Information about how we regulate Channel 3 in the UK, including our latest reports and reviews.
There are 15 national and regional Channel 3 licences, and one licence for the UK-wide breakfast-time service. Parts of the Channel 3 schedule will be different depending on where you live, most notably the news programmes.
Channel 3 licences are held by subsidiaries of ITV plc and STV Group plc. You can find the current licensee details and copies of the licences on our website.
Before granting the licences, we consulted on and set the programming obligations and financial terms. We also approved some changes to the licensed areas for Wales, the West of England and South West of England.
Complain about something you’ve seen on this channel
You can make a complaint about a programme you watched on this channel.
Appointed news provider
In 2025, we decided to approve the proposed terms of appointment of ITN as the Channel 3 news provider for the period to 2030. Ofcom considers that the terms appeared appropriate for securing that ITN’s finances will be adequate, throughout the period of its appointment, to ensure that the Channel 3 news obligations are capable of being met (in accordance with sections 279 and 280 of the Communications Act 2003).
Networking arrangements
In 2017, we reviewed the networking arrangements between Channel 3’s regional licensees and concluded that no modifications are required.
ITV and STV notified Ofcom of a proposed technical modification to their internal fee arrangements under the networking arrangements. As required by the Communications Act 2003, we considered the proposed modification and have published a report setting out our decision to approve the modification with effect from 5 June 2026.