Part 3

Television and Radio Services ETC
Chapter 5

Media ownership and control

Changes of control

Action following review under s. 355
356
1
If, on a review under section 355, it appears to OFCOM that the relevant change of control is or would be prejudicial to one or more of the matters mentioned in subsection (4) of that section, they must vary the local licence in accordance with subsection (2).
2
The variation—
a
must be made with a view to ensuring that the relevant change of control is not prejudicial to any of the matters so mentioned; and
b
must be a variation for the inclusion in the licence of such conditions relating to any of those matters as they consider appropriate.
3
Subject to subsection (4), any new or varied condition imposed under this section in relation to any matter may be more onerous than the conditions relating to that matter having effect before the relevant change of control.
4
A variation under this section must not provide for the inclusion of any new or varied condition in a licence unless the new condition, or the condition as varied, is one which (with any necessary modifications) would have been satisfied by the licence holder throughout—
a
the three months immediately before the relevant date; or
b
such other three month period as has been notified under subsection (5).
5
If OFCOM consider that the performance of the licence holder during the three month period immediately preceding the relevant date is not typical of his performance during the twelve months before the relevant date they—
a
may determine that subsection (4) is to apply by reference to such other three month period falling within those twelve months as they may determine; and
b
must notify any determination under this subsection to the licence holder.
6
In subsection (4)
“the relevant date” is the date of the relevant change of control or, if earlier, the date on which OFCOM exercise their powers under this section.
7
A variation of a licence under this section shall be effected by the service of a notice of the variation on the licence holder.
8
OFCOM are not to serve a notice of a variation under this section unless they have given the body on whom it is served a reasonable opportunity, after the publication of the report of the review under section 355, of making representations to them about the variation.
9
Where, in a case of a proposed change of control, a notice varying a licence under this section is served before the change to which it relates takes place, the variation is not to take effect until that change takes place.
10
A condition included in a licence by a variation under this section may be further varied by OFCOM either—
a
with the consent of the licence holder; or
b
in any other case, after complying with the requirements of section 86(5)(b) of the 1990 Act (variation after giving opportunity for representations by the licence holder).
11
Expressions used in this section and section 355 have the same meanings in this section as in that.
S. 356 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)
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
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