Words in s. 13(1) substituted (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 15 para. 5(2) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

words in s. 13(1) inserted (1.10.1996) by 1996 c. 55, s. 148(1), Sch. 10 Pt. I para. 2(1)(b); S.I. 1996/2120, art. 4, Sch. 1

S. 13(1A) inserted (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 15 para. 5(3) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Words in s. 13(2) substituted (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 15 para. 5(4) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

S. 13 excluded (temp. until 11.10.1997) by S.I. 1997/1682, regs. 1, 4(3)

S. 13(1) excluded by S.I. 1990/2537, art. 2(1)

S. 13(1) excluded (5.1.1995) by S.I. 1995/3172, art. 2

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/42/section/13Broadcasting Act 1990Broadcasting Act 1990texttext/xmlenStatute Law Database2026-05-12Expert Participation2026-05-01Broadcasting Act 1990s. 193(2)(aa)The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) (No. 2) Regulations 2019 (expired—not approved)reg. 20reg. 1(1)Part I Independent Television ServicesChapter 1 Regulation by Commission of Television Services Generally Prohibition on providing unlicensed television services
13 Prohibition on providing television services without a licence.(1)

Subject to subsection (2), any person who provides any relevant regulated television service without being authorised to do so by or under a licence under this Part or Part I of the Broadcasting Act 1996 shall be guilty of an offence.

(1A)

In subsection (1) “relevant regulated television service” means a service falling, in pursuance of section 211(1) of the Communications Act 2003, to be regulated by OFCOM, other than a television multiplex service.

(2)

The Secretary of State may, after consultation with OFCOM , by order provide that subsection (1) shall not apply to such services or descriptions of services as are specified in the order.

(3)

A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable—

(a)

on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;

(b)

on conviction on indictment, to a fine.

(4)

No proceedings in respect of an offence under this section shall be instituted—

(a)

in England and Wales, except by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions;

(b)

in Northern Ireland, except by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland.

(5)

Without prejudice to subsection (3), compliance with this section shall be enforceable by civil proceedings by the Crown for an injunction or interdict or for any other appropriate relief.

(6)

Any order under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.