Communications Act 2003

Approval required for religious bodies etc. to hold licences

15 (1) A person mentioned in paragraph 2(1) of Part 2 of Schedule 2 to the 1990 Act (religious bodies etc.) is not to hold a Broadcasting Act licence not mentioned in paragraph 2(1A) of that Part unless—

(a) OFCOM have made a determination in his case as respects a description of licences applicable to that licence; and

(b) that determination remains in force.

(2) OFCOM are to make a determination under this paragraph in a person’s case and as respects a particular description of licence if, and only if, they are satisfied that it is appropriate for that person to hold a licence of that description.

(3) OFCOM are not to make a determination under this paragraph except on an application made to them for the purpose.

(4) OFCOM must publish guidance for persons making applications to them under this paragraph as to the principles that they will apply when determining for the purposes of sub-paragraph (2) what is appropriate.

(5) OFCOM must have regard to guidance for the time being in force under sub-paragraph (4) when making determinations under this paragraph.

(6) OFCOM may revise any guidance under sub-paragraph (4) by publishing their revisions of it.

(7) The publication of guidance under sub-paragraph (4), or of any revisions of it, is to be in whatever manner OFCOM consider appropriate.