Ofcom decision on fit and proper assessment of Sky

20 September 2012

Ofcom has today published a decision on its fit and proper assessment of Sky. Ofcom has an ongoing duty to be satisfied that all broadcast licensees are fit and proper.

In July 2011, in light of the public debate about phone hacking and other allegations, Ofcom confirmed that it had a duty to consider whether Sky was fit and proper to continue to hold its broadcast licences.

Ofcom considers that, on the evidence currently available and having taken into account all the relevant factors, Sky is fit and proper to hold its broadcast licences.

Ofcom's duty¹ to be satisfied that a licensee is fit and proper is ongoing. Should further relevant evidence become available in the future, Ofcom would need to consider that evidence in order to fulfil its duty.

The decision can be found here.

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. Under Sections 3(3) of each of the 1990 and 1996 Broadcasting Acts, Ofcom: (a) shall not grant a licence to any person unless satisfied that the person is a fit and proper person to hold it; and (b) shall do all that they can to secure that, if they cease to be so satisfied in the case of any person holding a licence, that person does not remain the holder of the licence.