Editing Restricted Service Licence (section)

==History==
{{Main|History of broadcasting}}
In 1972, the [[Independent Broadcasting Authority]] was created and given responsibility for regulating independent television and radio services in the UK. 

Over time, the demand for local services increased, and finally prompted an [[Act of Parliament]] to deregulate the respective industries and facilitate new long-term and short-term broadcast licences. 

In 1990, the [[Broadcasting Act 1990]] became law, and led to the establishment of two licensing authorities: the [[Radio Authority]] to license new radio services and monitor existing licences, and the [[Independent Television Commission]], to license new short-term television services. 

While the 1990 act proved successful, licensing procedures remained restrictive compared to those in other countries.

In 2004, the Radio Authority and ITC were folded into the [[Ofcom|Office of Communications]]. Today Ofcom handles all licensing for frequencies used by television and radio services. 

Until May 2015 short-range broadcasts and wireless links, and other programme makers frequencies were licensed by [[Joint Frequency Management Group|JFMG]] ([[Joint Frequency Management Group]]), owned by Arqiva. In May 2015 Ofcom made the decision to end the contract with Arqiva and to in-source the existing services.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PMSE licence information |url=https://www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence/radiocommunication-licences/pmse/pmse-licence-info}}</ref>