http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/21/section/313/2004-01-02Communications Act 2003An Act to confer functions on the Office of Communications; to make provision about the regulation of the provision of electronic communications networks and services and of the use of the electro-magnetic spectrum; to make provision about the regulation of broadcasting and of the provision of television and radio services; to make provision about mergers involving newspaper and other media enterprises and, in that connection, to amend the Enterprise Act 2002; and for connected purposes.texttext/xmlenStatute Law Database2026-05-01Expert Participation2004-01-02 Part 3 Television and Radio ServicesChapter 4Regulatory provisions<Emphasis>Character and coverage of radio services</Emphasis>Consultation about change of character of local services313After section 106 of the 1990 Act there shall be inserted—Consultation about change of character of local services106ZA1Before deciding for the purposes of a condition imposed under subsection (1A) of section 106 whether to consent to a departure from the character of a service provided under a local licence on any of the grounds mentioned in paragraphs (b) to (d) of that subsection, OFCOM must publish a notice specifying—athe proposed departure; andbthe period in which representations may be made to OFCOM about the proposal.2That period must end not less than 28 days after the date of publication of the notice.3The notice must be published in such manner as appears to OFCOM to be appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in OFCOM’s opinion, are likely to be affected by the departure.4OFCOM—aare not required to publish a notice under this section, andbmay specify a period of less than 28 days in such a notice as the period for representations,if they consider that the publication of the notice, or allowing a longer period for representations, would result in a delay that would be likely prejudicially to affect the interests of the licence holder.5OFCOM are not required under this section—ato publish any matter that is confidential in accordance with subsection (6) or (7); orbto publish anything that it would not be reasonably practicable to publish without disclosing such a matter.6A matter is confidential under this subsection if—ait relates specifically to the affairs of a particular body; andbits publication would or might, in OFCOM’s opinion, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that body.7A matter is confidential under this subsection if—ait relates specifically to the private affairs of an individual; andbits publication would or might, in OFCOM’s opinion, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that individual.S. 313 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)