The joint broadcaster copy instructions, delivery and approval timetable has been agreed by Channel 4, ITV and Sky, for the 2026 Easter Bank Holiday period.
Make a note of the linear and VOD deadlines, for any campaigns airing around this time, to avoid any last minute stress or surcharges.
Linear deadlines
| Linear airdate | Instructions, copy approval and delivery by EOP |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 31st March | Thursday 26th March |
| Wednesday 1st April | Thursday 26th March |
| Thursday 2nd April | Friday 27th March |
| Friday 3rd April ** | Friday 27th March |
| Saturday 4th April | Monday 30th March |
| Sunday 5th April | Monday 30th March |
| Monday 6th April ** | Monday 30th March |
| Tuesday 7th April | Tuesday 31st March |
Bank Holiday **
VOD deadlines
| Copy rotations, tracking tags and copy changes | Need to be received by EOP |
|---|---|
| Between Thursday 2nd April – Monday 6th April | Tuesday 24th March |
Notes from the Broadcasters
- Linear copy instructions should be supplied at least two clear working days before transmission.
- Linear copy should be delivered at least two clear working days before transmission to avoid a late delivery surcharge.
- Copy received dates are to avoid late copy surcharges being applied by some broadcasters.
- ‘UK broadcasters’ are represented by: ITV, Sky Media and Channel 4.
- Agencies with clients that find these deadlines unworkable should contact individual broadcaster sales representatives directly to agree on your needs.
Notes from Clearcast
- To comply with these deadlines make sure that your factor in additional time for clearance approval.
- Approval should be before or by the delivery date.
- Two clear working days are required for video approval and we advise that you leave at least two weeks for full clearance.
- On the working day before a bank holiday (or office closure) our clearance service shuts down when the broadcasters have received all the cleared copy (our delivery service remains open). We’ll always post on LinkedIn about early closing.
- If you’re using Clearcast Delivery to deliver your ad, you can deliver your clocked ads to the broadcasters while your copy is awaiting approval.
- If you’ll be busy over the festive period, Clearcast Commercial Services can handle things on your behalf.
- For guaranteed feedback within 24 hours (for eligible ads), consider Fast Track.
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If you have any questions, please get in touch with us.