Broadcasting Act 1990

Sections 5 and 88.

SCHEDULE 2 U.K. Restrictions on the Holding of Licences

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Sch. 2 power to amend or modify conferred (17.10.2024) by 2003 c. 21, s. 245(3A)-(3C) (as inserted by Media Act 2024 (c. 15), ss. 46(3), 55(3)(e); S.I. 2024/1033, reg. 3(f))

Part I U.K. General

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 Sch. 2 Pt. I applied (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 14 para. 18 (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

1 (1) In this Schedule— U.K.

• [F1 “the 1996 Act” means the Broadcasting Act 1996;]

• “advertising agency” means an individual or a body corporate who carries on business as an advertising agent (whether alone or in partnership) or has control over any body corporate which carries on business as an advertising agent, and any reference to an advertising agency includes a reference to an individual who—

  (a)

  is a director or officer of any body corporate which carries on such a business, or

  (b)

  is employed by any person who carries on such a business;

• “associate”—

  (a)

  [F2 in relation to a body corporate, shall be construed in accordance with paragraph (1A), and]

  (b)

  in relation to an individual, shall be construed in accordance with sub-paragraph (2);

• [F3 “Broadcasting Act licence” means a licence under Part 1 or 3 of this Act or Part 1 or 2 of the Broadcasting Act 1996;]

• “control”—

  (a)

  in relation to a body corporate, shall be construed in accordance with sub-paragraph (3), and

  (b)

  in relation to any body other than a body corporate, means the power of a person to secure, [F4 by whatever means and whether directly or indirectly], that the affairs of the first-mentioned body are conducted in accordance with the wishes of that person;

• F5 ...

• F5 ...

• “equity share capital” has the same meaning as in [F6 the Companies Acts (see section 548 of the Companies Act 2006)];

• “local authority”—

  (a)

  in relation to England F7 . . ., means any of the following, that is to say, the council of a county, district or London borough, the Common Council of the City of London and the Council of the Isles of Scilly;

  (aa)

  [F8 in relation to Wales, means a county council or county borough council;]

  (b)

  in relation to Scotland, means a [F9 council constituted under section 2 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994]; and

  (c)

  in relation to Northern Ireland, means a district council;

• F5 ...

• F5 ...

• F5 ...

• “participant”, in relation to a body corporate, means a person who holds or is beneficially entitled to shares in that body or who possesses voting power in that body.

• F5 ...

[F10 (1A) For the purpose of determining the persons who are the associates of a body corporate for the purposes of this Schedule—

(a) an individual shall be regarded as an associate of a body corporate if he is a director of that body corporate, and

(b) a body corporate and another body corporate shall be regarded as associates of each other if one controls the other or if the same person controls both.]

(2) For the purpose of determining the persons who are an individual’s associates for the purposes of this Schedule, the following persons shall be regarded as associates of each other, namely—

(a) any individual and that individual’s husband or wife [F11 or civil partner] and any relative, or husband or wife [F11 or civil partner] of a relative, of that individual or of that individual’s husband or wife [F11 or civil partner];

(b) any individual and any body corporate of which that individual is a director;

(c) any person in his capacity as trustee of a settlement and the settlor or grantor and any person associated with the settlor or grantor;

(d) persons carrying on business in partnership and the husband or wife [F12 or civil partner] and relatives of any of them;

(e) any two or more persons acting together to secure or exercise control of a body corporate or other association or to secure control of any enterprise or assets;

and in this sub-paragraph “relative” means a brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, lineal ancestor or descendant (the stepchild or illegitimate child of any person, or anyone adopted by a person, whether legally or otherwise, as his child, being regarded as a relative or taken into account to trace a relationship in the same way as that person’s child); and references to a wife or husband shall include a former wife or husband and a reputed wife or husband [F13 and references to a civil partner shall include a former civil partner] [F14 and a reputed civil partner].

