Section 286: Regional programme-making for Channels 3 and 5
611.OFCOM may include in every licence for a Channel 3 service conditions to secure that, where Channel 3 programmes are broadcast in more than one Channel 3 area, a suitable proportion of those programmes that are made in the United Kingdom are made outside the area enclosed by the M25. Such programmes should make up a suitable range of programmes. An associated requirement is that Channel 3 providers invest sufficiently in programme production at a suitable range of production centres in different parts of the United Kingdom outside the area enclosed by the M25. None of these requirements need be included as a licence condition for a national Channel 3 service, unless OFCOM consider this to be appropriate having regard to the nature of the service. OFCOM must consult the licence holder on whom conditions under this section are to be imposed before imposing the conditions.
*a “national Channel 3 service” is defined in section 362 as a Channel 3 service provided between particular times of the day for more than one area for which regional Channel 3 services are provided.
612.OFCOM are also to include conditions in the licence for Channel 5 in order to ensure that a suitable proportion of Channel 5 programmes that are made in the United Kingdom are made outside the area enclosed by the M25. Such programmes should comprise a suitable range of programmes. The Channel 5 provider must also invest sufficiently in programme production at a suitable range of production centres in different parts of the United Kingdom outside the area enclosed by the M25.
