Section 237: Penalties for contravention of licence condition or direction
533.If OFCOM are satisfied that a television licensable content service licence holder has breached a condition of that licence, or has not complied with a direction given by OFCOM, they may serve a notice on that person imposing a fine. The maximum fine is the greater of £250,000 or 5 per cent of qualifying revenue within the relevant period. OFCOM may not impose a fine unless they have first given the licence holder the chance to comment. If OFCOM serve a notice on a BBC company, they must send a copy of that notice, and of any representations received from the company, to the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State may vary the amount of the maximum fine by order.
*“qualifying revenue” is calculated in accordance with section 19(2) to (6) of the Broadcasting Act 1990 and Part 1 of Schedule 7 to that Act, with any necessary modifications.
