The Office of Communication is a statutory corporation established under the provisions of the Office of Communications Act 2002. The Ofcom regulates the UK communications industries addressing the television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services. The Communications Act 2003 provides that the principal duty of Ofcom, in carrying out their functions shall be to further the interests of citizens in relation to communications matters and to further the interests of consumers in relevant markets, where appropriate by promoting competition. The Act of 2003 also provides that Ofcom is subject to inspection by the National Audit Office, and Ofcom is accountable to the Public Accounts Committee for propriety and value for money. It is also required that the Secretary of State should lay Ofcom's Annual Report before Parliament. There are numerous committees and advisory bodies of the Ofcom. Some of the bodies have been given delegated powers by the main Ofcom Board and other bodies offer advice to the main Ofcom Board. Such committees and advisory bodies include the Consumer Panel, the Content Board, the Nations and Regions Advisory Committees and the Older Persons and Disabled Persons Advisory Committee. The Ofcom has been entrusted with specific duties which fall into six areas, namely:
(a)Ensuring the optimal use of the electro-magnetic spectrum
(b)Ensuring that a wide range of electronic communications services - including high speed data services - is available throughout the UK
(c)Ensuring a wide range of TV and radio services of high quality and wide appeal
(d)Maintaining plurality in the provision of broadcasting
(e)Applying adequate protection for audiences against offensive or harmful material
(f)Applying adequate protection for audiences against unfairness or the infringement of privacy
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/
