Help with your broadcast licence

I am having trouble using the online payment portal to pay my invoice

If the online payment portal is down for maintenance, our IT team will be aware of this and will be working to get it online as quickly as possible. If this delay could cause you to be late in paying your fees, you must tell Ofcom before your payment deadline. You can do this by emailing [email protected] with a screen shot of the online portal page and the error message displayed. Please only do this if your payment will be late because of this issue. Our invoices also give details of how to pay by bank transfer.

How do I find out what my licence fee is?

Broadcasting Act licence fees

Ofcom's licence fees and administrative charges are updated at the beginning of each financial year.

Ofcom's current fees are available in our tariff tables.

Many types of service require both a Broadcasting Act (BA) licence and a Wireless Telegraphy Act (WTA) licence. Separate annual fee invoices are raised for each and the fees are paid into separate Ofcom accounts.

Wireless Telegraphy Act licence fees

The annual fees for Wireless Telegraphy Act licences for broadcasting are set out in the latest Wireless Telegraphy Act (Licence Charges) Regulations, under the heading ‘Broadcasting’.

Many types of service require both a Wireless Telegraphy Act (WTA) licence and a Broadcasting Act (BA) licence. Separate annual fee invoices are raised for each and the fees are paid into separate Ofcom accounts.

How do I find out what the fee is for my on-demand programme service?

Some on-demand programme service (ODPS) providers are required to pay a fee, depending on their annual turnover. Fees are updated at the beginning of each financial year and we publish details of the fee structure and the current fees.

Get in touch

If you haven't found the answer to your question, please contact the Broadcast Licensing team. We will try to respond to you within five working days.

How do I apply for a licence to start a community radio station?

You can only apply for a community radio analogue licence when Ofcom advertises a licensing round. We do not have any rounds currently open for community radio analogue licensing, and have no plans to do so in the foreseeable future as we focus on the rollout of small-scale Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB), which includes the Community Digital Sound Programme (C-DSP) licence. For information about C-DSP licences, please read the information below about broadcasting on DAB.

To be kept informed about updates on broadcasting matters, subscribe to broadcasting email updates via our website.

How do I apply for a licence to broadcast a radio station on DAB?

Please refer to the application form and guidance notes for details of how to apply for either a Digital Sound Programme (DSP) licence or a Community Digital Sound Programme (C-DSP) licence.

A DSP licence allows a broadcaster to provide a service on a DAB multiplex, be it a local, regional or national multiplex, or a small-scale DAB multiplex . There are no specific statutory criteria that an applicant must demonstrate they meet in order to be granted a DSP licence (beyond the standard requirements for all licences, such as being fit and proper to hold, and not being disqualified from holding, a licence).

C-DSP licences are designed to provide a low-cost route for community, local or specialist music services to broadcast on digital radio to a small geographic area (for example on small-scale DAB – SSDAB), where they are also required to deliver social gain. Applicants must therefore demonstrate that they meet certain statutory criteria which are detailed in the C-DSP licence notes of guidance. One of the key benefits of holding a C-DSP licence is that it allows access to potentially lower carriage fees through slots on a small-scale multiplex reserved specifically for community operators, subject to negotiations with the multiplex provider which is separate from the licensing process and not within Ofcom’s remit. Please note however, that you will only be able to apply for a C-DSP licence once we have invited applications for the small-scale multiplex in the area your target audience is based. Applications will continue to be accepted even after the small-scale multiplex application window has closed.

Our website also has information about the current status of small-scale DAB licensing.

To be kept informed about updates on small-scale DAB licensing, subscribe to broadcasting email updates via our website.

I want to provide another DAB radio station – do I need a new licence?

No, you can provide multiple services under one DSP licence. A director of the licensee can email [email protected] to request a new service be added, and the team will get back to you to confirm if any additional information is required.

How do I apply for a licence to start an analogue commercial radio station?

An analogue commercial radio licence must be advertised by Ofcom before anyone can apply for it, and we have no current plans to advertise any of these licences. Sometimes existing licences are re-advertised on a competitive basis, but the coverage may not be in your area.

