Get your broadcasting licences and meet Ofcom duties
If you provide a television, radio or on-demand programme service, or operate transmission equipment, you need the right …
Creative Industries
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.
UK-wide
Guide summary
You must get a licence from Ofcom to run a TV or radio service in the UK. Apply online and pay a fee. You must follow Ofcom's rules on what you broadcast. Broadcasting without a licence is a crime.
- Apply for a licence from Ofcom before you start broadcasting
- Pay an application fee of £1,500 to £5,000 for TV
- Pay a £600 application fee for community radio
- Follow the Ofcom Broadcasting Code for all your content
- Start broadcasting within 12 months of getting your licence
- Submit quarterly reports to Ofcom about your programmes
- Broadcasting without a licence is a criminal offence
- Fines for breaking rules can be up to £500,000
On this page
UK-wide
Related guides in Professional Bodies
Broadcasting business: compliance checklist
Use this checklist to confirm your broadcasting business (SIC division 60) meets its obligations. Work through the universal …
Meet your telecommunications regulatory duties
If you provide a public electronic communications network or service, you must notify Ofcom, comply with the General …
Telecommunications compliance checklist
Use this checklist to confirm you have met every regulatory obligation that applies to your telecommunications business — …
Tech Sector Licensing and Authorisations
Comprehensive guide to licences and regulatory authorisations required for technology businesses - telecommunications, financial services, intellectual property, export …
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.