Broadcasting Act 1996

79 Powers of Commission in relation to modification or replacement of networking arrangements

(1) Section 39 of the 1990 Act (networking arrangements between holders of regional Channel 3 licences) is amended as follows.

(2) After subsection (9) there is inserted—

“(9A) The matters to which the Commission shall have regard in deciding whether to approve any arrangements or modification under subsection (4) or (8) include the likely effect of the arrangements in question, or (as the case may be) those arrangements as proposed to be modified, on the ability of the holders of regional Channel 3 licences to maintain the quality and range—

(a) of the regional programmes (as defined by section 21A(9)) included in each regional Channel 3 service, and

(b) of the other programmes included in each service which contribute to the regional character of the service.”

(3) For subsection (10) there is substituted—

“(10) Without prejudice to the generality of their power to refuse to approve any arrangements or modification under subsection (4) or (8), the Commission shall refuse to do so if—

(a) they are not satisfied that the arrangements in question, or (as the case may be) those arrangements as proposed to be modified, would be appropriate for the purpose mentioned in subsection (1), or

(b) it appears to them that the arrangements in question, or (as the case may be) those arrangements as proposed to be modified, would be likely to prejudice the ability of the holder of any regional Channel 3 licence to comply with—

(i) any condition imposed in pursuance of section 33(1), for the purpose of securing the implementation of proposals relating to the matters specified in section 16(2)(c), or

(ii) any condition imposed in pursuance of subsection (3) of section 21A in relation to the matters specified in paragraph (a) of that subsection.”