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In force since 2026-01-01, as the publisher states.
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(1) Schedule 8 contains other minor amendments of Part 4A of the Communications Act 2003. (2) In consequence of amendments made by Schedule 8, omit section 93 of the Digital Economy Act 2017.
Propose a change(1) The Broadcasting Act 1990 is amended as follows. (2) In section 85 (licensing of independent radio)— (a) in subsection (1), omit “Subject to subsection (2),”; (b) omit subsections (2) and (5) to (7). (3) In section 97B (variation of licence periods related to digital switchover), after subsection (4) insert— (5) If the period for which the licence to provide the post-commencement service is to continue in force ends before the date for digital switchover, OFCOM may by notice vary the licence so that the period ends— (a) on that date, or (b) before that date (and after the date when it would have otherwise ended), if the licence holder consents to the variation. (4) In section 98 (applications for national licences)— (a) in subsection (1)(b)— (i) at the end of sub-paragraph (ii), insert “and”; (ii) omit sub-paragraphs (iii) and (iv); (b) omit subsection (3)(a); (c) in subsection (4), omit “(a),”; (d) in subsection (6)(b), for “(3)(a) and (aa)” substitute “(3)(aa)”. (5) In section 99 (procedure in connection with applications for national licences)— (a) omit subsection (1)(a); (b) in subsection (1)(b), for “that service” substitute “the proposed service”; (c) in subsection (2), for “(1)(a) and (b)” substitute “(1)”. (6) In section 100 (award of national licences to cash bidders)— (a) omit subsection (9)(b); (b) omit subsection (10)(a). (7) In section 103 (restrictions relating to changes of control)— (a) omit subsection (3); (b) for subsection (4) substitute— (4) OFCOM may refuse to approve a change described in subsection (1)(a) if they consider it appropriate to do so. (8) In section 103A (renewal of national licences), in subsection (9)— (a) after paragraph (b) insert “and”; (b) omit paragraph (d) and the “and” before it. (9) In section 111 (power to revoke licences)— (a) omit subsection (4) (procedure where national service ceases to be provided); (b) in subsection (6), omit “, (4)”. (10) In section 117 (procedure in connection with applications), in subsection (4)(b), for the words from “with the substitution” to the end substitute “as if the matters specified in that subsection included the name of every other applicant in whose case it appeared to OFCOM that the requirement specified in subsection (1)(a) above was satisfied.”
Propose a change(1) The Broadcasting Act 1990 is amended as follows. (2) For section 104 (applications for other licences) substitute— Applications for licences: local services and restricted services 104 (1) An application for a licence to provide a local service must— (a) be made in such manner as OFCOM may determine, and (b) be accompanied by such fee (if any) as OFCOM may determine. (2) An application for a licence to provide a restricted service must— (a) be made in such manner as OFCOM may determine, and (b) be accompanied by such fee (if any) as OFCOM may determine. (3) In section 104AA (further renewal of local licences)— (a) in subsection (3), for “subsections (4), (4A) and (5)” substitute “subsections (4) to (5)”; (b) after subsection (4) insert— (4ZA) Where the application for the renewal of the licence under this section has been duly made to OFCOM (as mentioned in section 104A(5)), OFCOM must grant the application if— (a) the condition in section 104A(5)(a) is met, (b) the conditions in section 104A(5)(b) and (c) are not met because the applicant does not make the nomination required by section 104A(4), and (c) the alternative condition in subsection (4ZB) below is met instead. (4ZB) The alternative condition is met if— (a) in the application for the renewal, or at any time before the consideration of that application, the applicant makes to OFCOM— (i) a statement of explanation — which is a statement that it has not been possible for the applicant to make the nomination required by section 104A(4) because of the lack of availability of a relevant local radio multiplex service, or of a relevant small-scale radio multiplex service, that is suitable for the applicant’s needs and could be nominated in accordance with section 104A(4)(b); and (ii) a statement of intent — which is a statement that the applicant will make to OFCOM a nomination of the kind required by section 104A(4) as soon as it is reasonably possible to do so because of the availability of a relevant local radio multiplex service, or of a relevant small-scale radio multiplex service, that is suitable for the applicant’s needs and meets the requirements of section 104A(4); and (b) OFCOM are satisfied that it has not been possible for the applicant to make the nomination required by section 104A(4) for a reason of the kind set out in paragraph (a)(i). (4ZC) Where OFCOM grant the application in accordance with subsection (4ZA) they must include in the licence as renewed— (a) a condition requiring the licence holder to do all that it can to ensure that it makes the nomination described in the statement of intent as soon as it is reasonably possible to do so, and (b) a condition requiring the licence holder to do all that it can to ensure that it starts broadcasting the nominated digital sound programme service, by means of the nominated multiplex service, as soon as reasonably possible after it has made that nomination. (4) Omit sections 104B (special application procedure for local licences) and 105 (special requirements relating to grant of local licences).
Propose a change(1) The Broadcasting Act 1990 is amended in accordance with subsections (2) and (3). (2) In section 106 (requirements as to character and coverage of national and local services)— (a) in subsection (1), omit “or local”; (b) in subsection (1A), omit paragraphs (b) to (e); (c) omit subsection (1B); (d) omit subsection (7). (3) Omit section 106ZA (consultation about change of character of local services). (4) In the Communications Act 2003, omit sections 355 and 356 (variation of local licence following change of control).
Propose a change(1) The Communications Act 2003 is amended in accordance with this section. (2) Section 314 (local content and character of local sound broadcasting services) is amended in accordance with subsections (3) to (8). (3) For the heading substitute “Local news and information in local sound broadcasting services”. (4) For subsection (1) substitute— (1) A local sound broadcasting licence must contain such conditions as OFCOM consider appropriate for— (a) requiring the licensed local sound broadcasting service to include, and regularly broadcast, programmes that consist of or include local news and information, and (b) requiring that local news to consist of or include locally-gathered news. (5) For subsection (1A) substitute— (1A) But subsection (1) does not apply in the case of a local sound broadcasting service if OFCOM consider it is appropriate for it not to apply in that case. (6) In subsection (2)— (a) in paragraph (a), for “the requirements of subsection (1)(a) and (b) should be satisfied” substitute “the providers of local sound broadcasting services may act consistently with conditions contained in licences in accordance with subsection (1)”; (b) in paragraph (b), for “in relation to local sound broadcasting services” substitute “under subsection (1)”. (7) In subsection (7)— (a) omit the definition of “approved area”; (b) in the definition of “local material”— (i) for ““local material”” substitute ““local news and information””; (ii) for “means material” substitute “means news and information”; (c) for the definition of “locally-made” substitute— “locally-gathered”, in relation to news broadcast on a local sound broadcasting service, means— news gathered in the coverage area of a local radio multiplex service that to a significant extent includes the coverage area of the local sound broadcasting service by persons who gather news in the course of an employment or business, or if there is no local radio multiplex service with such a coverage area, news gathered in the area or locality for which the local sound broadcasting service is provided by persons who gather news in the course of an employment or business; and for this purpose the coverage area for a local radio multiplex service or local sound broadcasting service is the area determined by OFCOM to be the area in the United Kingdom within which the service is capable of being received at a level satisfying such technical standards as may have been laid down by them for the purposes of this section; ; (d) omit the definition of “material”. (8) Omit subsections (9) to (11). (9) After section 315 insert— Local news and information in local digital radio services 315A (1) The Secretary of State may, by regulations, make provision for enabling OFCOM to ensure that, for each licensed local radio multiplex service, at least one of the licensed local digital sound programme services broadcast by means of that multiplex service consists of, or includes, local news and information or locally-gathered news and information. (2) The provision that may be made by regulations under this section includes provision about the conditions that OFCOM may, or must, include in a licence that authorises the provision of— (a) a local digital sound programme service, or (b) a local radio multiplex service. (3) The Secretary of State must consult OFCOM before making regulations under this section. (4) The power in section 402(3)(c) for regulations under this section to make consequential provision includes power to make provision which amends any enactment. (5) In this section— “licensed” local radio multiplex service or local digital sound programme service means such a service which is provided in accordance with a licence issued by OFCOM; “local news and information”, in relation to a local radio multiplex service or a local digital sound programme service provided through such a multiplex service, means news and information which is of particular interest— to persons living or working within the area or locality for which the multiplex service is provided; to persons living or working within a part of that area or locality; or to particular communities living or working within that area or locality or a part of it; “locally-gathered news”, in relation to a local radio multiplex service or a local digital sound programme service provided through such a multiplex service, means news that has been gathered in the area or locality for which the multiplex service is provided, by persons who gather news in the course of an employment or business. (10) In section 402 (orders and regulations made by the Secretary of State), in subsection (2A), before paragraph (za) (and after paragraph (zza) inserted by section 46) insert— (zzb) regulations under section 315A which amend any Act of Parliament; .
Propose a changeAfter section 359 of the Communications Act 2003 insert— Financial assistance for radio Power of the Secretary of State to give financial assistance for radio 359A (1) The Secretary of State may give financial assistance for or in connection with— (a) the provision of eligible services; (b) the production of sound programmes (whether intended for broadcast or distribution by any other means). (2) The financial assistance may be given— (a) by way of grant, loan or guarantee or in any other form, and (b) subject to such conditions as the Secretary of State considers appropriate. (3) The conditions may (among other things) include provision under which the financial assistance is to be repaid or otherwise made good (with or without interest). (4) The eligible services for the purposes of subsection (1)(a) are— (a) services of a description in relation to which provision is for the time being in force under section 262 (community radio); (b) local sound broadcasting services; (c) local digital sound programme services.
Propose a change(1) Section 245 of the Communications Act 2003 (regulation of independent radio services) is amended in accordance with subsections (2) and (3). (2) In subsection (1), after paragraph (b) insert— (c) digital sound programme services that do not fall within paragraph (a) or (b) but— (i) are provided from a place in a qualifying country, and (ii) are or are intended to be broadcast by means of a local radio multiplex service or small-scale radio multiplex service. (3) After subsection (3) insert— (3A) The Secretary of State may, by regulations, amend or otherwise modify Schedule 2 to the Broadcasting Act 1990 (restrictions on the holding of licences) in its application to digital sound programme services that fall within subsection (1)(c). (3B) The regulations may in particular— (a) disapply or modify existing restrictions; (b) provide for new restrictions to apply. (3C) In subsection (1)(c)— “qualifying country” means a country or territory outside the United Kingdom that is specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State for the purposes of subsection (1)(c); “small-scale radio multiplex service” has the same meaning as in section 258A. (4) In section 402 of the Communications Act 2003 (power of Secretary of State to make orders and regulations), in subsection (2A) (affirmative resolution procedure), before paragraph (za) insert— (zza) regulations under section 245(3C) (specification of country or territory as a “qualifying country”); .
Propose a change(1) The Broadcasting Act 1996 is amended as follows. (2) In section 46 (national radio multiplex licences)— (a) in subsection (3)(a), omit “and (f)”; (b) in subsection (4), omit paragraphs (c) to (f); (c) omit subsection (5); (d) in subsection (8)(a)— (i) at the end of sub-paragraph (i) insert “and”; (ii) omit sub-paragraph (ii). (3) In section 47 (award of national radio multiplex licences)— (a) in subsection (2)— (i) in paragraph (b), for “timetables” substitute “timetable”; (ii) also in paragraph (b), omit “and (d)”; (iii) at the end of paragraph (c) insert “and”; (iv) omit paragraphs (d) and (e); (b) omit subsection (3). (4) In section 50 (local radio multiplex licences)— (a) in subsection (4), omit paragraphs (c) to (e); (b) in subsection (7)(a)— (i) at the end of sub-paragraph (i) insert “and”; (ii) omit sub-paragraph (ii). (5) In section 51(2) (award of local radio multiplex licences)— (a) in paragraph (b)— (i) for “timetables” substitute “timetable”; (ii) omit “and (d)”; (b) omit paragraphs (d) and (e); (c) in paragraph (f), for “living in that area or locality,” substitute “providing or proposing to provide community or local digital sound programme services in the area or locality for which the proposed service is to be provided,”. (6) In section 54 (conditions of radio multiplex licences)— (a) in subsection (1)— (i) omit paragraph (b); (ii) omit the “and” at the end of paragraph (g); (iii) after paragraph (h) insert— (i) that the holder of the licence publishes information, in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate, as to the payments to be made by the holders of community, local and national digital sound programme licences for the broadcasting of their services under the licence, and (j) that the holder of the licence provides to OFCOM information, in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate, on the community, local and national digital sound programme services provided for broadcasting by means of the service. ; (b) in subsection (5)— (i) omit “or (b)”; (ii) for “section 42(3)(b)” substitute “section 42(3)”; (c) omit subsections (6) to (6B). (7) In section 54A(6) (variation of radio multiplex licences), for the words from “doing so” to the end substitute “the coverage area of the licensed service would not (as a result of the variation) be unacceptably reduced.” (8) In section 58 (duration and renewal of radio multiplex licences)— (a) omit subsection (4)(a)(ii); (b) in subsection (11), omit “and supplementary proposals”. (9) In consequence of the amendment made by subsection (6)(c), omit section 315 of the Communications Act 2003.
Propose a change(1) After section 362AZ12 of the Communications Act 2003 (inserted by section 28) insert— Part 3B Regulation of radio selection services Designated radio selection services Meaning of “radio selection service” 362BA (1) In this Part, “radio selection service” means a service provided by means of the internet which enables, or among other things enables, a user of the service— (a) to make a selection between internet radio services provided by different providers, and (b) to cause a selected internet radio service to play, by giving spoken commands that are recorded by equipment connected to the internet. (2) The Secretary of State may by regulations amend this section so as to alter the definition of “radio selection service”. (3) The amendments that may be made by virtue of subsection (2) include— (a) amendments adding, removing or altering a thing that a radio selection service is to enable a user to do, and (b) amendments adding, removing or altering a way in which a radio selection service may be caused to operate. (4) The power in section 402(3)(c) for regulations under subsection (2) to make consequential provision includes power to make provision which amends any enactment. (5) Before making regulations under subsection (2), the Secretary of State must consult OFCOM. (6) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (2) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament. Meaning of “designated radio selection service” 362BB (1) For the purposes of this Part, a “designated radio selection service” is a radio selection service designated by the Secretary of State by regulations. (2) The Secretary of State may designate a radio selection service under subsection (1) only if the Secretary of State considers that the level of use of the service in the United Kingdom to listen to internet radio services is significant (and the Secretary of State may consider the level of use to be significant if the Secretary of State considers it to be significant in certain circumstances, such as while in a vehicle). (3) Before making regulations under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must have received a report under section 362BC relating to the radio selection service in question. (4) Before making regulations under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must consult— (a) persons who appear to the Secretary of State to represent providers of radio selection services; (b) persons who appear to the Secretary of State to represent providers of internet radio services; (c) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate. (5) The Secretary of State may by regulations amend this section so as to add or remove a condition that must be satisfied before a radio selection service may be designated under subsection (1) or to alter such a condition. (6) Subsection (4) applies in relation to the making of regulations under subsection (5) as it applies in relation to the making of regulations under subsection (1). (7) The power in section 402(3)(c) for regulations under subsection (5) to make consequential provision includes power to make provision which amends any enactment. (8) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (5) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament. Advice from OFCOM 362BC (1) OFCOM may prepare reports making recommendations about the exercise of the power under section 362BB(1). (2) Where— (a) the Secretary of State proposes to make regulations under section 362BB(1), and (b) the Secretary of State has not received a report under subsection (1) relating to the radio selection service or services that would be affected by the proposed regulations, the Secretary of State must request OFCOM to prepare a report making recommendations about exercising the power under section 362BB(1) in relation to that service or those services. (3) Where the Secretary of State makes a request under subsection (2), OFCOM must prepare such a report as soon as practicable. (4) A report under subsection (1) or (3) relating to the exercise of the power under section 362BB(1) must include OFCOM’s assessment, in relation to each radio selection service in question, of— (a) the number of members of the public using the service; (b) the manner in which the service is used by those persons; (c) whether the level of use of the service is significant; (d) such matters as OFCOM consider likely to affect the matters referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c). (5) Where OFCOM prepares a report under subsection (1) or (3), OFCOM must— (a) give it to the Secretary of State, and (b) publish it. (6) If the Secretary of State exercises the power under section 362BB(1) in a manner which differs from recommendations made in a report under this section, the Secretary of State must publish, no later than the time at which the regulations are made, a statement of the reasons for doing so. (7) OFCOM must draw up, and from time to time review and revise, a statement about the principles and methods to be followed by OFCOM when preparing reports under subsection (1) or (3). (8) OFCOM must publish the statement and any revised statement. Revocation of designation of radio selection service 362BD (1) The Secretary of State may by regulations revoke the designation of a designated radio selection service. (2) The provider of a designated radio selection service may request the Secretary of State to revoke its designation. (3) The Secretary of State must revoke the designation of a designated radio selection service by regulations under subsection (1) if the Secretary of State considers that the level of use of the service in the United Kingdom to listen to internet radio services is not significant. (4) Before revoking the designation of a designated radio selection service, the Secretary of State must have received a report from OFCOM making recommendations about the exercise of the power under subsection (1) in relation to that service. (5) Where the Secretary of State requests OFCOM to prepare a report making recommendations about the exercise of the power under subsection (1) in relation to a designated radio selection service, OFCOM must— (a) prepare such a report in relation to that service as soon as practicable, (b) give it to the Secretary of State, and (c) publish it. List of designated radio selection services etc 362BE (1) OFCOM must establish and maintain an up to date list of designated radio selection services and their providers. (2) A provider of a designated radio selection service must give notice to OFCOM if the service ceases to be provided. (3) A notice given to OFCOM under this section must— (a) be sent in such manner as OFCOM may require; (b) contain such information as OFCOM may require. (4) OFCOM must publish the list on a publicly accessible part of their website. Relevant internet radio services Meaning of “internet radio service” 362BF (1) In this Part, “internet radio service” means a service, or a dissociable section of a service, which consists in the provision by a person of programmes consisting wholly of sound (together with any ancillary services) with a view to their being made available for reception by members of the public by being distributed by means of the internet (whether by the provider of the service or another person). (2) In this section, “ancillary service”, in relation to an internet radio service, means a service which is provided by the provider of that internet radio service and consists in the provision of a service (other than advertising) which— (a) is ancillary to the programmes included in that internet radio service and is directly related to their contents, or (b) relates to the promotion or listing of such programmes. Meaning of “relevant internet radio service” 362BG (1) In this Part, “relevant internet radio service” means an internet radio