Skip to main content
BFI logo

Home

Film

Television

People

History

Education

Tours

Help

  search

Search

Screenonline banner
2003 Communications Act
 

Law restructuring telecommunications licensing and regulation

Main image of 2003 Communications Act

The Communications Act 2003 dissolves the Independent Television Commission, Broadcasting Standards Commission, Radio Authority, Office of Telecommunications (OFTEL) and the Radiocommunications Agency, and replaces these with a new body, the Office of Communications (OFCOM). OFCOM is charged with the regulation of the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services, and with furthering the interests of citizens and consumers in relation to communications matters. The Act also liberalises UK media ownership rules and allows for the formation of a single ITV company, subject to existing competition in merger regulations. Further provisions related to licensing of the broadcasting spectrum.

The full text is available on the Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) website.

Related Films and TV programmes

Related Collections

Thumbnail image of Broadcasting Legislation

Broadcasting Legislation

Current and historical legislation concerning British broadcasting

Related People and Organisations