For more information, please see the planned timetable for the re-advertisement of local analogue commercial radio licences.

How do I apply for a licence to run a small-scale DAB multiplex?

Small-scale DAB is an innovative technology which provides a low-cost way for local commercial, community and specialist music stations to broadcast on the DAB platform. Since 2021, Ofcom has advertised small-scale DAB multiplex licences across the whole of UK. These multiplexes are in addition to the existing local and national DAB multiplexes that have been well-established for a number of years. A DAB multiplex is a bundle of different radio stations that have been digitised and compressed to use less spectrum, which are then transmitted to DAB radio sets from a transmitter.

If you are interested in applying for a licence to operate a small-scale DAB multiplex in an area for which a multiplex licence has not yet been awarded, details are available in the small-scale DAB section of our website (note that these are competed-for licences, with only one being advertised per area).

Ofcom is not currently advertising any new local or national DAB multiplex licences, and has no current plans to do so.

Do I need a licence to launch an internet radio station?

No, you don’t need a licence from Ofcom to launch an internet-only radio station. We do not regulate online radio stations. However, you do need the relevant licences from the music copyright agencies: PPL and PRS for Music. These organisations operate separately from Ofcom and you need to contact them directly to find out the requirements and costs. You can find out more at www.pplprs.co.uk, www.ppluk.com and www.prsformusic.com.

How do I see the Format for a commercial radio station?

The formats for our licensed analogue commercial radio stations are available on our website.

How do I see the key commitments for a community radio station?

The Key Commitments for all our licensed analogue community radio stations are available on our website.

The Key Commitments for licensed Community Digital Sound Programme (C-DSP) services will not appear on our website until the service is broadcasting, but details of the proposed services can be found in the published applications.

Can I change my Format?

We will consider requests from commercial radio licensees to change their Format, submitted using the Format change request form. Our website also offers guidance on Format change requests.

The guidance sets out the criteria we use to determine whether to approve a change to a station’s Format. Depending on the nature of the change requested, licensees might also need to take account of Ofcom’s localness guidelines for local commercial radio services.

If it appears that the proposed changes might substantially alter the character of the service, We are required to consult on those changes. The decision on what is considered ‘substantial’ is taken on a case-by-case basis.

We publish a list of recently-approved Format change requests on our website.

Can I change my Key Commitments?

We will consider requests from community radio licensees to change their Key Commitments, submitted using the Key Commitments change request form. Our website also has guidance on changes to Key Commitments.

The guidance sets out the criteria we use to determine whether to approve a change to a station’s Key Commitments.

If it appears that the proposed changes might substantially alter the character of the service, We are required to consult on those changes. The decision on what is considered ‘substantial’ is taken on a case-by-case basis.

We publish a list of recently approved Key Commitments change requests on our website.

How do I update the contact details for my radio broadcast licence?

To update the contact details relating to a radio broadcast licence, please email [email protected]

How do I transfer my licence to another company?

Ofcom broadcasting licences are transferable only with Ofcom’s prior written consent.

To be able to consent to a transfer of a licence, we must be satisfied that the proposed transferee can comply with all the licence conditions. We therefore require the same information about the proposed transferee as when considering a licence application from a new applicant. Wemight need to ask for further information before deciding whether to consent to a transfer of a licence.

In cases where Ofcom has instigated sanctions procedures against an existing licensee which may lead to the revocation of any licences(s) it holds, it will not generally consider any applications for transfers of licences by the same licensee or by a person/body connected to that licensee until such time as that aspect of the sanctions procedure against the existing connected licensee is concluded. Similarly, Ofcom will not generally consider transfer applications either to or from a licensee while a sanctions procedure which may lead to licence revocation is ongoing.

We will not consider a transfer application if either the current licensee or proposed licensee has outstanding annual licence fees.

To request a transfer of a radio licence, please email [email protected] and we will confirm what you need to submit.

How do I surrender my radio broadcast licence?

A director of the licence-holding company is required to send an email to [email protected] stating the licence number and the date the surrender is to take effect. A member of the Broadcast Licensing team will then be in touch with next steps.

Do I need to inform Ofcom about a change of control of the licensee company, or the company that controls the licensee company?

