency Act 1975;
(c)sections 75(1) and 93(1) of the Representation of the [1983 c. 2.] People Act 1983; and
(d)regulation 8(1) of the [S.I. 1988/915.] Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988.
(3)Where regulation 8(1) of the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988 has effect in
relation to any complaint in accordance with sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) above, regulation 9(1) of those
Regulations shall have effect in relation to the complaint as if for the words from “exercise” onwards there
were substituted “refuse to broadcast the advertisement”.
6Section 92(1) of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (as amended by this Act), shall have effect as
if—
(a)the reference to the holder of a licence granted by the Independent Television Commission or the Radio
Authority included a reference to the holder of a relevant licence within the meaning of Part III of Schedule
12 to this Act; and
(b)there were added at the end “or in pursuance of arrangements made with—
(i)the Independent Television Commission or the Radio Authority, or
(ii)any programme contractor whose contract continues in force by virtue of Part II or IV of Schedule 11 to
the Broadcasting Act 1990,
for the matter to be received by that body or contractor and re-
transmitted by that body in the provision of any broadcasting service in
accordance with the said Schedule 11.”
7Regulation 8(1) and (2) of the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988 (as amended by
this Act) shall apply to any service provided under a relevant licence within the meaning of Part III of
Schedule 12 to this Act as they apply to a service licensed under Part II of this Act.