[F15 (3) For the purposes of this Schedule a person controls a body corporate if—

(a) he holds, or is beneficially entitled to, more than 50 per cent. of the equity share capital in the body, or possesses more than 50 per cent. of the voting power in it, or

(b) although he does not have such an interest in the body, it is reasonable, having regard to all the circumstances, to expect that he [F16 would (if he chose to) be able in most cases or in significant respects], by whatever means and whether directly or indirectly, to achieve the result that [F17 affairs] of the body are conducted in accordance with his wishes; or

(c) he holds, or is beneficially entitled to, 50 per cent. of the equity share capital in that body, or possesses 50 per cent. of the voting power in it, and an arrangement exists between him and any other participant in the body as to the manner in which any voting power in the body possessed by either of them is to be exercised, or as to the omission by either of them to exercise such voting power.

(3A) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (3)(c)—

(a) “arrangement” includes any agreement or arrangement, whether or not it is, or is intended to be, legally enforceable, and

(b) a person shall be treated—

(i) as holding, or being beneficially entitled to, any equity share capital which is held by a body corporate which he controls or to which such a body corporate is beneficially entitled, and

(ii) as possessing any voting power possessed by such a body corporate.]

(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) For the purposes of any provision of this Schedule which refers to a body controlled by two or more persons or bodies of any description taken together, the persons or bodies in question shall not be regarded as controlling the body by virtue of paragraph (b) of sub-paragraph (3) unless they are acting together in concert.

[F18 (6) In this Schedule any reference to a participant with more than a [F19 5 per cent.] interest in a body corporate is a reference to a person who—

(a) holds or is beneficially entitled to more than [F19 5 per cent.] of the shares in that body, or

(b) possesses more than [F19 5 per cent.] of the voting power in that body.

(7) Sub-paragraph (6) shall have effect subject to the necessary modifications in relation to other references in this Schedule—

(a) to an interest of more than a specified percentage in a body corporate, or

(b) to an interest of a specified percentage or more in a body corporate.]

F20 (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Definition inserted in Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 1(1) inserted (10.8.1996 for certain purposes otherwise 1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 55, s. 73, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 1(2)(a) (with s. 43(1)(6)); S.I. 1996/2120, arts. 3, 5, Sch. 2

F2 Definition in Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 1(1) substituted (10.8.1996 for certain purposes otherwise 1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 55, s. 73, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 1 (2)(b) (with s. 43(1)(6)); S.I. 1996/2120, arts. 3, 5, Sch. 2

F3 Definition inserted in Sch. 2 Pt. I. para. 1(1) (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 15 para. 69(2) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F4 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 1(1) substituted (10.8.1996 for certain purposes otherwise 1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 55, s. 73, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 1(2)(c) (with s. 43(1)(6)); S.I. 1996/2120, arts. 3, 5, Sch. 2

F5 Definition in Sch. 2 Pt. I. para. 1(1) repealed (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 19(1) Note 1 (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F6 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 1(1) substituted (1.10.2009) by S.I. 2009/1941, art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 119(4) (with art. 10)

F7 Sch. 2 Pt. I: Words in definition “local authority”in para. 1(1)(a) repealed (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, ss. 66(6)(8), Sch. 16 para. 89, Sch. 18. (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1996/396, art. 4, Sch. 2

F8 Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 1(1)(aa) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 66(6), Sch. 16 para. 89 (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1996/396, art. 4, Sch. 2

F9 Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 1(1)(b): Words beginning “council constituted”to “(Scotland Act 1994)”substituted (S.) (1.4.1996) for words “regional, islands or district council”by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 166 (with s. 128(8)); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(c)

F10 Sch. 2 Pt. I. para. 1(1A) inserted (10.8.1996 for certain purposes otherwise 1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 55, s. 73, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 1(3) (with s. 43(1)(6)); S.I. 1996/2120, arts. 3, 5, Sch. 2

F11 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 1(2)(a) inserted (5.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33), Sch. 27, para. 139(a); S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(2)

F12 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 1(2)(d) inserted (5.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33), Sch. 27, para. 139(a); S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(2)

F13 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 1(2) inserted (5.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33), Sch. 27, para. 139(b); S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(2)

