Creative Industries UK-wide

Apply for broadcasting licence (TV and radio)

How to obtain Ofcom broadcasting licences for television and radio services in the UK - including TLCS for TV channels, community radio, and commercial radio licensing.

Guide summary

You must get a licence from Ofcom before you broadcast TV or radio in the UK. Apply for a TV licence (TLCS for linear channels or ODPS for streaming) or a radio licence (community, commercial, or digital). Pay application fees between £600 and £5,000. Follow the Broadcasting Code or face fines up to £500,000.

  • Get a licence from Ofcom before broadcasting TV or radio
  • Apply for a TLCS licence for linear TV channels
  • Register for ODPS if you run a catch-up or streaming service
  • Pay application fee £1,500 to £5,000 for TV licences
  • Community radio application fee £600, annual fee £600
  • Processing takes 8 to 12 weeks for new applications
  • Start broadcasting within 12 months of getting your licence
  • Submit quarterly compliance reports to Ofcom
  • Maximum fine £500,000 or 5% of qualifying revenue
  • Broadcasting without a licence is a criminal offence
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Broadcasting regulation in the UK

If you want to operate a television or radio broadcasting service in the UK, you must obtain a licence from Ofcom (Office of Communications), the statutory regulator under the Communications Act 2003.

Broadcasting without a licence is a criminal offence. Licences are required for both traditional broadcast (terrestrial, satellite, cable) and many online streaming services.

Television broadcasting licences

Television services require either a TLCS (TV Licensable Content Service) licence for linear channels or ODPS (On-Demand Programme Service) registration for catch-up and streaming services.

Applying for a TV broadcasting licence

The application process is rigorous and requires demonstrating financial viability, compliance systems, and UK establishment.

Radio broadcasting licences

Radio licences come in different categories: community radio (non-profit serving specific communities), commercial radio (advertised competitive rounds), and digital radio (DAB multiplex carriage).

Penalties for broadcasting licence breaches

Ofcom has significant enforcement powers and actively sanctions broadcasters who breach licence conditions or the Broadcasting Code.

Compliance with the Ofcom Broadcasting Code

All licensed broadcasters must comply with the Ofcom Broadcasting Code, which sets standards for:

  • Protecting under-18s from harmful or offensive content
  • Ensuring news is reported with due accuracy and presented with due impartiality
  • Fairness in programme-making and privacy protections
  • Preventing harmful material and incitement to crime
  • Advertising standards and separation from editorial content
  • Election and referendum coverage impartiality

Breaches can result in fines up to £250,000 (or 5% of qualifying revenue, whichever is greater) under the Communications Act 2003, conditions, shortening, suspension, or revocation of your licence.