ITCs

An ITC, or Independent Television Commission, was a regulatory body in the United Kingdom responsible for the regulation of independent television. Established in 1991, it replaced the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) and took over its licensing and regulatory functions for commercial television. The ITC oversaw a wide range of broadcasters, including terrestrial channels like ITV, Channel 4, and Sky. Its duties included ensuring that licensed broadcasters adhered to programming standards, advertising regulations, and other legal requirements. The ITC played a significant role in shaping the television landscape in the UK during the 1990s and early 2000s.

The ITC was also responsible for awarding broadcasting licenses through a competitive process, ensuring a diverse and competitive market. It set out codes of conduct for broadcasters, covering areas such as impartiality, accuracy, and taste and decency. Complaints from the public regarding programming were investigated by the ITC, and it had the power to take action against broadcasters that breached the regulations. The commission was known for its firm stance on maintaining broadcast quality and public service obligations.

In 2003, the ITC was merged with the Radio Authority to form a new, combined regulator called Ofcom (the Office of Communications). Ofcom inherited the responsibilities of both the ITC and the Radio Authority, becoming the single regulator for all forms of broadcast media in the UK, including television, radio, and telecommunications. The creation of Ofcom marked a significant shift in broadcast regulation, consolidating oversight into one body.