Commentary on Sections Part 3: Television and Radio Services Chapter 4: Regulatory Provisions Section 283: News providers for Channel 5
606.The Secretary of State may by order impose requirements for the provision of Channel 5 news programmes that correspond to the news provider provisions for Channel 3 services, with such modifications as the Secretary of State sees fit. An order may only be made on OFCOM’s recommendation or after consulting OFCOM. Before the Channel 5 licence is varied, the licence-holder must be given an opportunity to make representations to OFCOM.
607.The Secretary of State is prohibited from imposing new obligations in relation to Channel 5 unless she is satisfied that Channel 5's share of the audience is broadly equivalent to that for the services comprising Channel 3.