UK Act of Parliament
2024
United Kingdom
Media Act 2024
At a glance
Enforced by
What's here
5 compliance obligations, 1 practical guide
Who this Act binds
Business-side actors with duties under this Act, ranked by how often they appear.
- Any Person 2
Plus 3 non-business duties on Crown ministers, regulators, local authorities or tribunals — shown collapsed under each section below.
Relevant guidance
Practical guides for businesses affected by this Act, ordered by how closely they engage with it.
Supporting — topic alignment
1 guidesOther Acts binding the same actors
For each actor bound by this Act, the other UK Acts that bind them most often. Useful for understanding the full compliance landscape facing each role.
Any Person also bound by 2338 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Human Medicines Regulations 2012 2012 169 duties
- Merchant Shipping Act 1995 1995 144 duties
- Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016 2016 101 duties
- Road Traffic Act 1988 1988 95 duties
- Air Navigation Order 2016 2016 95 duties
What this Act requires
Sections that create concrete duties on businesses or carry penalties. Procedural and definitional sections are folded into the “Browse other sections” expander at the bottom of each group. Click any section title to read the source text on legislation.gov.uk.
Schedules
(1) Paragraph 1 of Schedule 12 to the Communications Act...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- BBC must commission and broadcast minimum hours of independent productions Crown / Minister / Government department
(1) Paragraph 7 of Schedule 12 to the Communications Act...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- S4C must commission minimum hours and value of independent productions Crown / Minister / Government department
(1) Paragraph 8 of Schedule 12 to that Act (programme...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- S4C must provide a minimum quota of original Welsh-language productions each year Crown / Minister / Government department
Browse 187 other Schedules — structural / supplementary
In paragraph 10 of Schedule 12 to that Act (code...
Broadcasting Act 1990
In section 33 (review of digital television broadcasting), in subsection...
In section 39 (interpretation of Part 1), in subsection (1),...
(1) Section 97 (listed events) is amended as follows.
(1) Section 98 (categories of service) is amended as follows....
(1) Section 99 (contract for exclusive right to televise listed...
In section 100 (contract for televising listed event must specify...
(1) Section 102 (power of OFCOM to impose penalty) is...
In section 103 (report to Secretary of State about BBC...
(1) Section 104 (code of guidance) is amended as follows....
(1) In section 105 (interpretation of Part 4), subsection (1)...
In section 24 (Channel 4 to be provided by Corporation...
In section 130 (interpretation of Part 5), in subsection (1),...
Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002
Communications Act 2003
In section 3 (general duties of OFCOM), in subsection (4)(a),...
In section 64 (must carry obligations), omit subsection (3)(f).
In section 198A (C4C’s functions in relation to media content),...
In section 216 (renewal of Channel 3 and 5 licences),...
Omit the italic heading before section 218.
In section 224 (meaning of initial expiry date), omit subsection...
In the italic heading before section 225, omit “and teletext”....
In section 49 (licensing of additional services), omit subsection (1A)....
In section 226 (application for review of financial terms in...
In section 227 (reviews under sections 225 and 226), in...
(1) Section 229 (report in anticipation of new licensing round)...
In section 233 (services that are not television licensable content...
In section 241 (television multiplex services), omit subsection (9)(f).
In section 243 (powers where frequencies reserved for qualifying services),...
(1) Section 263 (application of regulatory regimes) is amended as...
In section 264 (OFCOM reports on the fulfilment of the...
In section 265 (public service remits of licensed providers)—
Omit section 268 (statement of service policy by the public...
In section 66 (requirements relating to transmission and distribution of...
Omit section 269 (changes of public teletext service policy).
(1) Section 270 (enforcement of public service remits) is amended...
In section 271 (power to amend public service remits), in...
In section 272 (must-offer obligations in relation to networks), omit...
In section 273 (must-offer obligations in relation to satellite services),...
In section 274 (securing reception of must-provide services in certain...
In section 275 (must-provide services for the purposes of section...
Omit section 276 (cooperation with the public teletext provider).
Omit section 284 (news provision on the public teletext service)....
Omit section 289 (regional matters in the public teletext service)....