service for the time being included in the list maintained by OFCOM under subsection (2). (2) OFCOM must establish and maintain an up to date list of the internet radio services in relation to which the conditions in subsections (3) and (5) are satisfied and their providers. (3) The condition in this subsection is that, in the opinion of OFCOM, the provider of the service has in place an effective system or process for securing that the service corresponds to a UK radio service that is provided by the provider of the internet radio service. (4) For the purposes of subsection (3), an internet radio service corresponds to a UK radio service if, disregarding advertisements, all of the programmes included in the internet radio service are broadcast on the UK radio service at the same time as they are provided by the internet radio service. (5) The condition in this subsection is that the provider of an internet radio service— (a) has given notice to OFCOM requesting that the service be included in the list, and (b) has not since then given notice to OFCOM under subsection (6) or (7). (6) The provider of an internet radio service included in the list may give notice to OFCOM requesting that the service be removed from the list. (7) The provider of an internet radio service included in the list must give notice to OFCOM if— (a) that person ceases to be the provider of the service, (b) that person ceases to be the provider of the UK radio service to which it relates, or (c) the service ceases to be provided. (8) A notice given to OFCOM under this section must— (a) be sent in such manner as OFCOM may require; (b) contain such information as OFCOM may require. (9) OFCOM must take appropriate steps to keep the list up to date, including by carrying out further assessments of whether a provider of an internet radio service has in place such system or process as is described in subsection (3). (10) OFCOM must publish the list on a publicly accessible part of their website. (11) In this section— “digital sound programme service” has the same meaning as in Part 2 of the 1996 Act (see section 40 of that Act); “restricted service” has the same meaning as in section 245; “short-duration restricted service” means a restricted service authorised to be provided by a licence under Part 3 of the 1990 Act where the period specified in the licence as the period for which the licence is in force is less than 12 months; “sound broadcasting service” has the same meaning as in Part 3 of the 1990 Act (see section 126 of that Act); “UK radio service” means— a sound broadcasting service, other than a short-duration restricted service, provided by the BBC or authorised to be provided by a licence under Part 3 of the 1990 Act, or a digital sound programme service provided by the BBC or authorised to be provided by a licence under Part 2 of the 1996 Act. Sections 362BF and 362BG: power to amend 362BH (1) The Secretary of State may by regulations— (a) amend section 362BF so as to alter the definition of “internet radio service”; (b) amend section 362BG so as to alter the definition of “relevant internet radio service”. (2) The amendments that may be made by virtue of subsection (1)(a) include amendments adding or removing a condition that must be satisfied in relation to a service or altering such a condition. (3) The amendments that may be made by virtue of subsection (1)(b) include amendments adding or removing a condition that must be satisfied in relation to an internet radio service or altering such a condition. (4) The conditions for which provision may be made by virtue of subsection (3) include conditions preventing or restricting charging for allowing the internet radio service in question to be played. (5) The power in section 402(3)(c) for regulations under subsection (1) to make consequential provision includes power to make provision which amends any enactment. (6) Before making regulations under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must consult— (a) OFCOM, (b) persons who appear to the Secretary of State to represent providers of radio selection services, (c) persons who appear to the Secretary of State to represent providers of internet radio services, and (d) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate. (7) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (1) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by each House of Parliament. Regulation of radio selection services Access to relevant internet radio services 362BI (1) The provider of a designated radio selection service must take all reasonable steps to secure that users of the service— (a) are able, within a reasonable period beginning with the inclusion of an internet radio service in the list under section 362BG— (i) to select that internet radio service, and (ii) to cause that service to play, by giving spoken commands as described in section 362BA(1), and (b) are able to continue to do so while that internet radio service is included in the list. (2) The provider of a designated radio selection service must take all reasonable steps to secure that, where the service is used as described in subsection (1)— (a) no items are played before the selected service is caused to play, other than— (i) a brief identification of the selected service, (ii) if the service employs another service (or other services) provided by means of the internet to cause the selected service to play, a brief identification of that other service (or one of those other services), and (iii) if the provider of the selected service agrees, one or more advertisements, and (b) the playing of the selected service is not interrupted. This subsection is subject to subsection (5). (3) Subsection (4) applies if the provider of a relevant internet radio service requests the provider of a designated radio selection service to secure that the service employs a particular method as regards that relevant internet radio service when complying with subsection (1) (for example, a method that involves the service employing another service provided by means of the internet to cause that relevant internet radio service to play). (4) Where this subsection applies, the provider of the designated radio selection service must take all reasonable steps to secure that, on an occasion when the service is being used as described in subsection (1) in relation to that relevant internet radio service, the service employs that method, subject to subsection (5). (5) Subsections (2) and (4) are not to be taken to require the provider of a designated radio selection service to override the preferences of a user of the service as to the way in which the service operates. (6) A provider of a designated radio selection service— (a) must not charge a provider of a relevant internet radio service for doing what that provider of a designated radio selection service is required to do by subsection (1), (2) or (4) in relation to that relevant internet radio service, and (b) must not enter into an agreement that provides for the payment by a provider of a relevant internet radio service of charges, which would breach, or are capable of breaching, the prohibition in paragraph (a). Further provision about access to relevant internet radio services 362BJ (1) The provider of a designated radio selection service must draw up a statement about how the provider intends to comply with the duties and prohibition in section 362BI. (2) The provider must keep the statement under review and, if appropriate, revise it. (3) The provider must publish the statement and any revised statement. Code of practice 362BK (1) OFCOM must issue a code of practice describing actions that OFCOM recommend for the purpose of securing that the manner in which a designated radio selection service operates complies with the duties and prohibition in section 362BI. (2) OFCOM may— (a) revise a code of practice issued under this section and issue the code as revised; (b) withdraw a code of practice issued under this section and issue a new code of practice. (3) OFCOM must— (a) publish a code of practice issued under this section in such manner as they consider appropriate; (b) keep a code of practice issued under this section under review. (4) If requested by the Secretary of State to review all or part of a code of practice issued under this section, OFCOM must review the code or that part of it. (5) The actions recommended in a code of practice issued under this section may include— (a) actions relating to particular descriptions of designated radio selection services; (b) actions relating to particular descriptions of relevant internet radio services. Effects of the code of practice 362BL (1) The provider of a designated radio selection service is to be treated as complying with a duty or prohibition in section 362BI if the provider takes the actions described in the code of practice which are recommended for the purpose of complying with that duty or prohibition. (2) A failure by the provider of a designated radio selection service to act in accordance with a provision of the code of practice does not of itself make the provider liable to legal proceedings before a court or tribunal. (3) In any legal proceedings before a court or tribunal, the court or tribunal must take into account a provision of the code of practice in determining any question arising in the proceedings if— (a) the question relates to a time when the provision was in force, and (b) the provision appears to the court or tribunal to be relevant to the question. (4) OFCOM must take into account a provision of the code of practice in determining any question arising in connection with the carrying out by them of a relevant function if— (a) the question relates to a time when the provision was in force, and (b) the provision appears to OFCOM to be relevant to the question. (5) In this section, “relevant function” means a function conferred on OFCOM by any of sections 362BR to 362BW (enforcement). Issuing a code of practice 362BM (1) Before issuing a code of practice under section 362BK, OFCOM— (a) must publish a draft of the code or (as the case may be) a draft of the revisions of the existing code; (b) must consult the following about the draft— (i) the Secretary of State; (ii) persons who appear to OFCOM to represent providers of internet radio services; (iii) persons who appear to OFCOM to represent providers of radio selection services; (iv) such other persons as OFCOM consider appropriate; (c) may make such alterations to the draft as OFCOM consider appropriate following the consultation. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to revisions of the code of practice if— (a) OFCOM give the Secretary of State a draft of the revisions of the existing code, and (b) the Secretary of State agrees that it is not necessary for subsection (1) to apply in relation to the revisions. Complaints procedures 362BN The provider of a designated radio selection service must establish and maintain procedures for the handling and resolution of complaints made by providers of relevant internet radio services that the provider is failing, or has failed, to comply with a duty or prohibition in section 362BI. Modification of regulation of radio selection services Power to modify regulation 362BO (1) The Secretary of State may by regulations amend this Part so as to add to the duties and prohibitions imposed on providers of radio selection services or to alter or remove such a duty or prohibition. (2) The provision that may be made by regulations under subsection (1) includes— (a) provision about enabling the use of a radio selection service to select and cause to play any relevant internet radio service of a particular sort (for example, a service characterised by the nature of its contents or the identity of its provider); (b) provision about the terms and conditions that may be offered by the provider of a radio selection service to the provider of a relevant internet radio service for or in connection with the use of the service to access the relevant internet radio service; (c) provision about the charges that may be imposed by the provider of a radio selection service on the provider of a relevant internet radio service in connection with the use of the service to access the relevant internet radio service; (d) provision about the publication of information about such terms, conditions and charges. (3) The power in section 402(3)(c) for regulations under subsection (1) to make consequential provision includes power to make provision which amends any enactment. (4) Before making regulations under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must have received a report of a review under section 362BP. (5) Before making regulations under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must consult— (a) persons who appear to the Secretary of State to represent providers of internet radio services; (b) persons who appear to the Secretary of State to represent providers of radio selection services; (c) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate. (6) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (1) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by each House of Parliament. Review by OFCOM 362BP (1) OFCOM may prepare reports that review the adequacy of the regulation of radio selection services by this Part. (2) Where— (a) the Secretary of State proposes to make regulations under section 362BO(1), and (b) the Secretary of State has not received a report under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must request OFCOM to prepare a report that reviews the adequacy of the regulation of radio selection services by this Part. (3) Where the Secretary of State makes a request under subsection (2), OFCOM must prepare such a report as soon as practicable. (4) OFCOM must give the Secretary of State a report prepared under subsection (1) or (3). (5) OFCOM must publish reports given to the Secretary of State under this section. Power to require information Power to require information 362BQ (1) OFCOM may by notice (an “information notice”) require a person within subsection (4) to provide them with any information that they require for the purpose of carrying out their functions under this Part. (2) The power conferred by subsection (1) includes power to require a person within subsection (4) to obtain or generate information. (3) The power conferred by subsection (1) must be exercised in a way that is proportionate to the use to which the information is to be put by OFCOM. (4) The persons within this subsection are— (a) a provider of a radio selection service; (b) a provider of an internet radio service; (c) a person who provides a relevant ancillary service in relation to a radio selection service or an internet radio service; (d) a person who was within any of paragraphs (a) to (c) at a time to which the required information relates; (e) a person who is not within any of paragraphs (a) to (d) but who appears to OFCOM to have, or to be able to obtain or generate, information required by them as mentioned in subsection (1). (5) The information that OFCOM may require under subsection (1) includes, in particular, information that they require for any one or more of the following purposes— (a) the purpose of preparing a report under section 362BC (advice from OFCOM about the designation of a radio selection service); (b) the purpose of preparing a report under section 362BD (advice from OFCOM about revoking the designation of a radio selection service); (c) the purpose of assessing compliance with section 362BE(2) (duty of providers of radio selection services to notify OFCOM); (d) the purpose of assessing whether a service is a relevant internet radio service (see sections 362BF and 362BG); (e) the purpose of assessing compliance with section 362BG(7) (duty of providers of certain services to notify OCFOM); (f) the purpose of assessing compliance with a duty or prohibition under section 362BI or 362BJ (access duties of providers of designated radio selection services etc); (g) the purpose of preparing or reviewing a code of practice under section 362BK (code of practice relating to duties and prohibition under section 362BI); (h) the purpose of assessing compliance with the duty under section 362BN (duty to establish and maintain complaints procedures); (i) the purpose of preparing a report under section 362BP (reports reviewing adequacy of the regulation of designated radio selection services by this Part); (j) the purpose of assessing compliance with any requirements imposed by a confirmation decision under section 362BS; (k) the purpose of determining the appropriate fee that a provider is required to pay under section 362BX; (l) the purpose of OFCOM’s monitoring role under section 362BZ1; (m) the purpose of ascertaining the amount of a person’s or a group of entities’ qualifying worldwide revenue for the purposes of paragraph 3 or 4 of Schedule 16A. (6) An information notice must— (a) specify or describe the information to be provided, (b) specify why OFCOM require the information, (c) specify the form and manner in which the information must be provided, and (d) contain information about the consequences of not complying with the notice. (7) An information notice must specify when the information must be provided which may be— (a) on or by a specified date, or (b) within a specified period. (8) The power conferred by subsection (1) does not include power to require the provision of information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege, or (in Scotland) to confidentiality of communications, could be maintained in legal proceedings. (9) A person to whom an information notice is given must provide the information in accordance with any requirements included in the notice (subject to subsection (10)). (10) The duty under subsection (9) does not require a disclosure of information if that disclosure would contravene the data protection legislation (but, in determining whether a disclosure would do so, that duty is to be taken into account). (11) For the purposes of subsection (4)(c), a service is a “relevant ancillary service” in relation to a radio selection service or an internet radio service if it facilitates the provision of that service (or part of it), whether directly or indirectly. (12) In this section, a reference to the functions of OFCOM under this Part includes a reference to their functions under Schedules 16A and 16B, so far as relating to this Part. (13) In this section, “data protection legislation” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3 of that Act). Enforcement Provisional notices of contravention 362BR (1) OFCOM may give a notice under this section (a “provisional notice of contravention”) to a person if they consider that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the person has failed, or is failing, to comply with any duty or prohibition under section 362BE, 362BG, 362BI, 362BJ or 362BN. (2) OFCOM may also give a provisional notice of contravention to a person to whom an information notice has been given if they consider that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the person has failed, or is failing, to comply with the duty under section 362BQ(9). (3) A provisional notice of contravention must— (a) specify the duty or prohibition as regards which (in OFCOM’s opinion) there are reasonable grounds for believing the person has failed, or is failing, to comply, and (b) give OFCOM’s reasons for that opinion. (4) A provisional notice of contravention may also specify steps that OFCOM consider the person needs to take in order to— (a) comply with the duty or prohibition, or (b) remedy the failure to comply with it. (5) A provisional notice of contravention may also state that OFCOM propose to impose a penalty on the person and, in such a case, the notice must— (a) give OFCOM’s reasons for proposing to impose the penalty, (b) indicate the amount in sterling of the proposed penalty, and (c) give OFCOM’s reasons for proposing a penalty of that amount, including any aggravating or mitigating factors that OFCOM propose to take into account. (6) A provisional notice of contravention must— (a) state that the person may make representations to OFCOM (with any supporting evidence) about the matters contained in the notice, and (b) specify the period within which such representations may be made. (7) A provisional notice of contravention may be given in respect of a failure by the same person to comply with more than one duty or prohibition and, in such a case, the notice may include a proposal to impose a single penalty in respect of some or all of those duties or duties and prohibition (as an alternative to separate penalties). (8) Where a provisional notice of contravention is given in respect of a continuing failure to comply with a duty or prohibition, the notice— (a) may be given in respect of any period during which the failure has continued, (b) must specify that period, and (c) may include a proposal to impose no more than one penalty in respect of that period. (9) Where a provisional notice of contravention is given to a person in respect of a failure to comply with a duty or prohibition, a further provisional notice of contravention in respect of a failure to comply with that same duty or prohibition may be given to that person only— (a) in respect of a separate instance of the failure that occurs after the first notice is given, (b) where a period is specified in the first notice in accordance with subsection (8)(b), in respect of the continuation of the failure after the end of that period, or (c) if the notice is withdrawn without a confirmation decision under section 362BS having been given to the person in respect of that failure. (10) OFCOM may give a provisional notice of contravention to— (a) a person who was but is no longer a provider of a designated radio selection service, or (b) a person who was but is no longer a provider of a relevant internet radio service, if that person was a provider of a designated radio selection service or (as the case may be) a relevant internet radio service at the time of the failure to which the notice relates. Confirmation decisions: general 362BS (1) This section applies where— (a) OFCOM have given a provisional notice of contravention to a person in relation to a failure to comply with a duty or duties or a prohibition, and (b) the period allowed for representations has expired. (2) After considering any representations that have been made (and any supporting evidence), OFCOM must decide whether or not to give the person a further notice under this section (a “confirmation decision”). (3) OFCOM may decide to give a person a confirmation decision only if they are satisfied that the person has failed, or has been failing, to comply with the notified duty or one or more of the notified duties. (4) For the purposes of this section and sections 362BT and 362BU, a “notified duty” means a duty or prohibition specified in the provisional notice of contravention. (5) If OFCOM decide not to give a person a confirmation decision (whether because they are not satisfied as described in subsection (3) or for any other reason), they must inform the person of that fact. (6) A confirmation decision must— (a) state that OFCOM are satisfied that the person has failed, or has been failing, to comply with one or more notified duties, and (b) give OFCOM’s reasons for being satisfied as described in paragraph (a). (7) A confirmation decision may require the person to take such steps as OFCOM consider appropriate for either or both of the following purposes— (a) complying with a notified duty or duties; (b) remedying the failure to comply with that duty or those duties. (8) Where a provisional notice of contravention stated that OFCOM proposed to impose a penalty in relation to a notified duty or (by virtue of section 362BR(7)) in relation to notified duties, a confirmation decision may require the person to pay a penalty, of an amount in sterling determined by OFCOM, in