Online broadcasting

In a decision on 31 March 2026, the BSA confirmed it has jurisdiction to consider a complaint about a programme transmitted by an online broadcaster. 

See our media release here: BSA to consider first complaint about online broadcaster. 

The full decision can be seen here. 

This decision has stimulated discussion about the BSA’s role under the Broadcasting Act 1989. Certain statements made as part of this debate are fact checked here. 

The BSA’s wider policy about online broadcasters, published in 2020, can be seen below. 

The BSA will carry out further work and consultation with the public and broadcasters about how this decision affects them, and to review our policies, procedures and codes in light of the decision.