You must notify us of any changes of control of radio licensees and anybbody that controls them, such as changes to directors or controlling shareholders. Ofcom’s guidance on the definition of control of media companies, provides more information about what changes need to be notified to us. Changes should be notified to Ofcom in writing using the notification of change form.

Is there a list of currently licensed commercial radio stations?

You can find a list of currently licensed commercial radio stations on our website.

Is there a list of currently licensed community radio stations?

You can find a list of currently licensed community radio stations and details of Community Digital Sound Programme (C-DSP) licence applications received on our website. C-DSP licence awards are announced in our regular radio broadcasting updates.

Is there a list of currently licensed cable and satellite radio stations?

You can find a list of currently licensed cable and satellite radio stations on our website.

Get in touch

If you haven't found the answer to your question, please contact the Broadcast Licensing team. We will try to respond to you within five working days.

How do I apply for a licence to broadcast a TV service?

To apply for a licence to broadcast using satellite or cable (for example Sky or Virgin), please refer to the application form and guidance notes for applicants for television licensable content services.

To apply for a licence to broadcast using digital terrestrial television (such as Freeview), please refer to the application form and guidance notes for applicants for digital television programme services and digital television additional services.

Do I need a licence to launch a ‘linear’ internet TV service?

A ‘linear’ internet TV service is a service that is streamed continuously so that a viewer accessing it will join the stream of content at the point it has reached at that time. This is different from  an on-demand service where viewers can access the content at their leisure, as the content is not scheduled.

Any linear TV service, whether or not it is provided via the internet, requires an Ofcom licence if it appears on a UK-regulated EPG. The exceptions to this are TV services from countries party to the European Convention on Transfrontier Television (ECTT) and Irish services: TG4, RTÉ1 and RTÉ2. See our frequently asked questions on linear television services and video on demand services after Brexit for further details.

If a linear TV service does not appear on a UK-regulated EPG, it is unlikely that it will require an Ofcom licence.

See the 'on-demand programme services' option for more information.

How do I update contact details for my broadcast licence?

To update the contact details relating to a TV broadcast licence, please email [email protected]. If the changes also apply to an on-demand programme service please also copy in [email protected].

If you are a radio licensee and want to update your contact details for Market Intelligence database (MID) returns, please contact [email protected].

If you are a TV licensee and want to update your contact details for MID returns, please contact [email protected].

To amend the contact details for your radiocommunications licence, please visit the radiocommunications licences section on our website.

Broadcast licensees should not use the Ofcom online services portal to make updates.

How do I transfer my licence to another company?

Ofcom broadcasting licences can only be transferred with Ofcom’s prior written consent.

To be able to consent to a licence transfer, Ofcom must be satisfied that the proposed transferee can comply with all the licence conditions. We therefore require the same information about the proposed transferee as when considering a licence application from a new applicant. We might need to ask for further information before deciding whether to consent to transferring a licence.

In cases where Ofcom has instigated sanctions procedures against an existing licensee which may lead to the revocation of any licences(s) it holds, we will not generally consider any applications for transfers of licences by the same licensee or by a person/body connected to that licensee until that aspect of the sanctions procedure against the existing connected licensee is concluded. Similarly, Ofcom will not generally consider transfer applications either to or from a licensee while a sanctions procedure which may lead to licence revocation is ongoing.

We will not consider a transfer application if either the current licensee or proposed licensee has outstanding annual licence fees.

A request for consent to transfer a licence must be submitted in writing by the current licensee and we will then contact the proposed transferee. For TLCS/DTPS/DTAS licences, the proposed transferee should complete the relevant transfer application form. The form must be accompanied by the correct fee and a letter from an authorised individual of the current licensee consenting to the transfer application.

To request to transfer other types of TV licence please contact [email protected].

How do I surrender my TV broadcast licence?

A director of the licence-holding company is required to send an email to [email protected] stating the licence number and the date the surrender is to take effect. A member of the Broadcast Licensing team will then be in touch with next steps.

Do I need to tell Ofcom about a change of control of the licensee company, or the company that controls the licensee company?

