TV, radio and on-demand

Broadcasters must make sure that their services are available to people with disabilities.

Strict advertising rules apply to the UK's commercially-funded public service broadcasters. Here you'll find our information about these rules.

Commonly known as AM/FM radio, Ofcom licenses analogue radio services like community radio and some commercial radio stations.

As the BBC's regulator, our job is to make sure the corporation delivers for audiences. We also regulate the BBC's editorial standards and complaints, and work to protect fair and effective competition.

We set the rules by which radio and television programmes in the UK must abide. Our Broadcasting Code sets out these rules, and we publish our decisions on complaints about programmes in a fortnightly bulletin.

Community radio stations provide a new voice for hundreds of local communities across the UK.

Technical information about the transmitters that radio and TV services use to reach all parts of the UK.

Ofcom licenses a variety of digital radio services, from national DAB multiplexes to small-scale, specialist stations.

Ofcom licenses all UK commercial television services. Here you'll find information for licensees, application forms and other updates on our work.

TV and radio programmes should reflect the experiences of everyone in society, regardless of background. To help achieve this, we work with the broadcasting industry to promote equity, diversity and inclusion.

The listed events rules aim to ensure that coverage of certain major sporting events, like the Olympic Games or FIFA World Cup, is widely available to audiences for free. In some cases, Ofcom's consent is needed to show live coverage of a listed event.

The Media Act 2024 is the biggest change to media legislation in 20 years. It makes changes to Ofcom' existing responsibilities and introduces new duties for us. On this page you can find our latest updates on implementation of the Act, including a timeline for upcoming work and links to all consultations and statements published so far.

Public service broadcasting (PSB) has a long and proud tradition in the UK, delivering impartial and trusted news, UK-originated programmes and distinctive content. We monitor how well the UK's public service broadcasters are performing.

We grant licences for restricted radio services that are used to broadcast at events, or within a particular establishment. Examples include sports commentaries, hospitals or religious observances like Ramadan.

Ofcom regulates programming on the UK's 'video on demand' services, or on-demand programme services (ODPS). These include TV catch-up, online film services and libraries of archive content.