The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) was the regulatory body in the United Kingdom for commercial television (ITV and Channel 4 and limited satellite television regulation - cable was the responsibility of the Cable Authority) - and radio broadcasts. The IBA came into being when the Sound Broadcasting Act 1972 gave the Independent Television Authority responsibility for organising the new Independent Local Radio (ILR) stations.
The IBA appointed and regulated a number of regional programme TV contractors and local radio contractors , and built and operated the network of transmitters distributing these programmes through its Engineering Division.
Commercial television (and radio) in the UK means TV (and radio) funded by advertising rather than by compulsory subscription like the BBC.