Ofcom must be notified of any changes of control of TV licensees and anybody that controls them, such as changes to directors or controlling shareholders. Ofcom’s guidance on the definition of control of media companies, provides more information about what changes need to be notified to us. Changes should be notified to Ofcom in writing using the notification of change form.

Is there a list of currently licensed TV channels?

Yes, you can find a list of currently licensed TV channels on our website.

How do I see the Programming Commitments for a local TV service?

The Programming Commitments for all our licensed local TV services are available in the annexes to their licences, which are available on our website.

Where can I find out more about the changes that Brexit introduced for broadcasters?

Please read our frequently asked questions on linear television services and video on demand services after Brexit. If this doesn’t answer your query, please email [email protected]

Get in touch

If you haven't found the answer to your question, please contact the Broadcast Licensing team. We will try to respond to you within five working days.

Do I need to tell Ofcom about a video on-demand service I wish to provide?

There are specific criteria for determining whether a service falls within the definition of an on-demand programme service (ODPS) and is therefore required to notify Ofcom and comply with our rules.

If you intend to provide an on-demand service, you should refer to section 368A of the Communications Act, which lists the criteria for what constitutes an ODPS that must be notified to Ofcom. You should also read Ofcom’s detailed guidance on this subject.

It is for the provider of the service to determine whether or not an ODPS notification is required, and you might wish to seek independent legal advice before notifying Ofcom.

How do I tell Ofcom about a video-on-demand service I wish to provide?

You can notify us of your on-demand programme service by filling out the notification form available on our website and submitting it to us. Our guidance notes on how to notify an on-demand programme service to Ofcom will help you understand the notification process.

There are specific criteria for determining whether a service falls within the definition of an on-demand programme service (ODPS) and is therefore required to notify Ofcom and comply with our rules.

If you intend to provide an on-demand service, you should refer to section 368A of the Communications Act which lists the criteria for what constitutes an ODPS that must be notified to Ofcom. You should also read Ofcom’s detailed guidance on this subject.

It is for the provider of the service to determine whether or not an ODPS notification is required, and you may wish to seek independent legal advice before notifying Ofcom.

How do I update contact details for my on-demand programme service?

To update the contact details relating to your notified on-demand programme service, please email [email protected]. If the changes also apply to a TV or radio broadcast licence, please also copy in [email protected]

Is there a list of on-demand programme services currently regulated by Ofcom?

You can find a list of on-demand programme services currently regulated by Ofcom on our website.

Get in touch

If you haven't found the answer to your question, please contact the Broadcast Licensing team. We will try to respond to you within five working days.

Information about video-sharing platforms (VSP) is available on our website. Our guide to Ofcom's regulation of VSPs explains:

• what a VSP is;
• what platforms must notify to Ofcom, and how to notify;
• what rules platforms must follow; and
• how to complain about content on a VSP.

I want to complain about a radio station, TV channel, on-demand programme service or video-sharing platform

You can complain about TV, radio and on-demand programmes, or a radio station or TV channel not keeping to Ofcom's rules, through our website.

Submitting your complaint online will help us log it correctly, and assess it as quickly as possible.

For more information on what happens when we receive one of these complaints, take a look at our brief explainer video:

If you want to know more, please read our complaints procedures in full.

You should contact the broadcaster or on-demand provider directly if you want to complain about:

• a programme that hasn’t yet been broadcast or shown on a video on demand service;
• a change to programme schedules; or
• quality of programmes.

Contact details for TV broadcasters, radio broadcasters and regulated on demand programme service providers are available on our website.

You can also complain about a video-sharing platform that Ofcom regulates. Our role is to make sure providers have appropriate measures in place to protect users from specific types of harmful material. Complaints from the public will help identify potential issues with compliance, but we do not resolve individual complaints. You should always complain directly to the platform in question first if you have concerns about harmful content.

How do I report a pirate/illegal radio broadcaster?

Please read our guidance on illegal broadcasting, which includes how to report illegal broadcast activities. 

Get in touch

If you haven't found the answer to your question, please contact the Broadcast Licensing team. We will try to respond to you within five working days.