Ofcom publishes no-deal Brexit draft broadcast TV licences
Ofcom has published draft TV broadcasting licences to issue in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
If the UK crashes out of the EU without a deal next month the regulation of TV services would change and broadcasting licences would need to be adapted.
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However, if the government is able to agree an implementation period for Brexit with EU negotiators, arrangements for the broadcasting industry would be unchanged until December 2020.
In a statement today the broadcasting regulator said: “While existing licences would not immediately change in the event of no deal, we consider that some changes would be needed in the longer term.
“So, we welcome informal comments on the draft licences before 19 March 2019. Subject to comments received, we propose to issue these licences to new successful applicants from the date of exit.”
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It comes as the 29 March Brexit deadline date approaches with a divorce deal between the UK and EU yet to be agreed by parliament.
Theresa May travelled to Brussels this week to meet with Jean Claude-Juncker after the EU ruled out changes to the withdrawal agreement, but negotiators are currently working on a new legal text related to the Irish backstop, aimed at winning support from MPs.