In Schedule 2 (restrictions on the holding of licences), in...
Omit section 298 (conditions prohibiting interference with other services) and...
Omit section 300 (effects of categorisation of listed events into...
In section 301 (the code under section 104 of the...
Omit section 308 (assistance for the visually impaired with the...
In section 310 (code of practice for electronic programme guides),...
In section 322 (supplementary powers relating to advertising), in subsection...
In section 324 (setting and publication of standards), omit subsection...
In section 335 (conditions securing compliance with international obligations), omit...
(1) Section 351 (changes of control of Channel 3 services)...
(1) Section 353 (changes of control of Channel 5) is...
Broadcasting Act 1996
(1) Section 362 (interpretation of Part 3) is amended as...
In section 405 (general interpretation), in subsection (1)—
In Schedule 9 (arrangements about carrying on of C4C’s activities),...
Omit Schedule 10 (licensing the public teletext service).
In Schedule 12 (corresponding obligations of the BBC and Welsh...
In Schedule 18 (transitional provisions), in paragraph 51 (listed events...
Digital Economy Act 2010
In section 2 (meaning of “qualifying service”), in subsection (2),...
In section 12 (conditions attached to multiplex licence), omit subsection...
(1) Section 24 (digital additional service) is amended as follows....
The Communications Act 2003 is amended as follows.
In section 393 (general restrictions on disclosure of information), in...
In section 394 (service of notifications and other documents), in...
In section 400 (destination of fees and penalties), in subsection...
Broadcasting Act 1990
In section 71 (interpretation of Part 1), in subsection (1),...
In section 176 (duty to provide advance information about programmes),...
In section 177 (orders proscribing unacceptable foreign satellite services), in...
In section 188 (power to give broadcasting bodies etc directions...
In section 202 (general interpretation), in subsection (1)—
In Part 2 of Schedule 2 (disqualification for holding licences),...
(1) Schedule 6 (the Welsh Authority: supplementary provisions) is amended...
Broadcasting Act 1996
In section 2 (meaning of “qualifying service”), in subsection (2)(e)—...
(1) Section 24 (digital additional services) is amended as follows....
In section 37 (announcements of programme schedules), in subsection (2)(a),...
Omit section 29(2) (application of the Broadcasting Act 1990 to...
In section 33(1)(a)(ii) and (3)(d) (review of digital television broadcasting),...
In section 39 (interpretation of Part 1), in subsection (1),...
In section 97 (listed events)— (a) in subsection (2) (before...
In sections 99(2) (televising listed events), 103(3) (report to Secretary...
In section 105 (interpretation of Part 4 and supplementary provisions),...
In section 107 (code relating to avoidance of unjust or...
In section 130(1) (interpretation of Part 5)—
Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002
Communications Act 2003
(1) Section 56 (Welsh Authority to continue as Sianel Pedwar...
In section 12(9)(b) (OFCOM’s Content Board), for “and employees of...
In the Chapter heading of Chapter 1 of Part 3,...
(1) In section 203 (function of OFCOM), and in its...
(1) Section 207 (finances) is amended as follows.
In sections 211(1)(a) (regulation of independent television services) and 243(7)(d)...
In section 264 (OFCOM reports on the fulfilment of public...
In sections 277(11) (programming quotas for independent productions), 278(8) (programming...
In sections 303(12)(a) (code relating to provision for people with...
(1) In section 338 (corresponding rules), and in its heading,...
(1) Section 339 (review of fulfilment of public service remits)...
(1) Section 60 (advertising on S4C) is amended as follows....
In the italic heading before section 339, for “the Welsh...
(1) Section 340 (directions to S4C to take remedial action)...
(1) Section 341 (imposition of penalties) is amended as follows....
(1) Section 343 (provision of information) is amended as follows....
In section 347(7) (statement of charging principles), for “the Welsh...
(1) Section 362 (interpretation of Part 3) is amended as...
In section 368R(6) (interpretation of Part 4A), for “the Welsh...
In section 393(3)(g) (restrictions on disclosure of information), for “the...
In section 405(1) (interpretation of Act), after the definition of...
