Digital Replacement Licences Accepted By UK Broadcasters

The nation’s commercial terrestrial television broadcasters have accepted Ofcom’s offer of digital replacement licences, paving the way for a digital-only television landscape in Britain.

The move follows Ofcom’s statutory obligation to offer replacement licences under the Communications Act 2003. The new licences will replace existing analogue contracts and will see the eleven ‘channel 3’ licences controlled by ITV, SMG, Ulster Television, Channel TV and GMTV given digital broadcasting rights in anticipation of switchover in 2012.

The licence holders of the Channel Five and Public Teletext services have also accepted Ofcom’s offer of a replacement licence, with Channel 4 recieving its licence later, as required under the Communications Act.

All replacement licences will take effect from 28 December, replacing existing broadcasting licences and containing various obligations related to the digital switchover, including a target date of 31 December 2012.

Ofcom offered the final digital replacement licences to broadcasters at the end of last month, however Channel 4’s licence will be offered later this month following the closure of a consultation period on a draft replacement licence in recognition of its unique status (see Ofcom Issues Replacement Digital TV Licences).

Ofcom: 020 7981 3040 www.ofcom.org.uk

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