Commentary on Sections Part 3: Television and Radio Services Chapter 3: Regulatory Structure for Independent Radio Services Section 254: Renewal of local licences
556.This section amends section 104A(5) of the Broadcasting Act 1990 (conditions of renewal of local licences). When a renewal application has been made, OFCOM will be required to grant the licence provided the following criteria are met: (i) they are satisfied that the applicant would, if the licence were renewed, provide a local service complying with any conditions imposed to secure the character of the licensed service (ii) the nominated local digital sound programme service the applicant provides is being broadcast by means of a nominated local radio multiplex services; and (iii) they are satisfied that the period and times at which the nominated local digital sound programme service will be available under the renewed licence will not be significantly different, week by week, from those for and at which the licensed local service will be broadcast. This third criterion is added by this section.