F14 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 1(2) inserted (5.12.2005) by S.I. 2005/3129, art. 1, Sch. 4 para. 10

F15 Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 1(3) substituted (10.8.1996 for certain purposes otherwise 1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 55, s. 73, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 1(4) (with s. 43(1)(6)); S.I. 1996/2120, arts. 3, 5, Sch. 2

F16 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. I para 1(3)(b) substituted (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), s. 357(1)(a) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F17 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. I para 1(3)(b) substituted (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), s. 357(1)(b) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F18 Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 1(6)(7)(8) substituted (10.8.1996 for certain purposes otherwise 1.11.1996) for sub-paragraph (6) by 1996 c. 55, s. 73, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 1(6) (with s. 43(1)(6)); S.I. 1996/2120, arts. 3, 5, Sch. 2

F19 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. I para 1(6) substituted (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 15 para. 69(3) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F20 Sch. 2 Pt. I. para. 1(8) repealed(29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 19(1) Note 1 (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

2 (1) [F21 Subject to sub-paragraph (1A)]Any reference in paragraph 1 above to a person— U.K.

(a) holding or being entitled to shares, or any amount of the shares or equity share capital, in a body corporate, or

(b) possessing voting power, or any amount of the voting power, in a body corporate,

is a reference to his doing so, or being so entitled, whether alone or jointly with one or more other persons and whether directly or through one or more nominees.

[F22 (1A) For the purposes of this Schedule, a person’s holding of shares, or possession of voting power, in a body corporate shall be disregarded if, or to the extent that—

(a) he holds the shares concerned—

(i) as a nominee,

(ii) as a custodian (whether under a trust or by a contract), or

(iii) under an arrangement pursuant to which he has issued, or is to issue, depositary receipts, F23 ... in respect of the shares concerned, and

(b) he is not entitled to exercise or control the exercise of voting rights in respect of the shares concerned.

[F24 (1AA) In sub-paragraph (1A)(a)(iii), “depositary receipt” means a certificate or other record (whether or not in the form of a document)—

(a) which is issued by or on behalf of a person who holds shares or who holds evidence of the right to receive shares, or has an interest in shares, in a particular body corporate; and

(b) which evidences or acknowledges that another person is entitled to rights in relation to those shares or shares of the same kind, which shall include the right to receive such shares (or evidence of the right to receive such shares) from the person mentioned in paragraph (a).]

(1B) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1A)(b)—

(a) a person is not entitled to exercise or control the exercise of voting rights in respect of shares if he is bound (whether by contract or otherwise) not to exercise the voting rights, or not to exercise them otherwise than in accordance with the instructions of another, and

(b) voting rights which a person is entitled to exercise or of which he is entitled to control the exercise only in certain circumstances shall be taken into account only when those circumstances have arisen and for as long as they continue to obtain.]

F25 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F26 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F21 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 2(1) inserted (10.8.1996 for certain purposes otherwise 1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 55, s. 73, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 2(2) (with s. 43(1)(6)); S.I. 1996/2120, arts. 3, 5, Sch. 2

F22 Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 2(1A)(1B) inserted (10.8.1996 for certain purposes otherwise 1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 55, s. 73, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 2(3) (with s. 43(1)(6)); S.I. 1996/2120, arts. 3, 5, Sch. 2

F23 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 2(1A)(a)(iii) repealed (6.4.2008) by S.I. 2008/948, art. 2(2), Sch. 1 para. 176(2) (with arts. 6, 11, 12)

F24 Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 2(1AA) inserted (6.4.2008) by S.I. 2008/948, art. 2(2), Sch. 1 para. 176(3) (with arts. 6, 11, 12)

F25 Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 2(2) repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 55, s. 148(2), Sch. 11 Pt. I (with s. 43(1)(6)); S.I. 1996/2120, art. 5, Sch. 2

F26 Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 2(3) repealed (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 55, s. 148(2), Sch. 11 Pt. I (with s. 43(1)(6)); S.I. 1996/2120, art. 5, Sch. 2

[F27 3 U.K. For the purposes of this Schedule the following persons shall be treated as connected with a particular person—

(a) a person who controls that person,

(b) an associate of that person or of a person falling within paragraph (a), and

(c) a body which is controlled by that person or by an associate of that person.]

