Ofcom has published a statement setting out its proposals to revise its general procedures for investigating breaches of broadcast licences, following a consultation launched last year (which we commented upon here).

As we previously discussed, Ofcom sought to make changes to its procedures to make them more user-friendly and to respond to the different nature of broadcasters it now regulates. Proposals included an “administrative priorities framework” which set out the factors that Ofcom would consider when deciding whether to launch an investigation, changes to the rules regarding what information about complaints would be shared with the broadcaster, and a requirement that complaints which relate to broadcast content should be made within 20 working days of the broadcast.

After considering the responses to the consultation, Ofcom has decided to press ahead with almost all of its proposals, save that it no longer plans to drop its practice of responding to complainants about the outcome of their complaint.

An updated version of Ofcom’s General Procedures has now been published and is in force. Any complaints received after 23 June 2025 will be subject to the new General Procedures. Those assessments or investigations opened before that date will be dealt with under the version of the General Procedures that was in force at the time the case was opened.