relation to that duty or (as the case may be) those duties. (9) The amount determined by OFCOM under subsection (8) may be greater than the amount indicated in the provisional notice of contravention in accordance with section 362BR(5)(b). (10) OFCOM may give a confirmation decision to— (a) a person who was but is no longer a provider of a designated radio selection service, or (b) a person who was but is no longer a provider of a relevant internet radio service, if that person was a provider of a designated radio selection service or (as the case may be) a relevant internet radio service at the time of the failure to which the decision relates. Confirmation decisions: steps 362BT (1) This section applies where a confirmation decision requires the person to whom it is given to take steps as provided for by section 362BS(7). (2) The notice must— (a) specify the steps that are required and the notified duty or duties to which each relates, (b) give OFCOM’s reasons for requiring those steps to be taken, (c) specify a reasonable period within which each of the steps specified in the notice must be taken, and (d) contain information about the consequences of not taking the steps (including information about further kinds of enforcement action that it would be open to OFCOM to take). (3) Where a confirmation decision requires a person to take steps, the person to whom the notice is given has a duty to take those steps. (4) The duty under subsection (3) is enforceable in civil proceedings by OFCOM— (a) for an injunction; (b) for specific performance of a statutory duty under section 45 of the Court of Session Act 1988; (c) for any other appropriate remedy or relief. Confirmation decisions: penalties 362BU (1) This section applies where a confirmation decision imposes one or more penalties (see section 362BS(8)). (2) In relation to each penalty imposed, the notice must— (a) give OFCOM’s reasons for their decision to impose the penalty, (b) specify each notified duty to which the penalty relates, (c) give OFCOM’s reasons for the amount of the penalty, including any aggravating or mitigating factors that OFCOM have taken into account, (d) specify a reasonable period within which the penalty must be paid, and (e) contain information about the consequences of not paying the penalty (including information about the kinds of enforcement action that it would be open to OFCOM to take). (3) The period specified under subsection (2)(d) for the payment of a penalty must be at least 28 days beginning with the day on which the confirmation decision is given. (4) Schedule 16A contains further provision about the imposition of a penalty by a confirmation decision. Penalty for failure to comply with confirmation decision 362BV (1) This section applies where— (a) OFCOM have given a confirmation decision to a person, (b) the notice includes requirements to take steps (as provided for by section 362BS(7)), and (c) OFCOM are satisfied that the person has failed to comply with one or more of those requirements. (2) OFCOM may give the person a penalty notice. (3) A “penalty notice” is a notice requiring a person to pay to OFCOM a penalty of an amount in sterling determined by OFCOM. (4) Before giving the person a penalty notice, OFCOM must— (a) notify the person that they propose to give a penalty notice in respect of the failure to comply with the confirmation decision, specifying the reasons for their proposal and indicating the amount of the proposed penalty, and (b) give the person an opportunity to make representations to OFCOM (with any supporting evidence) about their proposal. (5) A penalty notice must— (a) give OFCOM’s reasons for their decision to impose the penalty, (b) state the amount of the penalty, (c) state the reasons for the amount of the penalty, including any aggravating or mitigating factors that OFCOM have taken into account, (d) specify the period within which the penalty must be paid, and (e) contain information about the consequences of not paying the penalty (including information about the further kinds of enforcement action that it would be open to OFCOM to take). (6) The period specified under subsection (5)(d) must be at least 28 days beginning with the day on which the penalty notice is given. (7) Schedule 16A contains further provision about the imposition of a penalty by a penalty notice. Enforcement: guidance 362BW (1) OFCOM must prepare and publish guidance about the exercise of their powers under sections 362BR to 362BV and Schedule 16B (so far as relating to this Part). (2) The guidance must include the factors that OFCOM will take into account in deciding whether to exercise any of those powers. (3) OFCOM may revise or replace any guidance published under this section and, where they do so, must publish the revised or replacement guidance. (4) Before preparing guidance under this section (or revising or replacing it), OFCOM must consult— (a) the Secretary of State, and (b) such other persons as they consider appropriate. (5) Guidelines prepared by OFCOM under section 392 (amount of penalties) may, so far as relating to penalties imposed by a confirmation decision under section 362BS or a penalty notice under section 362BV, be included in the same document as guidance under this section. (6) In exercising or deciding whether to exercise any of their powers under sections 362BR to 362BV and Schedule 16B (so far as relating to this Part), OFCOM must have regard to any guidance for the time being published under this section. Supplemental provisions of Part 3B Fees 362BX (1) OFCOM may require any of the following persons to pay to OFCOM a fee of an amount determined by OFCOM— (a) a provider of a relevant internet radio service; (b) a provider of a designated radio selection service. (2) The amount of a fee required under subsection (1) must be determined by OFCOM in accordance with a statement of principles prepared and published by them for the purpose of this section. (3) Those principles must be such as appear to OFCOM to be likely to secure the following objectives— (a) that, on a year by year basis, the aggregate amount of the fees payable to OFCOM under subsection (1) is sufficient to meet, but does not exceed, the annual cost to OFCOM of carrying out their functions under this Part less an appropriate amount to take into account costs that will be met by fees payable by the BBC under section 198(4); (b) that the relationship between the aggregate amount of the fees and the cost to OFCOM of carrying out the functions is transparent; (c) that any fee required is justifiable and proportionate having regard to the circumstances of the person required to pay it. (4) As soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each financial year, OFCOM must publish a statement of accounts setting out in respect of that year— (a) the aggregate amount of the fees payable under subsection (1) for that year that have been received by OFCOM, (b) the aggregate amount of the fees payable under subsection (1) for that year that remain outstanding and are likely to be paid or recovered, and (c) the costs to them of carrying out their functions under this Part less an appropriate amount to take into account costs that have been or are to be met by fees payable by the BBC under section 198(4). (5) Any deficit or surplus shown (after applying this subsection for all previous years) by the statement of accounts is to be— (a) carried forward, and (b) taken into account in determining what is required to meet the objective described in subsection (3)(a) in relation to the following year. (6) OFCOM may repay a person some or all of a fee paid under subsection (1) if, in the case of a fee paid by the provider of a designated radio selection service— (a) the Secretary of State has revoked the designation of a designated radio selection service provided by that person at some time during the period to which the fee relates, or (b) the person gives OFCOM a notice under section 362BE(2) in accordance with section 362BE(3) at some time during the period to which the fee relates. (7) For the purposes of this section, OFCOM’s costs of carrying out their functions under this Part during a financial year include their costs of preparing to carry out those functions during that year. (8) OFCOM— (a) may revise a statement of principles published by them, and (b) where they do so, must publish the statement as revised. (9) Before publishing a statement of principles or a revision of it, OFCOM must consult such persons as they consider appropriate. (10) In this section, a reference to the functions of OFCOM under this Part includes a reference to their functions under Schedules 16A and 16B, so far as relating to this Part. (11) In this section, “financial year” means a period of 12 months ending on 31 March. Non-payment of fee 362BY (1) This section applies if— (a) the provider of a relevant internet radio service or a designated radio selection service is liable to pay a fee to OFCOM under section 362BX, and (b) in OFCOM’s opinion, the provider has not paid the full amount of the fee that the provider is liable to pay. (2) OFCOM may give the provider a notice under this subsection specifying— (a) the outstanding amount of the fee that OFCOM consider the provider is due to pay to them under section 362BX, and (b) the period within which the provider must pay it. (3) A notice under subsection (2)— (a) may relate to fees required on different occasions; (b) may also state that OFCOM propose to impose a penalty on the provider. (4) The provider may make representations to OFCOM (with any supporting evidence) about the matters contained in the notice. (5) Subsection (6) applies if— (a) the notice under subsection (2) stated that OFCOM propose to impose a penalty, (b) the period allowed for representations has expired, and (c) OFCOM are satisfied that an amount of the fee or fees is still due to them. (6) OFCOM may give the provider a penalty notice under this subsection requiring the provider to pay to OFCOM a penalty of an amount in sterling determined by OFCOM. (7) The penalty may consist of any of the following— (a) a single amount; (b) an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate; (c) a combination of a single amount and an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate. (8) The penalty notice may impose a penalty of a different kind, of a greater amount or (in the case of a penalty calculated by reference to a daily rate) payable over a longer period than that proposed in the notice about the proposed penalty. (9) See section 362BZ for information which must be included in notices under this section. (10) Nothing in this section affects OFCOM’s power to bring proceedings (whether before or after the imposition of a penalty by a notice under subsection (6)) for the recovery of the whole or part of an amount due to OFCOM under section 362BX. (11) But OFCOM may not bring such proceedings unless a provider has first been given a notice under subsection (2) specifying the amount due to OFCOM. Information to be included in a notice under section 362BY 362BZ (1) A notice under section 362BY(2) stating that OFCOM propose to impose a penalty must— (a) state the reasons why OFCOM propose to impose the penalty, (b) state whether OFCOM propose that the penalty should consist of a single amount, an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, or a combination of the two, (c) indicate the amount of the proposed penalty, including (in relation to an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate) the daily rate and how the penalty would be calculated, (d) in relation to an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, specify or describe the period for which OFCOM propose that the amount should be payable, (e) state the reasons for proposing a penalty of that amount, including any aggravating or mitigating factors that OFCOM propose to take into account, and (f) specify the period within which representations in relation to the proposed penalty may be made. (2) A penalty notice under section 362BY(6) must— (a) give OFCOM’s reasons for their decision to impose the penalty, (b) state whether the penalty consists of a single amount, an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, or a combination of the two, and how it is calculated, (c) in relation to a single amount, state that amount, (d) in relation to an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, state the daily rate, (e) state the reasons for the amount of the penalty, including any aggravating or mitigating factors that OFCOM have taken into account, (f) specify a reasonable period within which the penalty must be paid, and (g) contain information about the consequences of not paying the penalty (including information about the further kinds of enforcement action that it would be open to OFCOM to take). (3) A penalty notice under section 362BY(6) must also specify the amount of the fee that is (in OFCOM’s opinion) due to be paid to OFCOM. (4) The period specified under subsection (2)(f) for the payment of a single amount must be at least 28 days beginning with the day on which the penalty notice is given. (5) Subsection (6) applies in relation to a penalty notice under section 362BY(6) that includes a requirement to pay an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate. (6) Such a notice must— (a) state the date from which the amount begins to be payable, which must not be earlier than the day after the day on which the notice is given; (b) provide for the amount to continue to be payable at the daily rate until— (i) the date on which the full amount of the fee (as specified in the penalty notice) has been paid to OFCOM, or (ii) an earlier date specified in the penalty notice. (7) Schedule 16A contains further provision about the imposition of a penalty by a penalty notice under section 362BY(6). Monitoring role for OFCOM 362BZ1 OFCOM have the function of obtaining, compiling and keeping under review information about matters which may be relevant to— (a) designating or revoking the designation of a radio selection service (see sections 362BB and 362BD); (b) deciding whether to take enforcement action under this Part and Schedule 16B (so far as relating to this Part). Notices 362BZ2 (1) This section applies in relation to a notice that may or must be given by OFCOM to a person under any provision of this Part or Schedule 16B (so far as relating to this Part). (2) OFCOM may give a notice to a person by— (a) delivering it by hand to the person, (b) leaving it at the person’s proper address, (c) sending it by post to the person at that address, or (d) sending it by email to that person’s email address. (3) A notice to a body corporate may be given to any officer of that body. (4) A notice to a partnership may be given to any partner or to a person who has the control or management of the partnership business. (5) A notice to an entity that is not a legal person under the law under which it is formed (other than a partnership) may be given to any member of the governing body of the entity. (6) In the case of a notice given to a person who is a provider of a designated radio selection service, the person’s proper address for the purposes of paragraphs (b) and (c) of subsection (2), and section 7 of the Interpretation Act 1978 in its application to those paragraphs, is any address (within or outside the United Kingdom) at which OFCOM believe, on reasonable grounds, that the notice will come to the attention of the person or (where that person is an entity) any director or other officer of that entity. (7) In the case of a notice given to a person other than a provider of a designated radio selection service, a person’s proper address for the purposes of paragraphs (b) and (c) of subsection (2), and section 7 of the Interpretation Act 1978 in its application to those paragraphs, is— (a) in the case of an entity, the address of the entity’s registered or principal office; (b) in any other case, the person’s last known address. (8) In the case of an entity registered or carrying on business outside the United Kingdom, or with offices outside the United Kingdom, the reference in subsection (7) to its principal office includes— (a) its principal office in the United Kingdom, or (b) if the entity has no office in the United Kingdom, any place in the United Kingdom at which OFCOM believe, on reasonable grounds, that the notice will come to the attention of any director or other officer of that entity. (9) For the purposes of subsection (2)(d), a person’s email address is— (a) any email address published for the time being by that person as an address for contacting that person, or (b) if there is no such published address, any email address by means of which OFCOM believe, on reasonable grounds, that the notice will come to the attention of that person or (where that person is an entity) any director or other officer of that entity. (10) A notice sent by email is treated as given 48 hours after it was sent, unless the contrary is proved. (11) In this section— “director” includes any person occupying the position of a director, by whatever name called; “officer”, in relation to an entity, includes a director, a manager, a partner, an associate, a secretary or, where the affairs of the entity are managed by its members, a member. Application of Part 3B 362BZ3 (1) A duty or prohibition imposed on a provider of a designated radio selection service by or under this Part applies in relation to that service only so far as it is made available for use by members of the public in the United Kingdom. (2) References in this Part to a radio selection service include such a service provided from outside the United Kingdom (as well as such a service provided from within the United Kingdom). (3) The power to require the provision of information by an information notice includes power to require the provision of information held outside the United Kingdom. (4) Section 362BT(4) (requirements enforceable in civil proceedings against a person) applies whether or not the person is in the United Kingdom. Interpretation of Part 3B 362BZ4 (1) In this Part— “ancillary service”, in relation to an internet radio service, has the meaning given by section 362BF (except in the expression “relevant ancillary service”); “designated radio selection service” has the meaning given by section 362BB; “entity” means a body or association of persons or an organisation, regardless of whether the body, association or organisation is— formed under the law of any part of the United Kingdom or of a country or territory outside the United Kingdom, or a legal person under the law under which it is formed; “information notice” has the meaning given by section 362BQ; “internet radio service” has the meaning given by section 362BF; “provide”, in relation to a sound broadcasting service or digital sound programme service, has the same meaning as in Part 3 (see section 362(2) and (3)); “radio selection service” has the meaning given by section 362BA; “relevant internet radio service” has the meaning given by section 362BG. (2) A reference in this Part to the playing of an internet radio service includes a reference to providing its ancillary services (if any). (2) Schedule 9 contains further amendments relating to regulation of radio selection services.
Propose a change(1) The Communications Act 2003 is amended as follows. (2) After section 392 insert— Penalties under Parts 3A and 3B etc Amount of penalties etc 392A Schedule 16A contains provision about the amount of penalties that OFCOM may impose under Part 3A or 3B, and makes further provision about such penalties. (3) After Schedule 16 insert (as Schedule 16A) the Schedule set out in Schedule 10 (penalties imposed by OFCOM under Parts 3A and 3B). (4) After section 392A (inserted by subsection (2)) insert— Liability of parent entities etc 392B Schedule 16B contains provision for the purposes of Parts 3A and 3B about— (a) the giving of joint provisional notices of contravention to parent entities etc, (b) the liability of parent entities for failures by subsidiary entities, (c) the liability of subsidiary entities for failures by parent entities, (d) the liability of fellow subsidiary entities for failures by subsidiary entities, and (e) the liability of controlling individuals for failures by entities. (5) After Schedule 16A (as inserted by subsection (3)) insert (as Schedule 16B) the Schedule set out in Schedule 11 (Parts 3A and 3B: liability of parent entities etc).
Propose a change(1) The Crime and Courts Act 2013 is amended as follows. (2) Section 40 (awards of costs) is omitted. (3) In section 41 (meaning of “relevant publisher”), in subsection (1), for “40” substitute “39”.
Propose a changeSchedule 12 contains amendments of the Broadcasting Act 1990, the Broadcasting Act 1996 and the Communications Act 2003 to address failures of retained EU law to operate effectively and other deficiencies arising from the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union.
Propose a change(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision that is consequential on this Act. (2) Regulations under this section may amend, repeal or revoke provision made by or under an Act passed— (a) before this Act, or (b) in the same session of Parliament as this Act. (3) Regulations under this section may— (a) make different provision for different purposes; (b) make transitional, transitory or saving provision. (4) Regulations under this section are to be made by statutory instrument. (5) A statutory instrument containing (whether alone or with other provision) regulations under this section that amend or repeal any provision of an Act may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament. (6) Any other statutory instrument containing regulations under this section is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
Propose a changeThere is to be paid out of money provided by Parliament any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable under any other Act out of money so provided.
Propose a change(1) This Act extends to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, subject to subsection (2). (2) An amendment or repeal made by this Act has the same extent within the United Kingdom as the provision amended or repealed. (3) The power under— (a) section 204(6) of the Broadcasting Act 1990, (b) section 150(4) of the Broadcasting Act 1996, or (c) section 411(6) of the Communications Act 2003, may be exercised so as to extend to any of the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man any amendment or repeal made by or under this Act of any part of the Broadcasting Act 1990, the Broadcasting Act 1996 or the Communications Act 2003 (with or without modifications). (4) His Majesty may by Order in Council provide for any of the other provisions of this Act to extend, with or without modifications, to any of the Channel Islands or to the Isle of Man.
Propose a change(1) The following come into force on the day on which this Act is passed— (a) Part 2, so far as it confers powers to make regulations; (b) sections 52 to 54, this section and section 56. (2) Section 50 comes into force at the end of the period of two months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed. (3) The following come into force on such day as the Secretary of State may by regulations appoint— (a) Part 1; (b) the remaining provisions of Part 2; (c) Part 3; (d) Part 4; (e) Part 5; (f) Part 6; (g) section 49 and Schedules 10 and 11; (h) section 51 and Schedule 12. (4) Different days may be appointed for different purposes. (5) The Secretary of State may by regulations make transitional, transitory or saving provision in connection with the coming into force of any provision of this Act. (6) The power to make regulations under subsection (5) includes power to make different provision for different purposes. (7) Regulations under this section are to be made by statutory instrument.
Propose a changeThis Act may be cited as the Media Act 2024.