Textual Amendments

F27 Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 3 substituted (10.8.1996 for certain purposes otherwise 1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 55, s. 73, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 3 (with s. 43(1)(6)); S.I. 1996/2120, arts. 3, 5, Sch. 2

F28 3A U.K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F28 Sch. 2 para. 3A repealed (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 19(1) Note 1 (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F29 3B U.K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F29 Sch. 2 para. 3B repealed (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 19(1) Note 1 (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F30 4 U.K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F30 Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 4 repealed (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 19(1) Note 1 (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Part II U.K. Disqualification for Holding Licences

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 Sch. 2 Pt. 2 applied (with modifications) (20.7.2004) by The Community Radio Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1944), arts. 1(2), 6 (as amended (27.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/1000, art. 2)

C4 Sch. 2 Pt. 2 applied (with modifications) (25.10.2019) by The Small-scale Radio Multiplex and Community Digital Radio Order 2019 (S.I. 2019/1387), arts. 1, 5

General disqualification of non-EEC nationals and bodies having political connections U.K.

1 (1) Subject to [F31 sub-paragraph (1A)], the following persons are disqualified persons in relation to [F32 a Broadcasting Act licence]— U.K.

F33 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F33 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) a local authority;

(d) a body whose objects are wholly or mainly of a political nature;

(e) a body affiliated to a body falling within paragraph (d);

(f) an individual who is an officer of a body falling within paragraph (d) or (e);

(g) a body corporate which is an associate of a body corporate falling within paragraph (d) or (e);

(h) a body corporate in which a body falling within any of paragraphs (c) to (e) and (g) is a participant with more than a 5 per cent. interest;

[F34 (hh) a body corporate which is controlled by a body corporate falling within paragraph (h);]

(i) a body which is controlled by a person falling within any of paragraphs [F35 (c)] to (g) or by two or more such persons taken together; and

(j) a body corporate in which a body falling within paragraph (i), other than one which is controlled—

(i) by a person falling within paragraph F36 ... (f), or

(ii) by two or more such persons taken together,

is a participant with more than a 5 per cent. interest.

[F37 (1A) Where a service is provided exclusively for the purposes of the carrying out of the functions of a local authority under section 142 of the Local Government Act 1972 (provision by local authorities of information relating to their activities), a person is disqualified by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) in relation to a licence to provide that service only if he would be so disqualified disregarding paragraph (c) of that sub-paragraph.]

F38 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F38 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F31 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para 1(1) substituted (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), s. 349(1)(a) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F32 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. 2 substituted (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 15 para. 69(4) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F33 Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 1(1)(a)(b) repealed (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), s. 348(1), Sch. 19(1) Note 1 (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F34 Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 1(1)(hh) inserted (1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 55, s. 73, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 6(2) (with s. 43(1)(6)); 1996/2120, art. 5, Sch. 2

F35 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para 1(1)(i) substituted (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 15 para. 69(5) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F36 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 1(1)(j)(i) repealed (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 19(1) Note 1 (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F37 Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 1(1A) inserted (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), s. 349(1)(b) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F38 Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 1(2)(3) repealed (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 19(1) Note 1 (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Disqualification of religious bodies U.K.

2 (1) [F39 The following persons are disqualified persons in relation only to licences falling within sub-paragraph (1A)—] U.K.

(a) a body whose objects are wholly or mainly of a religious nature;

(b) a body which is controlled by a body falling within paragraph (a) or by two or more such bodies taken together;

(c) a body which controls a body falling within paragraph (a);

(d) a body corporate which is an associate of a body corporate falling within paragraph (a), (b) or (c);

(e) a body corporate in which a body falling within any of paragraphs (a) to (d) is a participant with more than a 5 per cent. interest;

(f) an individual who is an officer of a body falling within paragraph (a); and

(g) a body which is controlled by an individual falling within paragraph (f) or by two or more such individuals taken together.

