UK media regulator, Ofcom, has approved the BBC’s plans to return it’s channel aimed at young adults, BBC Three, to linear television.
Ofcom began a review of the plans by the BBC earlier in 2021, and has now come to its conclusion that the channel can relaunch.
In a statement, the regulator said;
“The BBC has proposed to launch a BBC Three broadcast channel. It has consulted and subsequently carried out a public interest test on its plans.
“As required by the BBC Charter and Agreement, we have carried out a competition assessment. We have reviewed how the BBC has developed its proposals and its assessment of their public value, as well as assessed the impact of the BBC’s proposals on competition.
“We consulted on our provisional determination that the BBC could go ahead with its plans, and have taken account of feedback from stakeholders in response.
“This statement explains our final determination that the BBC may proceed with its proposal. We have also set conditions in the Operating Licence to secure the contribution of the BBC Three broadcast channel to the delivery of the BBC’s Mission and Public Purposes.”