(1) In the heading of Schedule 12 (corresponding obligations of...
(1) Section 61 (funding of Welsh Authority) is amended as...
In the heading of that Part, for “The Welsh Authority”...
(1) Paragraph 3 (public service remits) is amended as follows....
(1) Paragraph 4 (statements of programme policy) is amended as...
(1) Paragraph 5 (duties regarding arrangements with networks) is amended...
In paragraph 6 (supply of services by satellite in certain...
(1) Paragraph 7 (programming quotas for independent productions) is amended...
(1) Paragraph 8 (programme quotas for original productions) is amended...
(1) Paragraph 9 (news and current affairs programmes) is amended...
(1) Paragraph 10 (code relating to programme commissioning) is amended...
In paragraphs 12 (duty to observe programme standards), 13 (duty...
(1) Section 61A (Welsh Authority public service fund) is amended...
In paragraph 13, for “the Authority” substitute “S4C”.
In paragraph 14(2)(a), for “the Authority’s” substitute “S4C’s”.
(1) Paragraph 15 (OFCOM action if S4C fails to perform...
(1) Paragraph 16 (directions with respect to advertising) is amended...
In paragraph 17 (fairness standards), for “the Welsh Authority” substitute...
(1) Paragraph 18 (party political broadcasts) is amended as follows....
(1) Paragraph 19 (publicising complaints procedures) is amended as follows....
In paragraph 20(1) (monitoring of programmes), for “the Welsh Authority”...
(1) Paragraph 21 (compliance with international obligations) is amended as...
(1) Paragraph 22 (services for people with disabilities) is amended...
(1) Section 63 (government control over S4C) is amended as...
(1) Paragraph 23 (equality of opportunity) is amended as follows....
(1) Paragraph 24 (public services) is amended as follows.
In Schedule 18 (transitional provisions), omit paragraph 27 and sub-...
Equality Act 2010
(1) Section 64 (audience research by Welsh Authority) is amended...
In section 66 (requirements relating to transmission and distribution of...
Part 4A of the Communications Act 2003 is amended as...
(1) Section 368NA (fees) is amended as follows.
(1) For section 368O (power to demand information) substitute— Power...
(1) Section 368R (interpretation of Part 4A) is amended as...
Before section 368I insert— Chapter 4 Enforcement: general .
(1) Section 368I (enforcement of sections 368CB and 368D) is...
In section 368IA (enforcement of section 368E(4)), in subsection (1),...
(1) Section 368K (suspension or restriction of service for contraventions...
(1) Section 368L (suspension or restriction of service for inciting...
(1) Section 368M (supplementary provisions about directions) is amended as...
In section 368N (enforcement of directions under section 368K or...
Before section 368NA insert— Chapter 5 Supplementary .
In section 93 of the Representation of the People Act...
(1) The Broadcasting Act 1996 is amended as follows.
(1) The Communications Act 2003 is amended as follows.
(1) Section 9A of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (notice...
(1) The Online Safety Act 2023 is amended as follows....
Part 4A of the Communications Act 2003 is amended as...
In section 368J (financial penalties), in subsection (1), omit “,...
In section 368K (suspension or restriction of service for contraventions...
(1) Before section 368R insert— Service of notices by OFCOM...
In section 368BZA (list of providers), in subsection (1), for...
In section 368BB (enforcement of section 368BA), after subsection (6)...
Omit the cross-heading preceding section 368BC.
(1) Omit sections 368BC and 368BD (accessibility for people with...
Omit section 368CA (code on accessibility for people with disabilities)....
In section 368D (duties of service providers), in subsection (3)(zb),...
In section 368I (enforcement of sections 368CB and 368D), after...
In section 368IA (enforcement of section 368E(4)), after subsection (8)...
The Communications Act 2003 is amended as follows.
In section 393 (general restrictions on disclosure of information), in...
In section 394 (service of notifications and other documents), in...
In section 400 (destination of fees and penalties), in subsection...
In section 202 of the Broadcasting Act 1990 (general interpretation),...
For section 368OA (co-operation with member States and the European...
In section 105 of the Broadcasting Act 1996 (interpretation of...