[F40 (1A) A licence falls within this sub-paragraph if it is—

(a) a Channel 3 licence;

(b) a Channel 5 licence;

(c) a national sound broadcasting licence;

F41 (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(e) an additional television service licence;

(f) a television multiplex licence; or

(g) a radio multiplex licence.

(1B) In this paragraph—

• “additional television service licence” means a licence under Part 1 of this Act to provide an additional television service within the meaning of Part 3 of the Communications Act 2003;

• “Channel 3 licence” and “Channel 5 licence” each has the same meaning as in Part 1 of this Act;

• “national sound broadcasting licence” means a licence to provide a sound broadcasting service (within the meaning of Part 3 of this Act) which is a national service (within the meaning of that Part);

• F42 ...

• “radio multiplex licence” means a licence under Part 2 of the Broadcasting Act 1996 to provide a radio multiplex service within the meaning of that Part; and

• “television multiplex licence” means a licence under Part 1 of the Broadcasting Act 1996 to provide a multiplex service within the meaning of that Part.]

Textual Amendments

F39 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 2(1) substituted (18.9.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 348(2), 411(2) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (art. 5)

F40 Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 2(1A)(1B) substituted for Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 2(2)(3) (18.9.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 348(2), 411(3) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (art. 5)

F41 Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 2(1A)(d) omitted (23.8.2024) by virtue of Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(a), Sch. 2 para. 5(a); S.I. 2024/858, reg. 2(1)(v)

F42 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 2(1B) omitted (23.8.2024) by virtue of Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(a), Sch. 2 para. 5(b); S.I. 2024/858, reg. 2(1)(v)

Disqualification of publicly-funded bodies for radio service licences U.K.

3 (1) The following persons are disqualified persons in relation to any licence granted [F43 under Part 3 of this Act or Part 2 of the Broadcasting Act 1996] other than a licence to provide a restricted service— U.K.

(a) a body [F44 (other than a local authority, [F45 S4C] or the BBC)] which has, in its last financial year, received more than half its income from public funds;

(b) a body which is controlled by a body falling within paragraph (a) or by two or more such bodies taken together; and

(c) a body corporate in which a body falling within paragraph (a) or (b) is a participant with more than a 5 per cent. interest.

(2) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(a) money is received from public funds if it is paid—

(a) by a Minister of the Crown out of money provided by Parliament or out of the National Loans Fund;

(b) by a Northern Ireland department out of the Consolidated Fund of Northern Ireland or out of money appropriated by Measure of the Northern Ireland Assembly; or

(c) by a body which itself falls within sub-paragraph (1)(a), including a body which falls within that provision by virtue of this paragraph;

but, in each case, there shall be disregarded any money paid as consideration for the acquisition of property or the supply of goods or services or as remuneration, expenses, pensions, allowances or similar benefits for or in respect of a person as the holder of an office.

Textual Amendments

F43 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 3(1) substituted (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), Sch. 15 para. 69(8)(a), 411(2) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F44 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 3(1)(a) substituted (24.7.1996 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 55, ss. 73, 149(1)(a), Sch. 2 Pt. II para. 7 (with s. 43(1)(6)); S.I. 1996/2120, art. 5, Sch. 2

F45 Word in Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 3(1)(a) substituted (23.8.2024) by Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(c), Sch. 4 para. 15; S.I. 2024/858, reg. 2(1)(x)

General disqualification on grounds of undue influence U.K.

4 (1) A person is a disqualified person in relation to [F32 a Broadcasting Act licence] if in the opinion of [F46 OFCOM]— U.K.

(a) any relevant body is, by the giving of financial assistance or otherwise, exerting influence over the activities of that person, and

(b) that influence has led, is leading or is likely to lead to results which are adverse to the public interest.

(2) In sub-paragraph (1) “relevant body”—

(a) in relation to a licence granted [F47 under Part 1 of this Act or Part 1 of the Broadcasting Act 1996, means a person] falling within paragraph 1(1)(c) to (h) or (j) above or a body which is controlled—

(i) by a person falling within paragraph 1(1)(c) to (g) above, or

(ii) by two or more such persons taken together; and

(b) in relation to a licence granted [F48 under Part 3 of this Act or Part 2 of the Broadcasting Act 1996, means a person] falling within paragraph 1(1)(c) to (h) or (j) or 3 above or a body which is controlled .

