Ofcom has published the renewed broadcast licences for ITV, STV and Channel 5.
The Channel 3 and Channel 5 licences will run for the next 10 years and confirms their position in the UK public service broadcasting landscape.
ITV holds the Channel 3 licence in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, while in Scotland, STV in the licence holder. The Paramount-owned Channel 5 broadcasts across the UK.
“This is great news for audiences across the UK, who will continue to benefit from another ten years of high-quality programming and trusted and accurate news from Channel 3 and Channel 5. As the sector continues to evolve from a linear to digital first delivery, these licences help underpin the ongoing success of our valued public service broadcasters,” said Vikki Cook, Ofcom Director of Broadcast & Media Policy.
The publication of the new licences marks the completion of a multi-stage process during which the regulator has submitted a report to the Secretary of State, setting out our opinion on whether Channel 3 and Channel 5 will be able to fulfil their public service broadcasting obligations at a commercially sustainable cost, over the next ten-year licence period.
Ofcom concluded there to be a good case for renewal, strengthened by the now enacted Media Act.
The new licences come into force on 1 January 2025 and will remain in place until 31 December 2034.
