Part 3

Television and Radio Services ETC
Chapter 1

The BBC, C4C , S4C and the Gaelic media service

S4C (Sianel Pedwar Cymru)

Restrictions on S4C’s powers
204B
1
S4C must obtain the Secretary of State’s approval in writing before (whether under section 204A or otherwise)—
a
providing any television programme services;
b
doing anything for a charge or with a view to making a profit.
2
S4C must ensure that an S4C company obtains the Secretary of State’s approval in writing before the company does anything for a charge or with a view to making a profit.
3
An approval under this section may be—
a
a general approval in relation to a description of activities, or
b
a specific approval in relation to particular activities.
4
For the purposes of this section, the carrying on of the following activities is treated as approved by the Secretary of State (so far as approval under this section would otherwise be required)—
a
the provision of S4C Digital,
b
each activity whose carrying on is approved under section 205 or 206 of this Act (S4C’s other activities) immediately before this section comes into force, and
c
each activity which is being carried on by S4C or an S4C company immediately before this section comes into force.
5
S4C may not provide a service that would fall to be regulated under section 245 (independent radio services) if provided by an S4C company.
Words in s. 203 cross-heading substituted (23.8.2024) by Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(c), Sch. 4 para. 32(2); S.I. 2024/858, reg. 2(1)(x)
Word in Pt. 3 inserted (8.6.2010) by Digital Economy Act 2010 (c. 24), ss. 22(4), 47(1)
Pt. 3 applied (with modifications) (14.2.2012) by The Local Digital Television Programme Services Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/292), arts. 1, 4, Sch. Pt. 2
Word in Pt. 3 Ch. 1 heading substituted (23.8.2024) by Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(c), Sch. 4 para. 31; S.I. 2024/858, reg. 2(1)(x)
Pt. 3: amendment to earlier affecting provision S.I. 2012/292, Sch. Pt. 2 (12.7.2012) by The Broadcasting (Local Digital Television Programme Services and Independent Productions) (Amendment) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/1842), art. 4
Pt. 3 modified (1.4.2025) by The Community Radio Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/160), arts. 1(2), 4, Sch. (with art. 8)
Ss. 204A-204C substituted for ss. 204-206 (1.1.2026) by Media Act 2024 (c. 15), ss. 32(2), 55(3)(b); S.I. 2025/1049, reg. 3(r)