[F49 (i) by a person falling within paragraph 1(1)(c) to (g) above;

(ii) by a person falling within paragraph 3 above; or

(iii) by two or more persons taken together each of whom falls within sub-paragraph (i) or (ii) (whether or not they all fall within the same sub-paragraph).]

Textual Amendments

F32 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. 2 substituted (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 15 para. 69(4) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F46 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 4(1) substituted (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), Sch. 15 para. 69(7), 411(2) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F47 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 4(2)(a) substituted (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), Sch. 15 para. 69(8)(a), 411(2) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F48 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 4(2)(b) substituted (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), Sch. 15 para. 69(8)(b), 411(2) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F49 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 4(2)(b) substituted (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 348(4), 411(2) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

General disqualification of broadcasting bodies U.K.

5 U.K. The following persons are disqualified persons in relation to [F32 a Broadcasting Act licence] —

(a) the BBC;

(b) [F50 S4C];

F51 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F51 (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F32 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. 2 substituted (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 15 para. 69(4) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F50 Word in Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 5(b) substituted (23.8.2024) by Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(c), Sch. 4 para. 15; S.I. 2024/858, reg. 2(1)(x)

F51 Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 5(c)(d) repealed (24.7.1996 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.11.1996) by 1996 c. 55, ss. 73, 149(1)(a), Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 8, Sch. 11 Pt. I (with s. 43(1)(6)); S.I. 1996/2120, art. 5, Sch. 2

[F52 Disqualification of certain companies for certain licences] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F52 Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 5A and cross-heading inserted (24.7.1996 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.10.1996) by 1996 c. 55, ss. 73, 149(1)(a), Sch. 2 Pt. II para. 9 (with s. 43(1)(6)); S.I. 1996/2120, art. 4, Sch. 1

[F53 5A (1) A BBC company, a Channel 4 company or an S4C company is a disqualified person in relation to— U.K.

(a) any licence F54 ... to provide regional or national Channel 3 services or Channel 5, F55 ...

F55 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) A BBC company is also a disqualified person in relation to any licence F56 ... to provide a national, local or restricted service within the meaning of Part III of this Act.

F57 (3)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F53 Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 5A inserted (24.7.1996 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.10.1996) by 1996 c. 55, ss. 73, 149(1)(a), Sch. 2 Pt. II para. 9 (with s. 43(1)(6)); S.I. 1996/2120, art. 4, Sch. 1

F54 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 5A(1)(a) repealed (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 15 para. 69(9)(a), Sch. 19(1) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F55 Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 5A(1)(b) and the word immediately preceding it repealed (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 15 para. 69(9)(b), Sch. 19(1) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F56 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 5A(2) repealed (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 15 para. 69(9)(c), Sch. 19(1) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F57 Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 5A(3) repealed (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 19(1) Note 1 (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

General disqualification of advertising agencies U.K.

6 U.K. The following persons are disqualified persons in relation to [F32 a Broadcasting Act licence]—

(a) an advertising agency;

(b) an associate of an advertising agency;

(c) any body which is controlled by a person falling within sub-paragraph (a) or (b) or by two or more such persons taken together;

(d) any body corporate in which a person falling within any of sub-paragraphs (a) to (c) is a participant with more than a 5 per cent. interest.

Textual Amendments

F32 Words in Sch. 2 Pt. 2 substituted (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 15 para. 69(4) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F58 Part III. U.K. Restrictions to Prevent Accumulations of Interests in Licensed Services

Textual Amendments

F58 Sch. 2 Pts. III-V repealed (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 350(1), 411(2), Sch. 19(1) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F58 Part IV U.K. Restrictions on Controlling Interests in Both Newspapers and Licensed Services

F58 Part V U.K. Restriction on Holding of Licences by Operators of Public Telecommunication Systems