SCHEDULES
SCHEDULE 12

Corresponding obligations of the BBC and S4C
Part 2

S4C

Programme quotas for original productions
8
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.
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6
References in this paragraph ... to original productions are references to programmes of such description as the Secretary of State may by order specify as describing the programmes that are to be original productions for the purposes of this paragraph.
7
The power to specify descriptions of programmes by order under sub-paragraph (6) includes power to confer such discretions on OFCOM as the Secretary of State thinks fit.
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.
8
Before making an order under this paragraph the Secretary of State must consult OFCOM, the BBC and S4C.
9
No order is to be made containing provision authorised by this paragraph unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.
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11
In this paragraph—
- “peak viewing time” ... means a time that is determined in accordance with sub-paragraph (12) to be a peak viewing time for S4C Digital; and
- “programme” does not include an advertisement.
12
The determination for the purposes of this paragraph of peak viewing times is to be—
a
by agreement between S4C and OFCOM; or
b
in default of agreement, by a direction given by OFCOM to S4C determining those times.
13
See also sections 278B and 278C (which make further provision for the interpretation of this paragraph etc).
Word in Sch. 12 heading substituted (23.8.2024) by Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(c), Sch. 4 para. 49(1); S.I. 2024/858, reg. 2(1)(x)
Word in Sch. 12 para. 8(12)(a) substituted (23.8.2024) by Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(c), Sch. 4 para. 56(2); S.I. 2024/858, reg. 2(1)(x)
Word in Sch. 12 para. 8(8) substituted (23.8.2024) by Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(c), Sch. 4 para. 56(2); S.I. 2024/858, reg. 2(1)(x)
Word in Sch. 12 Pt. 2 heading substituted (23.8.2024) by Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(c), Sch. 4 para. 50; S.I. 2024/858, reg. 2(1)(x)
Word in Sch. 12 para. 8(12)(b) substituted (23.8.2024) by Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(c), Sch. 4 para. 56(3); S.I. 2024/858, reg. 2(1)(x)
Sch. 12 para. 8 in force at 1.7.2004 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 4(4)(c) (with art. 11) (as amended (4.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/545, art. 2(2)(3)(c))
Sch. 12 para. 8(1)-(1C) substituted for Sch. 12 para. 8(1) (23.8.2024 for specified purposes, 1.1.2026 in so far as not already in force) by Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(a), Sch. 1 para. 3(2); S.I. 2024/858, reg. 3, Sch.; S.I. 2025/1049, reg. 3(s)
Sch. 12 para. 8(2)-(5) omitted (23.8.2024 for specified purposes, 1.1.2026 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(a), Sch. 1 para. 3(3); S.I. 2024/858, reg. 3, Sch.; S.I. 2025/1049, reg. 3(s)
Sch. 12 para. 8(7A) inserted (23.8.2024 for specified purposes, 1.1.2026 in so far as not already in force) by Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(a), Sch. 1 para. 3(5); S.I. 2024/858, reg. 3, Sch.; S.I. 2025/1049, reg. 3(s)
Sch. 12 para. 8(13) inserted (23.8.2024 for specified purposes, 1.1.2026 in so far as not already in force) by Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(a), Sch. 1 para. 3(8); S.I. 2024/858, reg. 3, Sch.; S.I. 2025/1049, reg. 3(s)
Words in Sch. 12 para. 8(6) omitted (23.8.2024 for specified purposes, 1.1.2026 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(a), Sch. 1 para. 3(4); S.I. 2024/858, reg. 3, Sch.; S.I. 2025/1049, reg. 3(s)
Sch. 12 para. 8(10) omitted (23.8.2024 for specified purposes, 1.1.2026 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(a), Sch. 1 para. 3(6); S.I. 2024/858, reg. 3, Sch.; S.I. 2025/1049, reg. 3(s)
Words in Sch. 12 para. 8(11) omitted (23.8.2024 for specified purposes, 1.1.2026 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(a), Sch. 1 para. 3(7)(a); S.I. 2024/858, reg. 3, Sch.; S.I. 2025/1049, reg. 3(s)
Words in Sch. 12 para. 8(11) substituted (23.8.2024 for specified purposes, 1.1.2026 in so far as not already in force) by Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(a), Sch. 1 para. 3(7)(b); S.I. 2024/858, reg. 3, Sch.; S.I. 2025/1049, reg. 3(s)