Propose a changeSection 17 Part 1 Quotas: the BBC 1 (1) Paragraph 1 of Schedule 12 to the Communications Act 2003 (the BBC: quotas for independent productions) is amended as follows. (2) For sub-paragraph (1) substitute— (1) It shall be the duty of the BBC to secure that, in each year— (a) it makes available qualifying audiovisual content that includes a range and diversity of independent productions commissioned in accordance with any relevant code drawn up by the BBC under the BBC Charter and Agreement, and (b) the duration (in total) of those independent productions is at least the number of hours specified by order of the Secretary of State. (3) In sub-paragraph (2), omit paragraph (a). (4) Omit sub-paragraph (3). (5) In sub-paragraph (5), for the words from “, in each year” to the end of the sub-paragraph substitute — (a) in each year, it makes available qualifying audiovisual content that includes a range and diversity of independent productions commissioned in accordance with any relevant code drawn up by the BBC under the BBC Charter and Agreement, and (b) the cost (in total) of the acquisition of those independent productions is at least the amount specified in the order. (6) Omit sub-paragraphs (8) and (9). (7) In sub-paragraph (10), in paragraph (b), for “the percentage” substitute “the number of hours or (as the case may be) the amount”. (8) Omit sub-paragraph (11). (9) In sub-paragraph (14), omit the definition of “programming budget” and the word “and” before it. (10) After sub-paragraph (14) insert— (15) See also sections 278B and 278C (which make further provision for the interpretation of this paragraph etc). Part 2 Quotas: S4C 2 (1) Paragraph 7 of Schedule 12 to the Communications Act 2003 (S4C: quotas for independent productions) is amended as follows. (2) For sub-paragraph (1) substitute— (1) It shall be the duty of S4C to secure that, in each year— (a) it makes available qualifying audiovisual content that includes a range and diversity of independent productions commissioned in accordance with the code drawn up under paragraph 10, and (b) the duration (in total) of those independent productions is at least the number of hours specified by order of the Secretary of State. (3) In sub-paragraph (2), omit paragraph (a). (4) Omit sub-paragraph (3). (5) In sub-paragraph (5), for the words from “, in each year” to the end of the sub-paragraph substitute — (a) in each year, it makes available qualifying audiovisual content that includes a range and diversity of independent productions commissioned in accordance with the code drawn up under paragraph 10, and (b) the cost (in total) of the acquisition of those independent productions is at least the amount specified in the order. (6) In sub-paragraph (8), in paragraph (b), for “the percentage” substitute “the number of hours or (as the case may be) the amount”. (7) Omit sub-paragraph (9). (8) Omit sub-paragraph (12). (9) In sub-paragraph (13), omit the definition of “programming budget” and the word “and” before it. (10) After sub-paragraph (13) insert— (14) See also sections 278B and 278C (which make further provision for the interpretation of this paragraph etc). 3 (1) Paragraph 8 of Schedule 12 to that Act (programme quotas for original productions) is amended as follows. (2) For sub-paragraph (1) substitute— (1) It shall be the duty of S4C to secure that, in each year— (a) it makes available qualifying audiovisual content that includes a range of original productions, (b) the duration (in total) of those original productions is at least the number of hours determined in accordance with sub-paragraph (1B), and (c) if OFCOM so provide in a direction given to S4C, the additional peak viewing time objective described in sub-paragraph (1A) is met. (1A) The additional peak viewing time objective is that (out of the number of hours determined for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(b)) at least the number of hours determined in accordance with sub-paragraph (1B) is allocated to the broadcasting of original productions included in S4C Digital at peak viewing times. (1B) A determination for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(b) or (1A) is to be— (a) by agreement between S4C and OFCOM, or (b) in default of agreement, by a direction given by OFCOM to S4C specifying the number of hours. (1C) Before giving a direction under sub-paragraph (1)(c), OFCOM must consult S4C. (3) Omit sub-paragraphs (2) to (5). (4) In sub-paragraph (6), omit the words from “, in relation to” to “the Welsh Authority,”. (5) After sub-paragraph (7) insert— (7A) An order under sub-paragraph (6) may— (a) authorise OFCOM to give a direction to S4C that original productions of a description specified in the direction may not be counted towards meeting S4C’s duty under sub- paragraph (1); (b) require OFCOM to consult S4C before giving such a direction; (c) require OFCOM to prepare and publish guidance about the determination of whether an original production falls within a description specified in a direction given by virtue of paragraph (a); (d) require S4C to have regard to that guidance. (6) Omit sub-paragraph (10). (7) In sub-paragraph (11), in the definition of “peak viewing time”— (a) omit the words from “, in relation to” to “the Welsh Authority,”; (b) for “one or more of those services” substitute “S4C Digital”. (8) After sub-paragraph (12) insert— (13) See also sections 278B and 278C (which make further provision for the interpretation of this paragraph etc). 4 In paragraph 10 of Schedule 12 to that Act (code relating to programme commissioning)— (a) in sub-paragraph (1), after “to be applied” insert — (a) ; (b) at the end of that sub-paragraph insert , or (b) when they are agreeing terms for the commissioning of independent productions that will be included in a qualifying audiovisual service other than one to which paragraph (a) relates but which they wish to count towards meeting a duty imposed by virtue of paragraph 7(1) or (4). ; (c) in sub-paragraph (4), after paragraph (g) insert— (h) that such information about the application of the code as OFCOM consider appropriate is given to persons who make independent productions that are to be commissioned in accordance with the code. ; (d) after sub-paragraph (11) insert— (12) See also sections 278B and 278C (which make further provision for the interpretation of this paragraph etc).
Propose a changeSection 27 Broadcasting Act 1990 1 The Broadcasting Act 1990 is amended as follows. 2 In section 24 (Channel 4 to be provided by Corporation as licensed service), in subsection (3), for “England, Scotland and Northern Ireland” substitute “the United Kingdom”. 3 In section 49 (licensing of additional services), omit subsection (1A). 4 In section 66 (requirements relating to transmission and distribution of services), in subsection (6)(b), for “England, Scotland and Northern Ireland” substitute “the United Kingdom”. 5 In Schedule 2 (restrictions on the holding of licences), in Part 2 (disqualification for holding licences), in paragraph 2 (disqualification of religious bodies)— (a) omit sub-paragraph (1A)(d); (b) in sub-paragraph (1B), omit the definition of “public teletext licence”. Broadcasting Act 1996 6 The Broadcasting Act 1996 is amended as follows. 7 In section 2 (meaning of “qualifying service”), in subsection (2), omit paragraph (f) (meaning of “the digital public teletext provider”). 8 In section 12 (conditions attached to multiplex licence), omit subsection (4)(a). 9 (1) Section 24 (digital additional service) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (1)(c), omit “the digital public teletext service,”. (3) In subsection (3A), in the definition of “relevant public service broadcaster”, omit paragraph (f). 10 In section 33 (review of digital television broadcasting), in subsection (1)(a)(ii), omit “the digital public teletext service,”. 11 In section 39 (interpretation of Part 1), in subsection (1), omit the definitions of— (a) “digital public teletext service”; (b) “public teletext provider”. 12 (1) Section 97 (listed events) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (2)(d) (as substituted by section 299(1) of the Communications Act 2003), for “televise” substitute “show”. (3) In subsection (3)— (a) omit the “and” following paragraph (a); (b) after paragraph (b) insert , and (c) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate. 13 (1) Section 98 (categories of service) is amended as follows. (2) Omit subsection (4). (3) In subsection (5), for the words from “television” to the end substitute “relevant services which appear to them to fall within subsection (1A) or (2A).” (4) Omit subsections (5A) to (5D). 14 (1) Section 99 (contract for exclusive right to televise listed event to be void) is amended as follows. (2) In the heading, for “right to televise” substitute “coverage of”. (3) Omit subsection (2). (4) Omit subsection (4). 15 In section 100 (contract for televising listed event must specify category of service), in the heading, for “televising” substitute “showing coverage of”. 16 (1) Section 102 (power of OFCOM to impose penalty) is amended as follows. (2) Before subsection (1) insert— (A1) If OFCOM— (a) are satisfied that a person other than the BBC or S4C who is the provider of a relevant service has failed to comply with section 101(1), and (b) are not satisfied that in all the circumstances it would be unreasonable to have expected the person to have complied with that provision, they may require the person to pay, within a specified period, a specified financial penalty to OFCOM. (B1) If OFCOM are satisfied that, in connection with an application for consent for the purposes of section 101(5), a person other than the BBC or S4C who is the provider of a relevant service has— (a) provided them with information which was false in a material particular, or (b) withheld any material information with the intention of causing OFCOM to be misled, they may require the person to pay, within a specified period, a specified financial penalty to OFCOM. (3) In subsection (1)(a), omit “subsection (1) of section 101 or”. (4) in subsection (2), for “under subsection (1) of section 101 or” substitute “for the purposes of”. (5) In subsection (3), after “subsection” insert “(A1), (B1),”. (6) In subsection (4)(a), after “means” insert — (i) in relation to a financial penalty imposed under subsection (A1) or (B1), an amount determined by OFCOM to be the value of the rights to include coverage of the event in question in the relevant service at the time when the rights are acquired, and (ii) in relation to a financial penalty imposed under subsection (1) or (2), . (7) In subsection (6), after “subsection” insert “(A1), (B1),”. (8) In subsection (7), after “subsection” insert “(A1), (B1),”. 17 In section 103 (report to Secretary of State about BBC or S4C), in subsection (2), for “under subsection (1) of section 101” substitute “for the purposes of section 101(5)”. 18 (1) Section 104 (code of guidance) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (1)— (a) in paragraph (a), for “section 101(1B)” substitute “section 101(5)”; (b) in paragraph (b)— (i) for “section 102(1)” substitute “section 102(A1) or (1)”; (ii) for “television programme provider” substitute “person”. (3) In subsection (4)— (a) in paragraph (c), for “televise” substitute “show”; (b) for paragraph (d) substitute— (d) such other persons as OFCOM consider appropriate. 19 (1) In section 105 (interpretation of Part 4), subsection (1) is amended as follows. (2) For the definition of “adequate alternative coverage” and “live”, substitute— “adequate alternative coverage”, “adequate live coverage” and “live coverage” are to be construed in accordance with regulations under section 104ZA (subject to section 104ZA(2)); . (3) In the definition of “Channel 4”, for “has” substitute “and “Channel 5” have”. (4) In the definition of “television programme provider”, for “has the meaning given by section 99(2)” substitute “means the BBC, S4C or any person who is the holder of any licence under Part 1 of the 1990 Act or a digital programme licence under Part 1 of this Act”. (5) Omit the definitions of “national Channel 3 service”, “regional Channel 3 service” and “television broadcasting service”. (6) At the appropriate place insert— “Channel 3 service” means a regional or national Channel 3 service; ; “designated internet programme service” has the same meaning as in Part 3A of the Communications Act 2003 (see section 362AA(1) of that Act); ; “internet programme service” has the same meaning as in Part 3A of the Communications Act 2003 (see section 362AA(10) of that Act); ; “on-demand programme service” and “non-UK on-demand programme service” have the same meaning as in the Communications Act 2003 (see sections 368A and 368AA(1) of that Act); ; “relevant service” has the meaning given by section 98(7); ; “S4C Digital” has the same meaning as in Part 1 of the 1990 Act (see section 71(1) of that Act); . (7) After subsection (1) insert— (1A) The services that are to be taken for the purposes of this Part to be available to members of the public include any service which— (a) is available for reception by members of the public (within the meaning of section 361 of the Communications Act 2003), or (b) is available for use by members of the public (within the meaning of section 368R(4) of the Communications Act 2003). (1B) In this Part— (a) a reference to the provision of a television programme service is to be read in accordance with section 362(2) and (3) of the Communications Act 2003; (b) a reference to the provision of an on-demand programme service or a non-UK on-demand programme service is to be read in accordance with section 368R(5) and (6) of the Communications Act 2003. (1C) In this Part, the person, and the only person, who is to be treated for the purposes of this Part as providing a relevant service of the kind described in section 98(7)(d) is the person who has such control of the service as is described in section 98(7)(d)(iii). (1D) For the purposes of this Part as it relates to relevant services of the kind described in section 98(7)(d)— (a) the provision of a service by the BBC does not include its provision by a BBC company; (b) the provision of a service by S4C does not include its provision by an S4C company; and, accordingly, control that is capable of being exercised by the BBC or S4C over decisions by a BBC company or an S4C company about what is to be included in a service is to be disregarded for the purposes of determining who has such control of the service as is described in section 98(7)(d)(iii). 20 In section 130 (interpretation of Part 5), in subsection (1), in the definition of “licensed service”, omit paragraph (aa). Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002 21 In section 12 of the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002 (television and radio broadcasting), in subsection (3), omit paragraph (b) and the “and” before it. Communications Act 2003 22 The Communications Act 2003 is amended as follows. 23 In section 3 (general duties of OFCOM), in subsection (4)(a), for “the purposes of public service television broadcasting in the United Kingdom” substitute “the public service remit for television in the United Kingdom (as defined in section 264)”. 24 In section 64 (must carry obligations), omit subsection (3)(f). 25 In section 198A (C4C’s functions in relation to media content), in subsection (3)(b), for “objectives” substitute “requirements”. 26 In section 216 (renewal of Channel 3 and 5 licences), in subsection (6), for “complying” substitute “that, either on its own or together with other arrangements, complied”. 27 Omit the italic heading before section 218. 28 In section 224 (meaning of initial expiry date), omit subsection (1)(c). 29 In the italic heading before section 225, omit “and teletext”. 30 In section 226 (application for review of financial terms in consequence of new obligations), in subsection (1)— (a) after paragraph (a) insert “or”; (b) omit paragraph (c) and the “or” before it. 31 In section 227 (reviews under sections 225 and 226), in subsection (7), omit paragraph (b) and the “and” before it. 32 (1) Section 229 (report in anticipation of new licensing round) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (2), for “the purposes of public service television broadcasting in the United Kingdom” substitute “the public service remit for television in the United Kingdom”. (3) In subsection (6), in the definition of “relevant licence”— (a) after paragraph (a) insert “or”; (b) omit paragraph (c) and the “or” before it. 33 In section 233 (services that are not television licensable content services), in subsection (2), omit paragraph (b) (but not the “or” following it). 34 In section 241 (television multiplex services), omit subsection (9)(f). 35 In section 243 (powers where frequencies reserved for qualifying services), omit subsection (7)(e). 36 (1) Section 263 (application of regulatory regimes) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (2)— (a) omit “, in relation to the licensed service,”; (b) for “that service” substitute “that holder’s licensed service”. (3) In subsection (3)(a), for “4, for Channel 5 or for the public teletext service” substitute “4 or for Channel 5”. 37 In section 264 (OFCOM reports on the fulfilment of the public service remit)— (a) in subsection (9)(a), omit “or service”; (b) in subsection (12)— (i) in paragraph (b), at the end insert “and”; (ii) omit paragraph (d) and the “and” before it. 38 In section 265 (public service remits of licensed providers)— (a) in subsection (1)— (i) omit “, and for the public teletext service,”; (ii) omit (in both places it occurs) “or service”; (b) omit subsections (4) and (5). 39 Omit section 268 (statement of service policy by the public teletext provider). 40 Omit section 269 (changes of public teletext service policy). 41 (1) Section 270 (enforcement of public service remits) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (1)— (a) omit “or the public teletext provider”; (b) in paragraph (a), omit “or the public teletext service”. (3) In subsection (3)(b)— (a) omit “or statements of service policy”; (b) omit “or 268”. (4) In subsection (4)(a), omit “, or statement of service policy,”. (5) In subsection (6)— (a) in paragraph (a), omit “or the public teletext provider”; (b) in paragraph (b), omit “or service”. (6) In subsection (7)— (a) in paragraph (a), for “269” substitute “267”; (b) in paragraph (b)(i), for “service” substitute “channel”. (7) In subsection (8)(a)— (a) for “269” substitute “267”; (b) for “service” substitute “channel”. (8) Omit subsection (10). 42 In section 271 (power to amend public service remits), in subsection (1)(a), omit “or for the public teletext service”. 43 In section 272 (must-offer obligations in relation to networks), omit subsection (1)(b) (but not the “and” following it). 44 In section 273 (must-offer obligations in relation to satellite services), omit subsection (1)(b) (but not the “and” following it). 45 In section 274 (securing reception of must-provide services in certain areas), omit subsection (1)(b) (but not the “and” following it). 46 In section 275 (must-provide services for the purposes of section 274), omit subsection (1)(f). 47 Omit section 276 (cooperation with the public teletext provider). 48 Omit section 284 (news provision on the public teletext service). 49 Omit section 289 (regional matters in the public teletext service). 50 Omit section 298 (conditions prohibiting interference with other services) and the italic heading before it. 51 Omit section 300 (effects of categorisation of listed events into Group A and Group B). 52 In section 301 (the code under section 104 of the Broadcasting Act 1996), omit subsection (2). 53 Omit section 308 (assistance for the visually impaired with the public teletext service). 54 In section 310 (code of practice for electronic programme guides), omit subsection (4)(f). 55 In section 322 (supplementary powers relating to advertising), in subsection (1)— (a) omit paragraph (b); (b) in paragraph (c), omit “other”. 56 In section 324 (setting and publication of standards), omit subsection (12)(a)(ii) (but not the “or” following it). 57 In section 335 (conditions securing compliance with international obligations), omit subsection (3)(d). 58 (1) Section 351 (changes of control of Channel 3 services) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (4)— (a) omit paragraph (a)(i); (b) after paragraph (a) insert— (aa) the extent to which the qualifying audiovisual content made available by the provider of the service includes a range of original productions and the duration (in total) of those productions; ; (c) in paragraph (b), for “programmes of each of those descriptions” substitute “news programmes, current affairs programmes and original productions”. (3) In subsection (5)— (a) for paragraph (a) substitute— (aa) the extent to which the qualifying audiovisual content made in the United Kingdom that is made available by the provider of the service includes a range of Channel 3 programmes made outside the M25 area and the duration (in total) of those programmes; ; (b) omit paragraph (b). (4) In subsection (6), in paragraph (c), for the words from “for the purposes of” to the end of the paragraph substitute “for the purposes of networking arrangements.” 59 (1) Section 353 (changes of control of Channel 5) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (4)— (a) omit paragraph (a)(i); (b) after paragraph (a) insert— (aa) the extent to which the qualifying audiovisual content made available by the provider of Channel 5 includes a range of original productions and the duration (in total) of those productions; ; (c) in paragraph (b), for “programmes of each of those descriptions” substitute “news programmes, current affairs programmes and original productions”. (3) In subsection (5)— (a) for paragraph (a) substitute— (a) the extent to which the qualifying audiovisual content made in the United Kingdom that is made available by the provider of Channel 5 includes a range of programmes made outside the M25 area and the duration (in total) of those programmes; ; (b) omit paragraph (b). 60 (1) Section 362 (interpretation of Part 3) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (1), at the appropriate place insert— “audiovisual content”, in relation to a relevant audiovisual service, has the meaning given by section 264; ; “qualifying audiovisual content” has the meaning given by section 278B (and references to making available qualifying audiovisual content are to be construed in accordance with that section); ; “qualifying audiovisual service” has the meaning given by section 278B; ; “relevant audiovisual service” has the meaning given by section 264; . (3) In subsection (1), omit the definitions of— “analogue teletext service”; “the digital public teletext service”; “the public teletext provider”; “the public teletext service”. (4) In subsection (2), omit paragraph (b) (public teletext service). 61 In section 405 (general interpretation), in subsection (1)— (a) in the definition of “programme service”, omit paragraph (b) (the public teletext service); (b) omit the definition of “purposes of public service television broadcasting”; (c) at the appropriate place insert— “the public service remit for television in the United Kingdom” has the meaning given by section 264; . 62 In Schedule 9 (arrangements about carrying on of C4C’s activities), in paragraph 1 (notification of requirement to submit proposals), in sub-paragraph (1), after paragraph (aa) (and before the “and” following it) insert— (ab) as soon as practicable after the day on which section 3 of the Media Act 2024 comes into force, . 63 Omit Schedule 10 (licensing the public teletext service). 64 In Schedule 12 (corresponding obligations of the BBC and Welsh Authority), omit paragraph 11 (co-operation with the public teletext provider) and the italic heading before it. 65 In Schedule 18 (transitional provisions), in paragraph 51 (listed events rules), omit sub-paragraphs (4) and (5). Digital Economy Act 2010 66 In the Digital Economy Act 2010, omit sections 27 and 28 (public teletext service).
Propose a changeSection 28(2) 1 The Communications Act 2003 is amended as follows. 2 In section 393 (general restrictions on disclosure of information), in subsection (6), in paragraph (a), after “137A” insert “, 362AG(7), 362AW”. 3 In section 394 (service of notifications and other documents), in subsection (2), in paragraph (a), after “this Act” insert “, other than Part 3A so far as relating to notifications by OFCOM”. 4 In section 400 (destination of fees and penalties), in subsection (1), after paragraph (h) insert— (ha) an amount paid to OFCOM in respect of a penalty imposed by them under Part 3A of this Act; .
