Commentary on Sections Part 3: Television and Radio Services Chapter 2: Regulatory Structure for Independent Television Services Section 239: Action against licence holders who incite crime or disorder
537.OFCOM must serve a notice under subsection (2) on a television licensable content service licence holder if satisfied that the service has included one or more programmes which contain material likely to encourage or to incite crime or disorder, that this has contravened a licence condition, and that the contravention warrants the revocation of that licence. A notice under subsection (2) must specify the nature of the contravention, state that the licence may be revoked at the end of 21 days beginning with the date of service of the notice, and inform the licence holder of his right to make representations. The effect of the notice is to suspend the licence until revocation, or until OFCOM decide not to revoke the licence. At the end of 21 days, and having considered any representations, OFCOM may, if satisfied that this is necessary in the public interest, serve on the licence holder a notice of revocation. This may not take effect less than 28 days after being served.