Insights Ofcom announces changes to BBC Operating Licence ahead of BBC Scotland launch

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The new BBC Scotland channel is due to launch in February.

The changes Ofcom has made include additional licence requirements on the new BBC Scotland Channel. These will ensure that: at least 250 hours of news content is broadcast during peak viewing time; 75% of output consists of original productions; and at least 90% of first-run originations are made in Scotland.

Ofcom’s statement also clarifies how BBC’s Scotland’s output should be treated in regard to the BBC’s nations and regions’ programming requirements, as well as how co-commissioned programmes may count towards certain quotas.

The amendments to the BBC’s Operating Licence will come into effect on 24 February 2019. To read Ofcom’s statement in full, click here.