Department for Culture Media and Sport
broadcasting
We are responsible for the framework for broadcasting in the UK.
We work closely with the regulators broadcasting industry, viewers and listeners to increase viewer choice, ensure healthy competition and maintain programme standards and quality.
We do not get involved in complaints about individual programmes or schedules, these are handled by independent regulators. Read our Programme Standards page for more details.
We look after policy on the allocation of frequencies for television and radio broadcasting, together with reception matters, in liaison with the Office of Communications (Ofcom), which has overall control of the management of frequencies.
We review the Royal Charter which governs the BBC and set the licence fee. Read our BBC and other public broadcasting page for more details.
We have confirmed the timetable for switching to digital television and formed the Digital Television Switchover Programme.
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What's New
Digital Britain Update: Actions and Implementation [30 June 2009]
The Government published The Digital Britain Report, its strategic vision for ensuring that the UK is at the leading edge of the global digital economy. [16 June 2009]
As part of the Digital Britain Report we have published a short consultation seeking views on proposals which would revise parts of the community radio licensing regime. This consultation period will close on 16 August 2009. [16 June 2009]
To accompany the Final Digital Britain Report, published on 16 June, the Department is also publishing the following documents:
As part of taking forward Action 15 of the Digital Britain Interim Report, Perspective Associates have prepared a discussion document to scope potential issues around the UK television production market. A report of their findings is now available online.[16 April 2009]
As part of the Digital Britain Report, John Myers was commissioned to carry out an independent review of radio services and the existing localness legislation. The report "An Independent Review of the Rules Governing Local Content on Local Radio" is available to view online. [16 April 2009]
The first batch of responses to the 'Digital Britain Interim Report' have been published. [11 March 2009]
The Government published a plan to secure Britain’s place at the forefront of the global digital economy [29 January 2009]
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