The Communications Act 2003 is amended as follows.
(1) Section 335B (maintenance of list of providers) is amended...
(1) Section 368BZA (maintenance of list of providers) is amended...
In section 368BA (advance notification to appropriate regulatory authority), in...
In section 368CB (quota for European works)—
In section 368D (duties of service providers), in subsection (2)(ca),...
(1) Section 368E (harmful material) is amended as follows.
Power to require information
- Provide information when Ofcom issues an information notice Any Person
Audience protection reviews
- Provide Ofcom with information about your audience protection measures when asked Any Person
Browse 54 other sections — procedural / definitional / commencement
Reports on the fulfilment of the public service remit
OFCOM reports: wider review and reporting obligations
Public service remits of licensed providers
Statements of programme policy
Changes of programme policy
Enforcement of public service remits
Power to amend public service remit for television in the United Kingdom
Quotas: independent productions
Quotas: original productions
Power to create additional quotas for qualifying audiovisual content
Quotas: meaning of “qualifying audiovisual content” etc
Quotas: further provision about their fulfilment
Quotas: independent productions: commissioning code
Regional programme-making: Channels 3, 4 and 5
Networking arrangements for Channel 3
Removal of quotas for schools programmes on Channel 4
Quotas: the BBC and S4C
Amount of financial penalties: qualifying revenue
Categories of relevant service
Contracts relating to coverage of listed events
Restriction on showing live coverage of listed events
Regulations about coverage of listed events
Provision of information
Sections 20 to 24: further provision
Public teletext service
Further amendments relating to public service television
Prominence on television selection services
Sustainability duty of C4C
C4C’s duties in relation to commissioning programmes
Involvement of C4C in programme-making
S4C’s powers and public service remit
The S4C Board
Accounts and audit
Amendment of BBC’s obligation to provide Welsh programmes
Chapter 2 of Part 3: minor and consequential amendments
Tier 1 services
S4C: on-demand programme services
Other amendments of Part 4A of the 2003 Act
Licensing of analogue radio services
Licensing and local services
Character of local services
Local news and information
Financial assistance for radio
Licensing of non-UK digital sound programme services
Radio multiplex licences
Regulation of radio selection services
Penalties under Parts 3A and 3B of the Communications Act 2003
Awards of costs
Amendments of broadcasting legislation: UK’s withdrawal from EU
Power to make consequential provision
Financial provisions
Extent
Commencement
Short title
Official guidance
Authoritative sources published by regulators or government explaining this legislation.
- Consultation: Tier 1 Standards Code (opens in a new tab) from Ofcom Detailed Guidance
- Audience protection measures in practice: Review of Audience Protection Measures on On-Demand Programme Services (opens in a new tab) from Ofcom Detailed Guidance
- Update on implementing the Media Act (opens in a new tab) from Ofcom Detailed Guidance
- Public service content should be findable on YouTube (opens in a new tab) from Ofcom Detailed Guidance
- Regulating public service broadcasters (opens in a new tab) from Ofcom Detailed Guidance
- Statement: Local news and information on analogue commercial radio (opens in a new tab) from Ofcom Detailed Guidance
- Consultation: Statement of Programme Policy and Statement of Media Content Policy guidance (opens in a new tab) from Ofcom Detailed Guidance
- Consultation: Revised Guidance for Public Service Broadcasters on Commissioning Codes of Practice (opens in a new tab) from Ofcom Detailed Guidance
- Statement: Final report to the Secretary of State on the designation of television selection services (opens in a new tab) from Ofcom Detailed Guidance
- Consultation: Designation of Public Service Broadcaster Internet Programme Services (opens in a new tab) from Ofcom Detailed Guidance
- ... and 11 more
Enforcement and responsible bodies
The regulators that administer or enforce this legislation.
Office of Communications
Regulates telecoms, TV, radio, video-on-demand, postal services, and online safety. Issues licences for telecoms providers, manages spectrum. Now enforces Online Safety Act …
Explore more
Browse legislation
Find other UK business legislation with related guidance.
Regulators
Learn more about the bodies that enforce this legislation.