Propose a changeSection 36 Broadcasting Act 1990 1 The Broadcasting Act 1990 is amended as follows. 2 In section 37 (announcements of programme schedules), in subsection (2)(a), after “on S4C” insert “Digital”. 3 (1) Section 56 (Welsh Authority to continue as Sianel Pedwar Cymru) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (1), omit the words after paragraph (b). (3) In subsection (3), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 4 (1) Section 60 (advertising on S4C) is amended as follows. (2) In subsections (4) and (5), for “The Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (3) In subsection (4)(a), after “on S4C” insert “Digital”. (4) In subsection (4)(a) and (aa), after “of S4C” insert “Digital”. 5 (1) Section 61 (funding of Welsh Authority) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (1)— (a) for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”; (b) for “the Authority” substitute “S4C”; (c) for the words from “of—” to the end of paragraph (b) substitute “of fulfilling S4C’s public service remit”. (3) In subsection (3)— (a) for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”; (b) for “the Authority” substitute “S4C”. (4) In the heading, for “Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 6 (1) Section 61A (Welsh Authority public service fund) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (2)— (a) for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”; (b) for “the Authority”, in the first place it occurs, substitute “S4C”; (c) for the words from “their functions” to the end of the subsection substitute “fulfilling S4C’s public service remit.” (3) In subsection (4)— (a) for “The Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”; (b) for “television programme”, in the first place it occurs, substitute “audiovisual content”; (c) for “television programme service”, in the first place it occurs, substitute “relevant audiovisual service”; (d) for the words from “broadcast” to the end substitute “included in a relevant audiovisual service provided by S4C in fulfilling its public service remit.” (4) After subsection (4) insert— (4A) In subsection (4), “audiovisual content” and “relevant audiovisual service” have the same meaning as in Part 3 of the Communications Act 2003 (see section 362 of that Act). (5) In the heading, for “Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 7 (1) Section 63 (government control over S4C) is amended as follows. (2) In subsections (1), (2), (3) and (4), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (3) In subsections (1), (3) and (4), for “the Authority” substitute “S4C”. 8 (1) Section 64 (audience research by Welsh Authority) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (1)— (a) for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”; (b) in paragraphs (a) and (c), after “S4C” insert “Digital”. (3) In subsection (2)(a), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (4) In subsection (2)(b), for “the Authority” substitute “S4C”. (5) In the heading, for “Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 9 In section 66 (requirements relating to transmission and distribution of services), in subsection (7)— (a) for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”; (b) after “S4C” insert “Digital”; (c) for “Wales” substitute “the United Kingdom”. 10 In section 71 (interpretation of Part 1), in subsection (1), in the definition of “S4C” and “S4C Digital”— (a) omit ““S4C” and”; (b) omit “each”. 11 In section 176 (duty to provide advance information about programmes), in the table in subsection (7), in the entry relating to the public television services of the Welsh Authority— (a) in the first column, for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”; (b) in the second column, for “The Authority” substitute “S4C”. 12 In section 177 (orders proscribing unacceptable foreign satellite services), in subsection (6), in the definition of “foreign satellite service”, for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 13 In section 188 (power to give broadcasting bodies etc directions relating to international obligations), in subsection (2)(c), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 14 In section 202 (general interpretation), in subsection (1)— (a) in the definition of “an S4C company”, for “the Welsh Authority”, in both places it occurs, substitute “S4C”; (b) before that definition insert— “S4C”, except in the phrases “S4C company”, “S4C Digital”, “S4C entity” and “S4C subsidiary undertaking”, means the body corporate given the name S4C (or Sianel Pedwar Cymru) by section 56(1); . 15 In Part 2 of Schedule 2 (disqualification for holding licences), in paragraphs 3(1)(a) (disqualification of publicly-funded bodies for radio service licences) and 5(b) (disqualification of broadcasting bodies), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 16 (1) Schedule 6 (the Welsh Authority: supplementary provisions) is amended as follows. (2) In the Schedule heading, for “The Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (3) In paragraph 1(1) (S4C not exercising functions on behalf of the Crown), for “The Welsh Authority (in this Schedule referred to as “the Authority”)” substitute “S4C”. (4) In paragraph 1(2) (S4C’s power to do anything which is incidental or conducive to the carrying out of its functions), for “The Authority” substitute “S4C”. (5) Omit paragraphs 2 to 8 (membership). (6) In paragraphs 9(1) and (2) (employees), 10 (seal), 11 (documents), 12(1), (1A) and (4) (accounts and audit), 13 (annual reports) and 14 (advisory committees), and in the italic heading before paragraph 9— (a) for “the Authority”, in each place it occurs; (b) for “The Authority”, in each place it occurs; substitute “S4C”. (7) In paragraph 9 (employees), for sub-paragraph (3) substitute— (3) If a person— (a) participates in a pension scheme as an employee of S4C, and (b) on or after ceasing to be an employee of S4C, becomes a non-executive member of the S4C Board, the person’s service as a non-executive member of the S4C Board may, if the Secretary of State so determines, be treated for the purposes of the pension scheme as if it were service as an employee of S4C. (8) In the italic heading before paragraph 10, for “Authority’s” substitute “S4C’s”. (9) In the italic heading before paragraph 11, for “Authority” substitute “S4C”. (10) In paragraphs 13(3)(b) and 14, for “the Authority’s” substitute “S4C’s”. Broadcasting Act 1996 17 The Broadcasting Act 1996 is amended as follows. 18 In section 2 (meaning of “qualifying service”), in subsection (2)(e)— (a) for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”; (b) for “205” substitute “204B”. 19 (1) Section 24 (digital additional services) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (1)(c), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (3) In subsection (3A), in the definition of “public television service of the Welsh Authority”— (a) for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”; (b) in paragraph (b), for the words after “any television programme service” substitute “provided in digital form by S4C in fulfilling its public service remit”. (4) In subsection (3A), in paragraph (e) of the definition of “relevant public service broadcaster”, for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 20 Omit section 29(2) (application of the Broadcasting Act 1990 to S4C Digital). 21 In section 33(1)(a)(ii) and (3)(d) (review of digital television broadcasting), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 22 In section 39 (interpretation of Part 1), in subsection (1), in the definition of “S4C” and “S4C Digital”— (a) omit ““S4C” and”; and (b) omit “each”. 23 In section 97 (listed events)— (a) in subsection (2) (before its substitution by section 299(1) of the Communications Act 2003), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”; (b) in subsection (2) (as substituted by section 299(1) of the Communications Act 2003), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 24 In sections 99(2) (televising listed events), 103(3) (report to Secretary of State) and 104(4)(b) (code of guidance), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 25 In section 105 (interpretation of Part 4 and supplementary provisions), in subsection (1), omit the definition of “S4C”. 26 In section 107 (code relating to avoidance of unjust or unfair treatment or interference with privacy), in subsection (5)(b), for “the Welsh Authority”, in both places it occurs, substitute “S4C”. 27 In section 130(1) (interpretation of Part 5)— (a) in the definition of “broadcasting body”, for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”; (b) in the definition of “licensed service”, in paragraph (e), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002 28 In section 12(6) of the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002 (television and radio broadcasting), for “the Welsh Authority referred to in” substitute “the body corporate so named by”. Communications Act 2003 29 The Communications Act 2003 is amended as follows. 30 In section 12(9)(b) (OFCOM’s Content Board), for “and employees of the Welsh Authority” substitute “of the S4C Board and employees of S4C”. 31 In the Chapter heading of Chapter 1 of Part 3, for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “, S4C”. 32 (1) In section 203 (function of OFCOM), and in its heading, for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (2) In the italic heading before section 203, for “The Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C (Sianel Pedwar Cymru)”. 33 (1) Section 207 (finances) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (3), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (3) In subsections (4) and (6), for “The Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (4) In subsection (6), for “the Authority”, in both places it occurs, substitute “S4C”. (5) Omit subsections (8) and (9). (6) In the heading, for “Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 34 In sections 211(1)(a) (regulation of independent television services) and 243(7)(d) (reserved frequencies), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 35 In section 264 (OFCOM reports on the fulfilment of public service remits), for subsection (12)(b) substitute— (b) S4C; . 36 In sections 277(11) (programming quotas for independent productions), 278(8) (programming quotas for regional productions) and 285(6)(c) (code relating to programme commissioning), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 37 In sections 303(12)(a) (code relating to provision for people with disabilities), 305(2)(a) (relevant dates) and 324(3)(a) and (10)(c) (setting and publication of standards), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 38 (1) In section 338 (corresponding rules), and in its heading, for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (2) In the italic heading before section 338, for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 39 (1) Section 339 (review of fulfilment of public service remits) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (1), for the words after “performance” substitute “by S4C of its duty to fulfil its public service remit.” (3) In subsections (4) and (5), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (4) In the heading— (a) for “Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”; (b) for “remits” substitute “remit”. 40 In the italic heading before section 339, for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 41 (1) Section 340 (directions to S4C to take remedial action) is amended as follows. (2) In subsections (1), (2), (4) and (5), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (3) In subsection (1)(a), for the words from “their” to the end of paragraph (a) (but not the “and” at the end) substitute “its duty to fulfil its public service remit”. (4) In subsection (2), for “the Authority” substitute “S4C”. (5) In the heading, for “Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 42 (1) Section 341 (imposition of penalties) is amended as follows. (2) In subsections (1), (2) and (4), and in the heading, for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (3) In subsection (2), for “the Authority” substitute “S4C”. 43 (1) Section 343 (provision of information) is amended as follows. (2) In subsections (1) and (2), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (3) In the heading, for “Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 44 In section 347(7) (statement of charging principles), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 45 (1) Section 362 (interpretation of Part 3) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (1)— (a) omit the definition of “S4C” and “S4C Digital”; (b) in the definition of “S4C company”— (i) for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”; (ii) for “that Authority”, in both places it occurs, substitute “S4C”; (c) after the definition of “S4C company” insert— “S4C Digital” means the television programme service provided by S4C in digital form and originally known as S4C Digital but increasingly since April 2010 (date of digital switch-over in Wales) simply called S4C; . (3) In subsection (3)— (a) in paragraph (c); (b) in the words after that paragraph; for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 46 In section 368R(6) (interpretation of Part 4A), for “the Welsh Authority”, in both places it occurs, substitute “S4C”. 47 In section 393(3)(g) (restrictions on disclosure of information), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 48 In section 405(1) (interpretation of Act), after the definition of “representation” insert— “S4C” means the body corporate given the name S4C (or Sianel Pedwar Cymru) by section 56(1) of the 1990 Act; . 49 (1) In the heading of Schedule 12 (corresponding obligations of the BBC and S4C), for “Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (2) Part 2 of that Schedule (obligations of S4C) is amended in accordance with paragraphs 50 to 71. 50 In the heading of that Part, for “The Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 51 (1) Paragraph 3 (public service remits) is amended as follows. (2) Omit sub-paragraphs (1) to (4). (3) In sub-paragraph (5), for “modify sub-paragraphs (2) and (3)” substitute “amend section 204A for the purpose of modifying S4C’s public service remit”. (4) For sub-paragraphs (6) and (7) substitute— (6) Before making an order under sub-paragraph (5), the Secretary of State must consult— (a) S4C, and (b) OFCOM. (7) An order under sub-paragraph (5) must not contain provision inconsistent with a requirement that a substantial proportion of audiovisual content made available by S4C is in Welsh. (7A) In sub-paragraph (7) “audiovisual content” has the same meaning as in section 264. (7B) Subsection (13) of section 264 (interpretation of “made available”) applies for the purposes of sub-paragraph (7) as it applies for the purposes of that section. (5) For the italic heading before paragraph 3 substitute “Modification of S4C’s public service remit”. 52 (1) Paragraph 4 (statements of programme policy) is amended as follows. (2) In sub-paragraphs (1) and (3) to (7), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (3) In sub-paragraph (2)— (a) for “the Welsh Authority’s”, in both places it occurs, substitute “S4C’s”; (b) for paragraph (a) substitute— (a) S4C’s public service remit is fulfilled; and . (4) After sub-paragraph (2) insert— (2A) Every such statement must— (a) state whether relevant audiovisual services other than S4C Digital will be used, during the following year, to fulfil S4C’s public service remit, and (b) if so, set out S4C’s proposals as to the contributions that S4C Digital and other relevant audiovisual services will make. 55 (1) Paragraph 7 (programming quotas for independent productions) is amended as follows. (2) In sub-paragraphs (4), (6), (7), (8) and (10), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (3) In sub-paragraph (7)(a), for “the Authority” substitute “S4C”. 56 (1) Paragraph 8 (programme quotas for original productions) is amended as follows. (2) In sub-paragraphs (8) and (12)(a), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (3) In sub-paragraph (12)(b), for “the Authority” substitute “S4C”. 57 (1) Paragraph 9 (news and current affairs programmes) is amended as follows. (2) In sub-paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5)(a) and (9)(a), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (3) In sub-paragraphs (5)(b) and (9)(b), for “the Authority” substitute “S4C”. (4) In sub-paragraph (7)— (a) omit paragraph (a); (b) in paragraph (c)— (i) for “the Welsh Authority’s” substitute “S4C’s”; (ii) after “designated” insert “in writing by the Secretary of State”; (iii) omit the words after “this paragraph”. 58 (1) Paragraph 10 (code relating to programme commissioning) is amended as follows. (2) In sub-paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (7), (8)(c) and (10), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (3) In sub-paragraph (2), after “of a” insert “television”. (4) In sub-paragraph (3)(d), for “the Authority” substitute “S4C”. (5) In sub-paragraphs (5) and (6), for “The Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (6) In sub-paragraph (6)(b), for “that Authority” substitute “S4C”. (7) Omit sub-paragraph (10). 59 In paragraphs 12 (duty to observe programme standards), 13 (duty to comply with direction about complaints procedure) and 14(1) (duty to comply with directions about advertising), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 60 In paragraph 13, for “the Authority” substitute “S4C”. 61 In paragraph 14(2)(a), for “the Authority’s” substitute “S4C’s”. 62 (1) Paragraph 15 (OFCOM action if S4C fails to perform duties) is amended as follows. (2) In sub-paragraphs (1)(a), (2), (4), (5) and (6), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (3) In sub-paragraph (1)(b), for “the Authority’s” substitute “S4C’s”. (4) In sub-paragraph (5), for “the Authority” substitute “S4C”. 63 (1) Paragraph 16 (directions with respect to advertising) is amended as follows. (2) In sub-paragraph (1), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (3) In sub-paragraph (2)(d), omit “S4C or”. 64 In paragraph 17 (fairness standards), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 65 (1) Paragraph 18 (party political broadcasts) is amended as follows. (2) In sub-paragraphs (1) and (5), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (3) In sub-paragraph (2), for “The Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (4) In sub-paragraph (3), for “The Welsh Authority’s” substitute “S4C’s”. (5) In sub-paragraph (6)— (a) omit paragraph (a); (b) in paragraph (c)— (i) for “the Welsh Authority’s” substitute “S4C’s”; (ii) after “designated” insert “in writing by the Secretary of State”; (iii) omit the words after “this paragraph”. 66 (1) Paragraph 19 (publicising complaints procedures) is amended as follows. (2) In sub-paragraphs (1) and (2)(a), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (3) In sub-paragraph (2)(b), for “the Authority”, in each place it occurs, substitute “S4C”. 67 In paragraph 20(1) (monitoring of programmes), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 68 (1) Paragraph 21 (compliance with international obligations) is amended as follows. (2) In sub-paragraph (1), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (3) In sub-paragraphs (2) and (3), for “the Authority” substitute “S4C”. 69 (1) Paragraph 22 (services for people with disabilities) is amended as follows. (2) For “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (3) For “the Welsh Authority’s” substitute “S4C’s”. 70 (1) Paragraph 23 (equality of opportunity) is amended as follows. (2) In sub-paragraphs (1), (2) and (5), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. (3) In sub-paragraphs (1) and (2), for “the Authority” substitute “S4C”. (4) In sub-paragraphs (3) and (4), for “The Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”. 71 (1) Paragraph 24 (public services) is amended as follows. (2) In sub-paragraph (1)— (a) for “the Welsh Authority’s” substitute “S4C’s”; (b) omit paragraph (a); (c) for paragraph (c) substitute— (c) any other relevant audiovisual service provided by S4C in fulfilling its public service remit. (3) In sub-paragraph (2)— (a) for “the Welsh Authority” substitute “S4C”; (b) for “the Authority” substitute “S4C”. (4) In the italic heading before paragraph 24, for “Welsh Authority’s” substitute “S4C’s”. 72 In Schedule 18 (transitional provisions), omit paragraph 27 and sub- paragraph (3) of paragraph 43. Equality Act 2010 73 In Part 1 of Schedule 19 to the Equality Act 2010 (public authorities), in the entry for “The Welsh Authority (as defined by section 56(1) of the Broadcasting Act 1990)”, for “The Welsh Authority (as defined” substitute “S4C (as named”.
