# The Broadcasting (Independent Productions) Regulations 2025, Note: Explanatory note


(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations set definitions and quotas for broadcasters in relation to independent productions. They implement the amendments made to the regulatory regime for independent productions quotas for the BBC, S4C and Channels 3, 4 and 5 (“the public service broadcasters”) in the Communications Act 2003 (c. 21) (“the 2003 Act”) made by the Media Act 2024 (c. 15).
Regulation 3 defines “independent producer” for the purpose of independent productions quotas.
Regulation 4 defines “independent productions” for the purposes of the independent productions quotas that apply to the public services broadcasters under section 277 of, and Schedule 12 to, the 2003 Act. Regulation 5 and the Schedule specify the quotas, in number of hours, that apply to each of the public service broadcasters and makes provision about their fulfilment concerning the treatment of repeats.
Regulations 6 and 7 define “qualifying programmes” and “independent productions” for the purposes of the independent productions quotas that apply to other broadcasters under section 309 of the 2003 Act.
These Regulations replace the Broadcasting (Independent Productions) Order 1991 (S.I. 1991/1408). Regulation 8 revokes that Order and other enactments which amended it.
A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant impact on the private, voluntary or community bodies is foreseen. Instead a de minimis assessment has been prepared as this instrument is likely to entail some costs for businesses, but the net impact is below £5 million per year.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2025/9780348275360/note (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/draft-broadcasting-independent-productions-regulations-2025/note
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.