October 19, 2017

Ofcom became the BBC’s first independent, external regulator in April 2017. This statement sets out Ofcom’s first operating licence for the BBC and a performance framework, together with the processes for setting and amending these in the future.

The statement also includes detailed annexes setting out how Ofcom has taken account of responses to its March consultation on the BBC’s performance, and of the BBC’s interim annual plan published in July 2017.

The new licence will require the BBC to broadcast more original UK-made programmes, and to offer high-quality, distinctive programmes for its entire audience.

Viewers told Ofcom that programmes made in the UK were important to them. Original content can also help the BBC meet duties under its new Charter, which include being distinctive, creative and reflecting the UK’s diverse communities, Ofcom says.

From next year, Ofcom will require that at least three quarters (75%) of all programme hours on the BBC’s most popular TV channels be original productions, commissioned by the BBC for UK audiences, reaching 90% during peak evening hours on BBC One and BBC Two.

There will also be new requirements on Radio 1 and Radio 2 to play a broader range of music than commercial stations, and more music from new and emerging UK artists. The children’s channels CBBC and CBeebies must respectively show at least 400 and 100 hours of brand new, UK-commissioned programmes each year. To read Ofcom’s press release in full, click here. To read Ofcom’s statement on how it will regulate the BBC’s performance, click here.