Propose a changeSection 37(6) Insert the following Chapter as Chapter 3 of Part 4A of the Communications Act 2003— Chapter 3 Regulation of Tier 1 services Meaning of Tier 1 service Meaning of Tier 1 service 368HA (1) In this Act, a “Tier 1 service” means— (a) an on-demand programme service that falls within subsection (2), and (b) an on-demand programme service, or a non-UK on-demand programme service, that is a Tier 1 service by virtue of regulations under section 368HB. (2) An on-demand programme service falls within this subsection if it is an on-demand programme service that is being used by a public service broadcaster, other than the BBC, to contribute to the fulfilment of its public service remit. (3) In this section, “public service remit”— (a) in relation to S4C, has the meaning given by section 204A; (b) in relation to the provider of a Channel 3 service or Channel 5, has the meaning given by section 265(2); (c) in relation to the provider of Channel 4, has the meaning given by section 265(3). Power to specify Tier 1 services etc 368HB (1) The Secretary of State may by regulations provide that an on-demand programme service, or a non-UK on-demand programme service, is a Tier 1 service if it is specified, or falls within a description specified, in the regulations. (2) The Secretary of State may make regulations under subsection (1) only if the Secretary of State is satisfied that it is appropriate for the providers of the services specified, or falling within a description specified, in the regulations to be subject to the duties imposed on providers of Tier 1 services. (3) Before making regulations under subsection (1) (but after considering any report prepared by OFCOM under subsection (5) or (6)), the Secretary of State must publish on a publicly accessible part of an official website of His Majesty’s Government a list of the services, or descriptions, that the Secretary of State proposes to specify in the regulations. (4) Regulations are not to be made under subsection (1) unless the period of five sitting days beginning with the first sitting day after the date on which the requirement in subsection (3) is met in relation to the regulations has expired. (5) Before making the first regulations under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must— (a) request OFCOM to prepare a report on the operation of the market in the United Kingdom for on-demand programme services and non-UK on-demand programme services, and (b) have regard to the contents of that report. (6) Where the Secretary of State is considering whether to make a second or subsequent set of regulations under subsection (1), the Secretary of State— (a) may request OFCOM to prepare a further report on the operation of the market in the United Kingdom for on-demand programme services and non-UK on-demand programme services, and (b) where a request is made, the Secretary of State must have regard to the contents of the report in deciding whether to make the regulations. (7) In preparing a report requested under subsection (5)(a) or (6)(a), OFCOM must deal with any matters specified by the Secretary of State in the request (as well as any other matters that they consider appropriate). (8) For the purposes of preparing a report requested under subsection (5)(a) or (6)(a), OFCOM may request any person who appears to be the provider of an on-demand programme service or a non-UK on-demand programme service to provide OFCOM with any information relating to that service that is specified in the request. (9) The power conferred by subsection (8) does not include power to require the provision of information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege, or (in Scotland) to confidentiality of communications, could be maintained in legal proceedings. (10) Information provided in response to a request by OFCOM may be shared by OFCOM with the Secretary of State but may not be further shared (whether by OFCOM or the Secretary of State). (11) A request under subsection (8) may— (a) specify a period of time within which the information must be provided; (b) specify the form and manner in which the information must be provided. (12) A person who is requested to provide information under subsection (8) must comply with that request. (13) In this section “sitting day” means a day on which both Houses of Parliament sit. Duties relating to notification etc Notification to OFCOM 368HC (1) A person who provides a Tier 1 service must give OFCOM a notification (a “Tier 1 notification”) to that effect. (2) Subsection (3) applies where— (a) regulations are made under section 368HB(1), and (b) a non-UK on-demand programme service is specified or falls within a description specified in the regulations. (3) OFCOM must, for the purpose of assisting with compliance with subsection (1), inform the provider of that Tier 1 service of that fact. (4) A person who gives a Tier 1 notification must also notify OFCOM if the person ceases to provide a Tier 1 service. (5) A Tier 1 notification or a notification under subsection (4) must— (a) be sent to OFCOM in such manner as they may require, and (b) include such information as they may require. Lists of Tier 1 providers 368HD (1) OFCOM must establish and maintain an up to date list of persons who have— (a) given a Tier 1 notification to OFCOM under section 368HC(1), and (b) not given a further notification under section 368HC(4). (2) The list must include contact details which may be used by members of the public wishing to contact a Tier 1 service. (3) OFCOM must publish the list on a publicly accessible part of their website. Application etc of Chapter 2 to certain Tier 1 services Application etc of Chapter 2 to certain Tier 1 services 368HE (1) Subsection (2) applies where a non-UK on-demand programme service is a Tier 1 service by virtue of regulations under section 368HB. (2) The following provisions of Chapter 2 apply in relation to the Tier 1 service as if any reference in those provisions to an on-demand programme service included a reference to the Tier 1 service— (a) section 368C, so far as relating to the duties of the appropriate regulatory authority in relation to section 368D; (b) section 368D (duties of service providers), apart from section 368D(2)(ca); (c) section 368E (harmful material); (d) section 368F (advertising); (e) section 368FA (advertising: less healthy food and drink); (f) section 368G (sponsorship); (g) section 368H (prohibition of product placement and exceptions). (3) A duty or prohibition arising by virtue of subsection (2) applies in relation to the Tier 1 service only on and after the end of the grace period that applies in relation to the Tier 1 service. (4) In subsection (3), “the grace period”, in relation to a non-UK on-demand programme service that is a Tier 1 service, means the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which the non-UK on-demand programme service became a Tier 1 service. (5) Where regulations under section 368HB(1) provide that a non-UK on-demand programme service specified in the regulations is a Tier 1 service, the regulations may also provide— (a) that subsections (1) and (2) do not apply in relation to the service, or (b) that those subsections apply in relation to the service as if the reference in subsection (4) to 12 months were a reference to such lesser period as may be specified in the regulations. (6) Section 368D(3)(zb) applies in relation to an on-demand programme service that is a Tier 1 service by virtue of section 368HA(1)(a) with the modification that the reference in section 368D(3)(zb) to 60 days is to be read as a reference to 90 days. Standards code for Tier 1 services Standards code for Tier 1 services 368HF (1) OFCOM must prepare and publish a code containing standards set by them for the content of programmes to be included in Tier 1 services. (2) The standards must be such as appear to OFCOM to be best calculated to secure the following objectives (“the standards objectives”)— (a) that persons under the age of 18 are protected; (b) that material likely to encourage or incite the commission of crime or to lead to disorder is not included in Tier 1 services; (c) that news included in those services is presented with due impartiality; (d) that news included in those services is reported with due accuracy; (e) that the impartiality requirements described in section 368HG are met; (f) that generally accepted standards are applied to the contents of those services so as to provide adequate protection for members of the public from the inclusion of offensive and harmful material; (g) that the proper degree of responsibility is exercised with respect to the content of religious programmes included in those services. (3) The standards included in the code to secure the objective described in subsection (2)(g) must, in particular, contain provision designed to secure that religious programmes do not involve— (a) any improper exploitation of susceptibilities of the audience for such a programme, or (b) any abusive treatment of the religious views and beliefs of those belonging to a particular religion or religious denomination. (4) OFCOM may fulfil their duty to publish the code in such ways as OFCOM consider likely to bring the code to the attention of persons who are likely to be affected by it. (5) OFCOM— (a) must keep the code under review, (b) may from time to time revise the code, and (c) where they do so, must publish the code as revised. (6) References in this Part to a code under this section are to be read, in relation to times after a revised code is published, as references to the code as revised. (7) In this section— “news” means news in whatever form it is included in a service; “programme” does not include an advertisement. Tier 1 standards code: special impartiality requirements 368HG (1) The impartiality requirements referred to in section 368HF(2)(e) are— (a) the exclusion from programmes included in any Tier 1 services of all expressions of the views or opinions of the person providing that service on— (i) matters of political or industrial controversy, or (ii) matters relating to current public policy; (b) the preservation of due impartiality on the part of the person providing the service as respects those matters. (2) Subsection (1)(a) does not require the exclusion of expressions of views or opinions relating to the provision of on-demand programme services or non-UK on-demand programme services. (3) A code under section 368HF must make provision about the application of the requirement in subsection (1)(b), including provision about the ways in which the requirement may be met. Tier 1 standards code: matters to be taken into account 368HH (1) In preparing or revising a code under section 368HF, OFCOM must, in particular and to such extent as appears to them to be relevant to securing the standards objectives, have regard to each of the matters set out in subsection (2). (2) Those matters are— (a) the likely expectation of potential audiences as to the nature of the content of programmes included in particular Tier 1 services; (b) the degree of harm or offence likely to be caused by the inclusion of any particular sort of content, whether in programmes generally or in particular kinds of programmes; (c) the age of the content of particular programmes or particular kinds of programmes included in Tier 1 services; (d) the extent to which, and the ways in which, information about the nature of the content of particular kinds of programmes or of particular programmes can be given in a way that enables individuals to make choices about whether they (or others for whom they have responsibility) view or continue to view that content; (e) the likely effect of consideration being required in order to view a particular Tier 1 service or particular programmes included in a Tier 1 service; (f) the length of time for which particular programmes are included in Tier 1 services; (g) the desirability of maintaining the independence of editorial control over programme content. (3) In preparing or revising a code under section 368HF, OFCOM must 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 section. (4) The Secretary of State may by regulations amend the list of matters in subsection (2). (5) Before making regulations under subsection (4), the Secretary of State must consult OFCOM. (6) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (4) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament. Tier 1 standards code: procedural requirements 368HI (1) Before publishing a code under section 368HF, OFCOM must consult— (a) persons appearing to OFCOM to represent the interests of potential audiences of Tier 1 services; (b) such persons providing on-demand programme services or non-UK on-demand programme services as OFCOM think fit; and (c) such other persons as appear to OFCOM to have an interest in the content of the code. (2) For the purposes of the consultation, OFCOM must publish a draft of the code. (3) After considering any views expressed by those persons, OFCOM may— (a) publish the code in the terms of the draft published for the purposes of the consultation, or (b) modify the draft and publish the code in the terms of the draft as modified. (4) Subsections (1) to (3) apply to a revision of a code under section 368HF as they apply to a code. Duties of Tier 1 providers as regards Tier 1 standards code Duties of Tier 1 providers to comply with Tier 1 standards code 368HJ (1) A person who provides a Tier 1 service must observe the code for the time being published under section 368HF. (2) The duty under subsection (1) applies only on and after the end of the grace period that applies in relation to the service. (3) In subsection (2), “the grace period”, in relation to a Tier 1 service, means the period of 12 months beginning with whichever is the later of the following— (a) the day on which the on-demand programme service, or non-UK on-demand programme service, became a Tier 1 service; (b) the day when the first code under section 368HF was published. (4) Where regulations under section 368HB(1) provide that an on-demand programme service, or a non-UK on-demand programme service, specified in the regulations is a Tier 1 service, the regulations may also provide— (a) that subsections (2) and (3) do not apply in relation to the service, or (b) that those subsections apply in relation to the service as if the reference in subsection (3) to 12 months were a reference to such lesser period as may be specified in the regulations. Complaints relating to Tier 1 standards code Complaints relating to Tier 1 standards code 368HK (1) OFCOM must establish and maintain procedures for the handling and resolution of complaints that a person who provides a Tier 1 service is failing, or has failed, to comply with section 368HJ(1). (2) A person who provides a Tier 1 service must establish and maintain procedures for the handling and resolution of complaints that the person is failing, or has failed, to comply with section 368HJ(1). Accessibility code for Tier 1 services Accessibility code for Tier 1 services 368HL (1) OFCOM must prepare and publish a code imposing requirements on providers of Tier 1 services for the purpose of ensuring that such services are accessible to people with disabilities, including, in particular, people with disabilities affecting their sight or hearing, or both. (2) The code must include provision requiring providers of Tier 1 services to report annually to OFCOM about— (a) the accessibility of their services to people with disabilities; (b) the steps taken to secure the quality and usability of the means by which their services are made accessible to people with disabilities. (3) The code must include provision requiring every provider of a Tier 1 service to ensure that adequate information about the assistance for disabled people that is provided in relation to that service is made available to those who are likely to want to make use of it. (4) The code must include provision requiring the provider of a Tier 1 service, from the second anniversary of the relevant date, to secure that, in the 12 month period beginning with that second anniversary and in the succeeding 12 month period— (a) at least 40 per cent of the total catalogue hours of that service for that period consists of programmes that are accompanied by subtitling; (b) at least 5 per cent of the total catalogue hours of that service for that period consists of programmes that are accompanied by audio-description for the blind; and (c) at least 2.5 per cent of the total catalogue hours of that service for that period consists of programmes that are presented in, or translated into, sign language. (5) The code must include provision requiring the provider of a Tier 1 service, from the fourth anniversary of the relevant date, to secure that, in the 12 month period beginning with the fourth anniversary and in each succeeding 12 month period— (a) at least 80 per cent of the total catalogue hours of that service for that period consists of programmes that are accompanied by subtitling; (b) at least 10 per cent of the total catalogue hours of that service for that period consists of programmes that are accompanied by audio-description for the blind; and (c) at least 5 per cent of the total catalogue hours of that service for that period consists of programmes that are presented in, or translated into, sign language. (6) A reference in any paragraph of subsections (4) and (5) to the total catalogue hours of a Tier 1 service for a period of time is a reference to the combined duration of the programmes available from the service within that period, other than those programmes excluded under subsection (7) in relation to the requirement in that paragraph. (7) The code must set out, in relation to each of the paragraphs of subsections (4) and (5), the descriptions of programmes that are excluded for the purposes of the requirement in that paragraph. This subsection does not restrict the provision which may be made under subsection (8). (8) The code may include provision under which Tier 1 services specified in the code are wholly or partly exempted from some or all of the requirements set out in subsections (4) and (5). (9) Provision in the code partly exempting a Tier 1 service may, in particular, provide for the exemption to apply in relation to particular methods, or particular descriptions of method, by which that service is available to members of the public. (10) Before including in the code such provision as is described in subsection (7) or (8) in relation to a Tier 1 service, OFCOM must have regard, in particular, to— (a) the extent of the benefit which would be conferred if the provider of the service were to comply with the requirements set out in subsections (4) and (5); (b) the size of the audience for the service; (c) the number of persons who would be likely to benefit from compliance with those requirements and the extent of the likely benefit for each of those persons; (d) the extent to which persons accessing the service are resident in places outside the United Kingdom; (e) the technical difficulty of compliance with those requirements; and (f) the cost, in the context of the matters mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (e), of compliance with those requirements. (11) The requirements that may be imposed by the code include, in particular— (a) requirements as to lesser levels of assistance that apply before the date on which the requirements set out in subsection (4) or (5) fall to be complied with; (b) requirements as to the provision of assistance for disabled people, or a description of disabled people, in the case of a Tier 1 service that is exempted or partly exempted. (12) The code must also give guidance as to— (a) the extent to which Tier 1 services should promote the understanding and enjoyment by people with disabilities (in particular, people with disabilities affecting their sight or hearing, or both) of the programmes to be included in Tier 1 services; and (b) the means by which such understanding and enjoyment should be promoted. (13) OFCOM— (a) must keep the code under review, (b) may from time to time revise the code, and (c) where they do so, must publish the code as revised. (14) OFCOM must publish the code, and every revision of it, in such manner as they consider appropriate, having regard to the need to make the code or revision accessible to people with disabilities, including, in particular, people with disabilities affecting their sight or hearing, or both. (15) References in this Part to a code under this section are to be read, in relation to times after a revised code is published, as references to the code as revised. (16) In this section, “programme” does not include an advertisement. Meaning of “relevant date” 368HM (1) The relevant date, in relation to a Tier 1 service, is the later of— (a) the day on which the on-demand programme service, or non-UK on-demand programme service, became a Tier 1 service, and (b) the day on which the first code under section 368HL was published. (2) OFCOM may determine that a service provided by a person is to be treated for the purposes of section 368HL and this section as a continuation of a service previously provided by that person. Power to modify requirements in section 368HL 368HN (1) Where it appears to the Secretary of State, in the case of Tier 1 services of a particular description, that the requirement specified in any paragraph of section 368HL(4) has been or is likely to be fulfilled in their case before the anniversary specified in section 368HL(4), the Secretary of State may by regulations modify section 368HL so as to do one or both of the following— (a) increase the percentage so specified in relation to services of that description; (b) substitute the first anniversary for the anniversary specified in section 368HL(4) in the case of services of that description. (2) The Secretary of State may by regulations modify section 368HL so as to do one or both of the following— (a) substitute a later anniversary for the anniversary specified in section 368HL(5); (b) substitute a higher percentage for the percentage for the time being specified in any paragraph of section 368HL(5). (3) The provision that may be made by regulations under this section includes— (a) modifications for requiring the code to set out additional requirements to be fulfilled once the requirements previously required to be set out in the code have been fulfilled; and (b) savings for the requirements previously set out in the code. (4) Before making regulations under this section the Secretary of State must consult OFCOM. (5) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament. Tier 1 accessibility code: procedural requirements 368HO (1) Before publishing a code or a revised code under section 368HL, OFCOM must consult— (a) such persons appearing to OFCOM to represent the interests of people with disabilities as OFCOM think fit; (b) such persons providing on-demand programme services or non-UK on-demand programme services as OFCOM think fit; and (c) such other persons as appear to OFCOM to have an interest in the content of the code. (2) For the purposes of the consultation, OFCOM must publish a draft of the code. Duty to comply with Tier 1 accessibility code 368HP A provider of a Tier 1 service must comply with such of the requirements of the code under section 368HL as apply to that provider. Reports to Secretary of State Reports to Secretary of State 368HQ OFCOM may from time to time report to the Secretary of State on any issues which— (a) have been identified by them in the course of carrying out their functions in relation to Tier 1 services, and (b) appear to them to raise questions of general policy about the regulation of those services. Application of Chapter 3 Application of Chapter 3 368HR The duties of providers of Tier 1 services under or by virtue of this Chapter apply in relation to those services only so far as they are made available for use by members of the public in the United Kingdom.
