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29|11|04

Ofcom publishes new digital replacement licences for commercial terrestrial broadcasters

Ofcom today publishes the final digital replacement licences (DRLs) offered to the commercial terrestrial broadcasters. Sections 215 and 221 of the Communications Act 2003 oblige Ofcom to make an offer of a DRL to Channel 3 licensees, Channel 5 and Public Teletext to replace their current analogue licences. If accepted, the replacement licences must be issued no later than 28 December 2004.

The DRLs will become the main new broadcasting licences for Channels 3, 4, 5 and Public Teletext and will contain the key public service requirements set out in their existing analogue licences together with new digital switchover obligations.

A different process is required for Channel 4 in recognition of its unique status. Therefore, Ofcom is also today publishing a revised draft DRL for Channel 4 notifying it of the proposed terms of its new licence.

Ofcom consulted on the DRLs in September 2004. The final DRL offers take account of all comments received. Switchover will take place on a Channel 3 region-by-region basis. The proposed sequence for this process will be published early in 2005 and, after discussion and agreement, Ofcom plans to add it to the DRLs.

The offer of the DRLs for Channel 3, Channel 5 and Public Teletext remains open until 13 December 2004. The final deadline for comments by Channel 4 on its draft DRL is also 13 December 2004. All DRLs will take effect from 28 December 2004.

Ofcom's DRL statement and associated licences are available via the Related Item link on the right of this page.

Ends.

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