Propose a changeSection 37(7) 1 Part 4A of the Communications Act 2003 is amended as follows. 2 Before section 368I insert— Chapter 4 Enforcement: general . 3 (1) Section 368I (enforcement of sections 368CB and 368D) is amended as follows. (2) For the heading substitute “Enforcement of service providers’ principal duties”. (3) In subsection (1), in the words before paragraph (a), after “section 368D” insert “, or that a provider of a non-UK on-demand programme service that is a Tier 1 service is contravening or has contravened section 368D,”. (4) After subsection (1) insert— (1A) Where OFCOM (as the appropriate regulatory authority) determine that a provider of a Tier 1 service is contravening or has contravened section 368HC, 368HJ(1), 368HK(2) or 368HP, they may do one or both of the following— (a) give the provider an enforcement notice under this section; (b) impose a financial penalty on the provider in accordance with section 368J. (5) In subsection (2)— (a) after “subsection (1)” insert “or (1A)”; (b) after “section 368D” insert “or (as the case may be) section 368HC, 368HJ(1), 368HK(2) or 368HP”. (6) In subsection (3)— (a) after “subsection (1)” insert “or (1A)”; (b) after “section 368D” insert “or (as the case may be) section 368HC, 368HJ(1), 368HK(2) or 368HP”. (7) In subsection (10)— (a) after “an on-demand programme service” insert “, or a non-UK on-demand programme service that is a Tier 1 service,”; (b) after “subsection (1)” insert “, (1A)”. 4 In section 368IA (enforcement of section 368E(4)), in subsection (1), in the words before paragraph (a), after “an on-demand programme service” insert “, or a non-UK on-demand programme service that is a Tier 1 service,”. 5 (1) Section 368K (suspension or restriction of service for contraventions or failures) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (1), in the words before paragraph (a), after “an on-demand programme service” insert “or a non-UK on-demand programme service that is a Tier 1 service”. (3) After subsection (1) insert— (1A) OFCOM (as the appropriate regulatory authority) must serve a notice under subsection (2) on a provider of a Tier 1 service if they are satisfied— (a) that the provider is in contravention of section 368HC, 368HJ(1), 368HK(2) or 368HP, (b) that the imposition of one or more financial penalties or enforcement notifications under section 368I has not resulted in the remedying of the contravention, and (c) that the giving of a direction under this section would be appropriate and proportionate to the seriousness of the contravention. (4) In subsection (2)— (a) in paragraph (a), after “subsection (1)” insert “or (1A)”; (b) in paragraph (b), after “subsection (1)” insert “or (1A)”; (c) in paragraph (c), after “subsection (1)(a)” insert “or (1A)(a)”. (5) In subsection (3)— (a) in the words before paragraph (a), after “subsection (1)(c)” insert “or (1A)(c)”; (b) in paragraph (a), after “an on-demand programme service” insert “or a non-UK on-demand programme service that is a Tier 1 service”. 6 (1) Section 368L (suspension or restriction of service for inciting crime or disorder) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (1), in the words before paragraph (a), after “an on-demand programme service” insert “or a non-UK on-demand programme service that is a Tier 1 service”. (3) In subsection (3), in paragraph (a), after “an on-demand programme service” insert “or a non-UK on-demand programme service that is a Tier 1 service”. (4) In subsection (5), in paragraph (a), after “an on-demand programme service” insert “or a non-UK on-demand programme service that is a Tier 1 service”. 7 (1) Section 368M (supplementary provisions about directions) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (2), after “any on-demand programme service” insert “, or to any non-UK on-demand programme service that is a Tier 1 service,”. (3) After subsection (2) insert— (2A) A direction has effect in relation to a non-UK on-demand programme service that is a Tier 1 service only so far as the service is made available for use by members of the public in the United Kingdom. 8 In section 368N (enforcement of directions under section 368K or 368L), in subsection (1), in the words before paragraph (a), after “an on-demand programme service” insert “or a non-UK on-demand programme service that is a Tier 1 service”. 9 Before section 368NA insert— Chapter 5 Supplementary . 10 (1) Section 368NA (fees) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (2), after “an on-demand programme service” insert “or a non-UK on-demand programme service that is a Tier 1 service”. (3) After subsection (8) insert— (8A) The authority may also repay some or all of a fee paid to them by a person under subsection (2) if— (a) the person has ceased to provide a Tier 1 service at some time during the period to which the fee relates, (b) the Tier 1 service in question was a non-UK on-demand programme service, (c) the person gave a notification under section 368HC(4) that the person had ceased to provide the Tier 1 service, and (d) the person did not cease to provide the Tier 1 service following a direction given by the appropriate regulatory authority under section 368K or 368L. (8B) The authority may repay some of a fee paid to them by a person under subsection (2) if— (a) the person has ceased to provide a Tier 1 service at some time during the period to which the fee relates, (b) the Tier 1 service in question was an on-demand programme service that the person continues to provide, and (c) the person gave a notification under section 368HC(4) that the person had ceased to provide the Tier 1 service. 11 (1) For section 368O (power to demand information) substitute— Power to require information 368O (1) The appropriate regulatory authority may by notice require a person within subsection (5) to provide them with any information that they require for the purpose of carrying out their functions under this Part. (2) OFCOM may by notice require a person within subsection (5) to provide them with any information that they require for the purpose of carrying out their functions under Part 5 of the 1996 Act, so far as relating to Tier 1 services. (3) The power conferred by subsection (1) or (2) includes power to require a person within subsection (5) to obtain or generate information. (4) The power conferred by subsection (1) or (2) must be exercised in a way that is proportionate to the use to which the information is to be put by OFCOM. (5) The persons within this subsection are— (a) a provider of an on-demand programme service or a non-UK on-demand programme service; (b) a person who was a provider of an on-demand programme service or a non-UK on-demand programme service at a time to which the required information relates; (c) a person who is not within paragraph (a) or (b) but who appears to the appropriate regulatory authority to have, or to be able to obtain or generate, information required by them as mentioned in subsection (1). (6) The information that the appropriate regulatory authority may require under subsection (1) includes, in particular, information that they require for any one or more of the following purposes— (a) the purpose of determining whether a person is a provider of an on-demand programme service or a non-UK on-demand programme service; (b) the purpose of determining whether a person is a provider of a Tier 1 service; (c) the purpose of determining whether there has been any change of circumstances that may affect a determination mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b); (d) the purpose of assessing compliance with any duty imposed on a provider of an on-demand programme service by or by virtue of Chapter 2; (e) the purpose of assessing compliance with any duty imposed on a provider of a Tier 1 service by or by virtue of Chapter 3; (f) the purpose of an investigation being carried out by the authority to determine whether a contravention of section 368BA, 368CB or 368D has occurred or is occurring; (g) the purpose of an investigation being carried out by the authority to determine whether there has been a failure to take an appropriate measure for the purpose mentioned in section 368E(4) or a failure to implement such a measure effectively; (h) the purpose of an investigation being carried out by the authority to determine whether a contravention of section 368HC, 368HJ(1), 368HK(2) or 368HP has occurred or is occurring; (i) the purpose of ascertaining or calculating applicable qualifying revenue under section 368J; (j) the purpose of determining the appropriate fee that a provider is required to pay under section 368NA. (7) A notice under subsection (1) or (2) (an “information notice”) must— (a) specify or describe the information to be provided, (b) specify why the information is required, (c) specify the form and manner in which the information must be provided, and (d) contain information about the consequences of not complying with the notice. (8) An information notice must specify when the information must be provided which may be— (a) on or by a specified date, or (b) within a specified period. (9) The power conferred by subsection (1) or (2) does not include power to require the provision of information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege, or (in Scotland) to confidentiality of communications, could be maintained in legal proceedings. (10) A person to whom an information notice is given must provide the information in accordance with any requirements included in the notice (subject to subsection (11)). (11) The duty under subsection (10) does not require a disclosure of information if that disclosure would contravene the data protection legislation (but, in determining whether a disclosure would do so, that duty is to be taken into account). (12) In this section— “data protection legislation” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3 of that Act); “information” includes technical information and material such as videos, audiovisual commercial communications, screenshots and archived material. Information powers: supplementary 368OZA (1) Any power to require the provision of information under section 368HB, 368O or 368OB includes power to require the provision of information held outside the United Kingdom. (2) In the following provisions of this section, a “Part 4A information duty” means— (a) the duty under section 368HB(12); (b) the duty under section 368O(10); (c) the duty under section 368OB(9). (3) Sections 368I and 368K apply in relation to a failure by a provider of an on-demand programme service, or a non-UK on-demand programme service that is a Tier 1 service, to comply with a Part 4A information duty as if that failure were a contravention of section 368D. (4) Section 368I applies in relation to a failure by a person other than one described in subsection (3) to comply with a Part 4A information duty falling within subsection (2)(a) or (b) as if that failure were a contravention of section 368D. (5) Where section 368I applies in accordance with subsection (4)— (a) references in section 368I or 368J to a provider of an on-demand programme service are to be read as references to the person who has failed to comply with the Part 4A information duty, and (b) section 368J(1) applies as if, for the words “5 per cent. of the provider’s applicable qualifying revenue or £250,000, whichever is the greater amount”, there were substituted “£250,000”. (2) In consequence of the amendment made by sub-paragraph (1), in section 368D, in subsection (3)(b), for “section 368O(2) or (3)” substitute “section 368O(2) or (6)”. 12 (1) Section 368R (interpretation of Part 4A) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (1), in the definition of “children’s programme”, in paragraph (a), after “an on-demand programme service” insert “or a non-UK on-demand programme service that is a Tier 1 service”. (3) In subsection (2), after “an on-demand programme service” insert “or a non-UK on-demand programme service that is a Tier 1 service”. (4) In subsection (3), after “an on-demand programme service” insert “or a non-UK on-demand programme service that is a Tier 1 service”. (5) In subsection (5), after “an on-demand programme service” insert “or a non-UK on-demand programme service”.
Propose a changeSection 37(8) 1 In section 93 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (broadcasting of local items during election period), in subsection (6), in the definition of “relevant services”, in paragraph (b), at the end insert “or services that are Tier 1 services within the meaning given by section 368HA of the Communications Act 2003”. 2 (1) The Broadcasting Act 1996 is amended as follows. (2) In section 107 (preparation by OFCOM of code relating to avoidance of unjust or unfair treatment etc)— (a) in subsection (1), in paragraph (a), for “this section” substitute “subsection (5)”; (b) after subsection (1) insert— (1A) OFCOM must also draw up, and from time to time review, a code giving guidance as to the principles to be observed, and practices to be followed, in connection with the avoidance of— (a) unjust or unfair treatment in any programme that is included in a Tier 1 service (within the meaning given by section 368HA of the Communications Act 2003), or (b) unwarranted infringement of privacy in, or in connection with the obtaining of material included in, such programmes. (1B) Subsection (1A) applies in relation to a Tier 1 service only so far as the service is made available for use by members of the public in the United Kingdom. ; (c) in subsection (3), for “the code” substitute “a code under this section”; (d) in subsection (4), for “the code” substitute “a code under this section”; (e) in subsection (5), for “This section” substitute “This subsection”. (3) In section 110 (general functions of OFCOM in relation to complaints), in subsection (3), for “the code” substitute “the codes”. (4) In section 111 (complaints of unfair treatment etc)— (a) in subsection (4), after “in a licensed service” insert “or a Tier 1 service”; (b) after subsection (4) insert— (4A) OFCOM must not entertain, or proceed with the consideration of, a fairness complaint relating to the inclusion of a programme in a Tier 1 service unless it appears to them that the programme— (a) was first included in the service after the end of the grace period, or (b) if first included before then, either remained included or was again included after the end of that period. (4B) In subsection (4A), “the grace period”, in relation to a Tier 1 service, means the period of 12 months beginning with whichever is the later of the following— (a) the day on which the on-demand programme service, or non-UK on-demand programme service, became a Tier 1 service; (b) the day when the first code under section 107(1A) was published. (4C) Where regulations under section 368HB(1) of the Communications Act 2003 provide that an on-demand programme service, or a non-UK on-demand programme service, specified in the regulations is a Tier 1 service, the regulations may also provide— (a) that subsections (4A) and (4B) do not apply in relation to the service, or (b) that those subsections apply in relation to the service as if the reference in subsection (4B) to 12 months were a reference to such lesser period as may be specified in the regulations. ; (c) in subsection (5), after “in a licensed service” insert “or a Tier 1 service”; (d) in subsection (6), after “in a licensed service” insert “or a Tier 1 service”. (5) In section 115 (consideration of fairness complaints), in subsection (9)— (a) omit the “and” at the end of paragraph (a); (b) at the end of paragraph (b) insert , and (c) in a case where the relevant programme was included in a Tier 1 service, the person who provides that service. (6) In section 119 (publication of OFCOM’s findings)— (a) after subsection (7C) insert— (7D) Where the relevant person is a provider of a Tier 1 service, the following provisions of the Communications Act 2003 apply in relation to a contravention of the duty under subsection (6) as they apply in relation to a contravention of the duty under section 368HJ(1) of that Act— (a) section 368I(1A)(b) (power to impose a financial penalty in accordance with section 368J) and section 368J; (b) section 368K (suspension or restriction of services). ; (b) in subsection (8), in paragraph (c), for the words from “by a broadcasting body” to “licensed service” substitute “by a relevant person”; (c) in subsection (11A), omit the “and” at the end of paragraph (a); (d) in that subsection, at the end of paragraph (b) insert ; and (c) in a case where the relevant programme was included in a Tier 1 service, the person who provides that service. (7) In section 120 (reports on action taken voluntarily in response to findings on complaints)— (a) after subsection (3) insert— (3A) Where the relevant programme was included in a Tier 1 service, the provider of that service shall send to OFCOM a report of any supplementary action taken by— (a) the provider, or (b) any other person appearing to the provider to be responsible for the making or provision of the relevant programme. ; (b) in subsection (4), for “or (3)” substitute “, (3) or (3A)”. (8) In section 130 (interpretation of Part 5), in subsection (1), insert at the appropriate place— “Tier 1 service” has the same meaning as in the Communications Act 2003 (see section 368HA of that Act); . 3 (1) The Communications Act 2003 is amended as follows. (2) In section 361 (meaning of “available for reception by members of the public”), in subsection (2), at the end insert “or a non-UK on-demand programme service that is a Tier 1 service (see section 368HA)”. (3) In section 368Z14 (prohibition of paid-for advertising of less healthy food and drink), in subsection (3)(b)— (a) after “in on-demand programme services” insert “or in non-UK on-demand programme services that are Tier 1 services”; (b) in the words in brackets, for “section 368FA” substitute “sections 368FA and 368HE(2)(e)”. (4) In section 405 (general interpretation), in subsection (1), insert at the appropriate places— “non-UK on-demand programme service” has the meaning given by section 368AA(1); ; “Tier 1 service” has the meaning given by section 368HA; . (5) In Schedule 11A (restrictions on product placement), in paragraph 3(2)(a), after “an on-demand programme service” insert “or a non-UK on-demand programme service that is a Tier 1 service”. 4 (1) Section 9A of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (notice to satellite uplinkers) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (3), in the words before paragraph (a), after “an on-demand programme service” insert “, or a non-UK on-demand programme service that is a Tier 1 service,”. (3) In subsection (6)— (a) in the definition of “on-demand programme service”, after “on-demand programme service” insert “, “non-UK on-demand programme service” and “Tier 1 service” each”; (b) in the words in brackets, for “section 368A” substitute “sections 368A, 368AA and 368HA”. 5 (1) The Online Safety Act 2023 is amended as follows. (2) In section 80 (scope of duties about regulated provider pornographic content)— (a) in subsection (6)— (i) after “programme service” insert “or a non-UK on-demand programme service that is a Tier 1 service”; (ii) omit “within the meaning of section 368A of the Communications Act”; (b) after subsection (6) insert— (6A) In subsection (6), “on-demand programme service”, “non-UK on-demand programme service” and “Tier 1 service” have the same meaning as in the Communications Act (see sections 368A, 368AA and 368HA of that Act). (3) In Schedule 9 (certain internet services not subject to duties relating to regulated provider pornographic content)— (a) in the italic heading before paragraph 5, after “services” insert “and non-UK on-demand programme services that are Tier 1 services”; (b) in paragraph 5 (on-demand programme services (entire internet service))— (i) in sub-paragraph (1), after “programme service” insert “or a non-UK on-demand programme service that is a Tier 1 service”; (ii) in sub-paragraph (2), for “has” substitute “, “non-UK on-demand programme service” and “Tier 1 service” have”; (iii) in sub-paragraph (2), for “section 368A” substitute “sections 368A, 368AA and 368HA”; (c) in the italic heading before paragraph 6, after “services” insert “and non-UK on-demand programme services that are Tier 1 services”; (d) in paragraph 6 (on-demand programme services (part of internet service))— (i) in sub-paragraph (2)(a), after “programme service” insert “or a non-UK on-demand programme service that is a Tier 1 service”; (ii) in sub-paragraph (3), after “programme service” insert “or a non-UK on-demand programme service that is a Tier 1 service”.
Propose a changeSection 40 1 Part 4A of the Communications Act 2003 is amended as follows. 2 In section 368BZA (list of providers), in subsection (1), for “providing an on-demand programme service” substitute who have— (a) given a notification to OFCOM under section 368BA(1) of their intention to provide an on-demand programme service, and (b) not given a further notification under section 368BA(2)(b) of their intention to cease to provide it . 3 In section 368BB (enforcement of section 368BA), after subsection (6) insert— (7) Subsection (6) applies whether or not the provider is in the United Kingdom. 4 Omit the cross-heading preceding section 368BC. 5 (1) Omit sections 368BC and 368BD (accessibility for people with disabilities). (2) In consequence of the amendment made by sub-paragraph (1), in section 402 (power of Secretary of State to make orders and regulations), in subsection (2)(a), omit “or regulations under section 368BC”. 6 Omit section 368CA (code on accessibility for people with disabilities). 7 In section 368D (duties of service providers), in subsection (3)(zb), for “forty- two days” substitute “60 days”. 8 In section 368I (enforcement of sections 368CB and 368D), after subsection (8) insert— (8A) Subsection (8) applies whether or not the provider is in the United Kingdom. 9 In section 368IA (enforcement of section 368E(4)), after subsection (8) insert— (8A) Subsection (8) applies whether or not the person is in the United Kingdom. 10 In section 368J (financial penalties), in subsection (1), omit “, 368BD”. 11 In section 368K (suspension or restriction of service for contraventions or failures), in subsection (1)— (a) in paragraph (a), omit “, or of regulations under section 368BC”; (b) in paragraph (b), omit “, 368BD”. 12 (1) Before section 368R insert— Service of notices by OFCOM 368QA Section 362AZ10 (notices) applies in relation to a notice that may or must be given by OFCOM under any provision of this Part as it applies in relation to a notice that may or must be given by them under any provision of Part 3A. (2) In consequence of the amendment made by sub-paragraph (1), in section 394 (service of notifications and other documents), in subsection (2)(a) (as amended by paragraph 3 of Schedule 3 and paragraph 3 of Schedule 9), after “Part 3B” insert “or Part 4A”.
Propose a changeSection 48(2) 1 The Communications Act 2003 is amended as follows. 2 In section 393 (general restrictions on disclosure of information), in subsection (6), in paragraph (a), after “362AW” (inserted by paragraph 2 of Schedule 3) insert “, 362BC(6)”. 3 In section 394 (service of notifications and other documents), in subsection (2)(a), after “Part 3A” (inserted by paragraph 3 of Schedule 3) insert “, Part 3B”. 4 In section 400 (destination of fees and penalties), in subsection (1), in paragraph (ha) (inserted by paragraph 4 of Schedule 3), after “3A” insert “or 3B”.
Propose a changeSection 49(3) After Schedule 16 to the Communications Act 2003 insert— Schedule 16A Penalties imposed by OFCOM under Parts 3A and 3B Section 392A Interpretation 1 References in this Schedule to a penalty are to— (a) a penalty imposed by a confirmation decision (see sections 362AZ1(8) and 362BS(8)); (b) a penalty imposed by a penalty notice under section 362AZ4(2) or 362BV(2); (c) a penalty imposed by a penalty notice under section 362AZ7(6) or 362BY(6). Amount of penalties: principles 2 (1) In determining the amount of a penalty to be imposed on a person, OFCOM must, in particular, take into account— (a) any representations made, and evidence provided, by the person, and (b) the effects of the failure or failures in respect of which the penalty is imposed. (2) In the case of a penalty imposed by a confirmation decision, OFCOM must also take into account any representations made, and evidence provided, by any other person to whom the provisional notice of contravention relating to the same matter was given. (3) OFCOM must also take into account— (a) in the case of a penalty imposed by a confirmation decision, any steps taken by the person towards— (i) complying with the duty or duties specified in the provisional notice of contravention given to the person, or (ii) remedying the failure to comply with that duty or those duties; (b) in the case of a penalty imposed by a penalty notice, any steps taken by the person towards— (i) complying with the duty or duties specified in the confirmation decision given to the person, or (ii) remedying the failure to comply with that duty or those duties. (4) A penalty must be of an amount that OFCOM consider to be— (a) appropriate, and (b) proportionate to the failure or failures in respect of which it is imposed. (5) See also section 392 (which requires OFCOM to produce guidelines about their determination of penalties that they impose). Maximum amount of penalties 3 (1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies where— (a) a penalty is imposed on a person in respect of a regulated television selection service that is or was at any time provided by that person, (b) a penalty is imposed on a person other than the BBC or S4C in respect of a designated internet programme service that is or was at any time provided by that person, (c) a penalty is imposed on a person in respect of a designated radio selection service that is or was at any time provided by that person, or (d) a penalty is imposed on a person other than the BBC in respect of a relevant internet radio service that is or was at any time provided by that person, and the person upon whom the penalty is imposed has an accounting period. (2) The maximum amount of the penalty that may be imposed is whichever is the greater of— (a) £250,000, and (b) 5% of the person’s qualifying worldwide revenue for the person’s most recent complete accounting period. (3) In any case other than that described in sub-paragraph (1), the maximum amount of the penalty that may be imposed is £250,000. (4) If (in a case described in sub-paragraph (1)) the first accounting period of the person has not yet ended, sub-paragraph (2)(b) is to be read as referring to 5% of the amount that OFCOM estimate to be the person’s likely qualifying worldwide revenue for that period. (5) If the duration of the accounting period by reference to which an amount of qualifying worldwide revenue is calculated is less than a year, the amount mentioned in sub-paragraph (2)(b) is to be increased proportionately. (6) If the duration of the accounting period by reference to which an amount of qualifying worldwide revenue is calculated is more than a year, the amount mentioned in sub-paragraph (2)(b) is to be decreased proportionately. (7) The amount of a person’s qualifying worldwide revenue for an accounting period is, in the event of a disagreement between the person and OFCOM, the amount determined by OFCOM. (8) In this paragraph, “accounting period”, in relation to a person, means a period in respect of which accounts are prepared in relation to that person or, where that person is an individual, in respect of that individual’s business. Maximum amount of penalties: group of entities 4 (1) This paragraph contains modifications of paragraph 3 where, in accordance with Schedule 16B, two or more entities are jointly and severally liable for a penalty. (2) Sub-paragraphs (3) to (6) of this paragraph apply instead of paragraph 3(1) to (4). (3) If the entities do not include the BBC or S4C, the maximum amount of the penalty for which the entities are liable is whichever is the greater of— (a) £250,000, and (b) 5% of the qualifying worldwide revenue of the group of entities that consists of— (i) the entity to which the confirmation decision or the penalty notice relates (“entity E”), and (ii) every other entity which (at the time the confirmation decision or the penalty notice is given) is a group undertaking in relation to entity E. (4) In any case other than that described in sub-paragraph (3), the maximum amount of the penalty for which the entities are liable is £250,000. (5) In sub-paragraph (3)(b), the reference to the qualifying worldwide revenue of a group of entities is to— (a) the amount of the group’s qualifying worldwide revenue for the most recent complete accounting period of the entities liable for the penalty, or (b) if the first accounting period of the entities liable for the penalty has not yet ended, the amount that OFCOM estimate to be the group’s likely qualifying worldwide revenue for that period. (6) In a case where the accounting periods of the entities liable for the penalty are different— (a) the reference in sub-paragraph (5)(a) to the accounting period of the entities is to be read as a reference to the accounting period of any of the entities (at OFCOM’s discretion), and (b) sub-paragraph (5)(b) is to apply as if— (i) for “the first accounting period of the entities” there were substituted “the first accounting period of all the entities”, and (ii) for “that period” there were substituted “the accounting period of any of the entities (at OFCOM’s discretion)”. (7) Sub-paragraphs (5) to (7) of paragraph 3 are to be read with necessary modifications for the purposes of this paragraph. (8) In this paragraph— “accounting period”, in relation to an entity, means a period in respect of which accounts are prepared in relation to that entity; “group undertaking” has the meaning given by section 1161(5) of the Companies Act 2006. (9) For the purposes of this paragraph, sections 1161(5) and 1162 of, and Schedule 7 to, the Companies Act 2006— (a) are to apply in relation to an entity which is not an undertaking (as defined in section 1161(1) of that Act) as they apply in relation to an undertaking, and (b) are to be read with any necessary modifications if applied to an entity formed under the law of a country or territory outside the United Kingdom. Power to amend paragraphs 3 and 4 5 (1) The Secretary of State may by regulations amend any of the following provisions of this Schedule so as to substitute a different amount or a different percentage for the amount or percentage for the time being specified in that provision— (a) paragraph 3(2)(a); (b) paragraph 3(2)(b); (c) paragraph 3(3); (d) paragraph 3(4); (e) paragraph 4(3)(a); (f) paragraph 4(3)(b); (g) paragraph 4(4). (2) A statutory instrument containing regulations under sub-paragraph (1) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament. Recovery of penalties 6 (1) In England and Wales, a penalty is recoverable— (a) if the county court so orders, as if it were payable under an order of that court; (b) if the High Court so orders, as if it were payable under an order of that court. (2) In Scotland, a penalty may be enforced in the same manner as an extract registered decree arbitral bearing a warrant for execution issued by the sheriff court of any sheriffdom in Scotland. (3) In Northern Ireland, a penalty is recoverable— (a) if a county court so orders, as if it were payable under an order of that court; (b) if the High Court so orders, as if it were payable under an order of that court. Qualifying worldwide revenue 7 (1) For the purposes of this Schedule, OFCOM must produce a statement giving information about the amounts which it does, or does not, regard as comprising a person’s “qualifying worldwide revenue”. (2) The statement must include provision about the application of that term to a group of entities for the purposes of paragraph 4 of this Schedule. (3) The statement may make different provision in relation to different kinds of regulated television selection services, designated internet programme services, designated radio selection services and relevant internet radio services. (4) Before producing the statement (including a revised or replacement statement), OFCOM must consult— (a) the Secretary of State, (b) the Treasury, and (c) such other persons as OFCOM consider appropriate. (5) OFCOM must keep the statement under review. (6) OFCOM must publish the statement (and any revised or replacement statement). (7) OFCOM must send a copy of the statement (and any revised or replacement statement) to the Secretary of State and the Secretary of State must lay it before Parliament. Interpretation 8 In this Schedule— “designated internet programme service” has the same meaning as in Part 3A (and a reference to providing an internet programme service is to be construed in accordance with section 362AZ12(2) to (5)); “designated radio selection service” has the same meaning as in Part 3B; “regulated television selection service” has the same meaning as in Part 3A; “relevant internet radio service” has the same meaning as in Part 3B.
Propose a changeSection 49(5) After Schedule 16A to the Communications Act 2003 (as inserted by Schedule 10) insert— Schedule 16B Parts 3A and 3B: liability of parent entities etc Section 392B Interpretation 1 In this Schedule— “confirmation decision” means a notice under section 362AZ1 or 362BS; “designated internet programme service” has the same meaning as in Part 3A (and a reference to providing an internet programme service is to be construed in accordance with section 362AZ12(2) to (5)); “designated radio selection service” has the same meaning as in Part 3B; “fellow subsidiary undertaking” has the meaning given by section 1161(4) of the Companies Act 2006; “parent undertaking” and “subsidiary undertaking” are to be read in accordance with section 1162 of that Act; “penalty notice” means a notice under section 362AZ4, 362AZ7(6), 362BV or 362BY(6); “provisional notice of contravention” means a notice under section 362AZ or 362BR; “regulated television selection service” has the same meaning as in Part 3A; “relevant internet radio service” has the same meaning as in Part 3B. Joint provisional notices of contravention 2 (1) This paragraph applies where— (a) OFCOM are satisfied that there are grounds for giving a person a provisional notice of contravention in respect of— (i) a regulated television selection service that is or was at any time provided by that person, (ii) a designated internet programme service that is or was at any time provided by that person, (iii) a designated radio selection service that is or was at any time provided by that person, or (iv) a relevant internet radio service that is or was at any time provided by that person, and (b) that person is an entity (“E”). (2) If there is an entity which is a parent undertaking in relation to E, the provisional notice of contravention may be given— (a) to E alone, or (b) jointly to E and to an entity which is a parent undertaking in relation to E. (3) If there is an entity which is a subsidiary undertaking in relation to E, the provisional notice of contravention may be given— (a) to E alone, or (b) jointly to E and to an entity which is a subsidiary undertaking in relation to E. (4) If E is a subsidiary undertaking and there is an entity which is a fellow subsidiary undertaking in relation to E, the provisional notice of contravention may be given— (a) to E alone, or (b) jointly to E and to an entity that is a fellow subsidiary undertaking in relation to E. (5) If an individual or individuals control E, the provisional notice of contravention may be given— (a) to E alone, or (b) jointly to E and to the individual or individuals who control E. (6) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (5), an individual or individuals are to be taken to control E if that individual or those individuals would, if they were an undertaking, be a parent undertaking in relation to E within the meaning of section 1162 of the Companies Act 2006 by reason of meeting the condition in subsection (2)(a), (b), (c) or (d) or (4)(a) of that section. (7) If a provisional notice of contravention is given jointly as mentioned in sub-paragraph (2)(b), (3)(b), (4)(b) or (5)(b), the statement under section 362AZ(6)(a) or (as the case may be) 362BR(6)(a) must include, among the matters about which representations may be made to OFCOM, the matter of whether joint and several liability would be appropriate. Liability of parent entities for failures by subsidiary entities 3 (1) This paragraph applies where— (a) OFCOM are satisfied that there are grounds for giving a person— (i) a confirmation decision which requires the person to take steps or imposes a penalty (or both), or (ii) a penalty notice, in respect of a service of a type specified in sub-paragraph (2) that is or was at any time provided by the person, (b) the person is an entity (“E”), and (c) there is another entity which is a parent undertaking in relation to E (a “parent entity”). (2) The types of service referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(a) are— (a) a regulated television selection service; (b) a designated internet programme service; (c) a designated radio selection service; (d) a relevant internet radio service. (3) The confirmation decision or penalty notice may be given— (a) to E alone, or (b) jointly to E and to a parent entity. (4) Before giving a penalty notice to a parent entity, or giving a confirmation decision to a parent entity which was not previously given a provisional notice of contravention relating to the same matter, OFCOM must give that entity an opportunity to make representations to OFCOM about— (a) the matters contained in the penalty notice or confirmation decision, and (b) whether joint and several liability would be appropriate. (5) OFCOM may not give a confirmation decision or a penalty notice to a parent entity (“P”) if— (a) P meets the condition in section 1162(2)(a) of the Companies Act 2006 in relation to E, and (b) P makes representations to OFCOM, in pursuance of paragraph 2(7) or sub-paragraph (4), that satisfy OFCOM that P does not meet any condition in section 1162(2)(b), (c) or (d) or (4) of that Act in relation to E. (6) If a confirmation decision or a penalty notice is given to entities jointly under sub-paragraph (3)(b), those entities are jointly and severally liable to comply with the requirements or (as the case may be) pay the penalty imposed by the decision or notice. (7) See also paragraph 4 of Schedule 16A. Liability of subsidiary entities for failures by parent entities 4 (1) This paragraph applies where— (a) OFCOM are satisfied that there are grounds for giving a person— (i) a confirmation decision which requires the person to take steps or imposes a penalty (or both), or (ii) a penalty notice, in respect of a service of a type specified in sub-paragraph (2) that is or was at any time provided by the person, (b) the person is an entity (“E”), (c) there is another entity which is a subsidiary undertaking in relation to E (a “subsidiary entity”), and (d) OFCOM are satisfied that the other entity’s acts or omissions contributed to the failure to which the confirmation decision or penalty notice relates. (2) The types of service referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(a) are— (a) a regulated television selection service; (b) a designated internet programme service; (c) a designated radio selection service; (d) a relevant internet radio service. (3) The confirmation decision or penalty notice may be given— (a) to E alone, or (b) jointly to E and to a subsidiary entity. (4) Before giving a penalty notice to a subsidiary entity, or giving a confirmation decision to a subsidiary entity which was not previously given a provisional notice of contravention relating to the same matter, OFCOM must give that entity an opportunity to make representations to OFCOM about— (a) the matters contained in the penalty notice or the confirmation decision, and (b) whether joint and several liability would be appropriate. (5) If a confirmation decision or penalty notice is given to entities jointly under sub-paragraph (3)(b), those entities are jointly and severally liable to comply with the requirements or (as the case may be) pay the penalty imposed by the decision or notice. (6) See also paragraph 4 of Schedule 16A. Liability of fellow subsidiary entities for failures by subsidiary entities 5 (1) This paragraph applies where— (a) OFCOM are satisfied that there are grounds for giving a person— (i) a confirmation decision which requires the person to take steps or imposes a penalty (or both), or (ii) a penalty notice, in respect of a service of a type specified in sub-paragraph (2) that is or was at any time provided by the person, (b) the person is an entity (“E”), (c) E is a subsidiary undertaking, (d) there is another entity which is a fellow subsidiary undertaking in relation to E (a “fellow subsidiary entity”), and (e) OFCOM are satisfied that the acts or omissions of the fellow subsidiary entity contributed to the failure to which the confirmation decision or penalty notice relates. (2) The types of service referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(a) are— (a) a regulated television selection service; (b) a designated internet programme service; (c) a designated radio selection service; (d) a relevant internet radio service. (3) The confirmation decision may be given— (a) to E alone, or (b) jointly to E and to a fellow subsidiary entity. (4) Before giving a penalty notice to a fellow subsidiary entity, or giving a confirmation decision to a fellow subsidiary entity which was not previously given a provisional notice of contravention relating to the same matter, OFCOM must give that entity an opportunity to make representations to OFCOM about— (a) the matters contained in the confirmation decision or the penalty notice, and (b) whether joint and several liability would be appropriate. (5) If a confirmation decision or penalty notice is given to entities jointly under sub-paragraph (3)(b), those entities are jointly and severally liable to comply with the requirements or (as the case may be) pay the penalty imposed by the decision or notice. (6) See also paragraph 4 of Schedule 16A. Liability of controlling individuals for failures by entities 6 (1) This paragraph applies where— (a) OFCOM are satisfied that there are grounds for giving a person— (i) a confirmation decision which requires the person to take steps or imposes a penalty (or both), or (ii) a penalty notice, in respect of a service of a type specified in sub-paragraph (2) that is or was at any time provided by the person, (b) the person is an entity (“E”), and (c) an individual or individuals control E. (2) The types of service referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(a) are— (a) a regulated television selection service; (b) a designated internet programme service; (c) a designated radio selection service; (d) a relevant internet radio service. (3) The confirmation decision may be given— (a) to E alone, or (b) jointly to E and to the individual or individuals who control E. (4) Before giving a penalty notice to an individual, or giving a confirmation decision to an individual who was not previously given a provisional notice of contravention relating to the same matter, OFCOM must give that individual an opportunity to make representations to OFCOM about— (a) the matters contained in the confirmation decision or the penalty notice, and (b) whether joint and several liability would be appropriate. (5) For the purposes of this paragraph, an individual or individuals are to be taken to control E if that individual or those individuals would, if they were an undertaking, be a parent undertaking in relation to E within the meaning of section 1162 of the Companies Act 2006 by reason of meeting the condition in subsection (2)(a), (b), (c) or (d) or (4)(a) of that section. (6) OFCOM may not give a confirmation decision or a penalty notice to an individual or individuals (“P”) if— (a) the condition by reason of which P controls E is the condition in section 1162(2)(a) of the Companies Act 2006, and (b) P makes representations to OFCOM in pursuance of paragraph 2(7) or sub-paragraph (4) which satisfy OFCOM that P does not control E by reason of any condition in section 1162(2)(b), (c) or (d) or (4) of that Act. (7) If a confirmation decision or penalty notice is given jointly to E and to an individual or individuals under sub-paragraph (3)(b), E and that individual or those individuals are jointly and severally liable to comply with the requirements or (as the case may be) pay the penalty, imposed by the decision or notice. General 7 In its application for the purposes of this Schedule, paragraph 4 of Schedule 7 to the Companies Act 2006 is to be read as if the reference to operating and financial policies were to policies relating to compliance with the regulatory requirements imposed by Parts 3A and 3B. 8 For the purposes of this Schedule, sections 1161(4) and 1162 of, and Schedule 7 to, the Companies Act 2006— (a) are to apply in relation to an entity which is not an undertaking (as defined in section 1161(1) of that Act) as they apply in relation to an undertaking, and (b) are to be read with any necessary modifications if applied to an entity formed under the law of a country or territory outside the United Kingdom.
Propose a changeSection 51 Part 1 Amendments of the Broadcasting Acts 1 In section 202 of the Broadcasting Act 1990 (general interpretation), in subsection (1), omit the definition of “the Audiovisual Media Services Directive”. 2 In section 105 of the Broadcasting Act 1996 (interpretation of Part 4), in subsection (1), in the definition of “the Audiovisual Media Services Directive”, at the end insert “as it has effect in EU law from time to time”. Part 2 Amendments of the Communications Act 2003 3 The Communications Act 2003 is amended as follows. 4 (1) Section 335B (maintenance of list of providers) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (1), for the words after paragraph (b) substitute “which are subject to regulation by OFCOM as a result of one of the provisions listed in subsection (1A)”. (3) After subsection (1) insert— (1A) The provisions are— (a) section 198 (regulation of the BBC by OFCOM); (b) section 203 (regulation of S4C by OFCOM); (c) section 211 (regulation of independent television services). (4) Omit subsection (2). (5) For subsection (3) substitute— (3) OFCOM must publish the up to date list on a publicly accessible part of their website. (6) In subsection (4)— (a) after “subsection (1)” insert “(other than any service provided by the BBC or S4C)”; (b) for the words from “the determination of jurisdiction” to the end substitute “whether or not the service falls to be regulated by OFCOM under section 211.” 5 (1) Section 368BZA (maintenance of list of providers) is amended as follows. (2) Omit subsection (2). (3) For subsection (3) substitute— (3) OFCOM must publish the up to date list on a publicly accessible part of their website. 6 In section 368BA (advance notification to appropriate regulatory authority), in subsection (4), for the words from “the determination” to the end substitute “whether or not paragraphs (e) and (f) of section 368A(1) are satisfied.” 7 In section 368CB (quota for European works)— (a) in subsection (7), in the definition of “European works”, after “Services Directive” insert “as it has effect in EU law as amended from time to time”; (b) in subsection (8), at the end insert “as amended from time to time”. 8 In section 368D (duties of service providers), in subsection (2)(ca), for the words from “under the jurisdiction” to the end substitute “subject to regulation by the appropriate regulatory authority as a result of section 368A(1)(e) and (f);”. 9 (1) Section 368E (harmful material) is amended as follows. (2) Before subsection (3)(za) insert— (zza) material the inclusion of which in an on-demand programme service would be an offence under section 1 of the Terrorism Act 2006 (encouragement of terrorism), . (3) In subsection (3)(za)— (a) for “would be conduct” substitute “is conduct of a kind that, immediately before IP completion day, would have been”; (b) omit sub-paragraph (i). 10 For section 368OA (co-operation with member States and the European Commission) substitute— Co-operation with EEA States 368OA OFCOM may co-operate with EEA States which are subject to the Audiovisual Media Services Directive, and with the national regulatory authorities of such EEA states, for the following purposes— (a) facilitating the carrying out by OFCOM of any of their functions under this Part, or (b) facilitating the carrying out by the national regulatory authorities of the EEA states of any of their functions in relation to on-demand programme services under the Directive as it has effect in EU law as amended from time to time.
Propose a change