The joint broadcaster copy instructions, delivery and approval timetable has been agreed by Channel 4, ITV and Sky, for the two bank holidays taking place in May.
Make a note of the linear and VOD deadlines, for any campaigns airing around these times, to avoid any last minute stress or surcharges.
Linear deadlines
Early May Bank Holiday: Monday 4th May 2026
| Linear airdate | Deadline for copy rotation instructions (CRI), copy clearance approval and delivery – by EOP |
|---|---|
| Monday 27th April | Wednesday 22nd April |
| Tuesday 28th April | Thursday 23rd April |
| Wednesday 29th April | Friday 24th April |
| Thursday 30th April | Monday 27th April |
| Friday 1st May | Tuesday 28th April |
| Saturday 2nd May | Wednesday 29th April |
| Sunday 3rd May | Wednesday 29th April |
| Monday 4th May ** | Wednesday 29th April |
| Tuesday 5th May | Wednesday 29th April |
Spring Bank Holiday: Monday 25th May 2026
| Linear airdate | Deadline for copy rotation instructions (CRI), copy clearance approval and delivery – by EOP |
|---|---|
| Monday 18th May | Wednesday 13th May |
| Tuesday 19th May | Thursday 14th May |
| Wednesday 20th May | Friday 15th May |
| Thursday 21st May | Monday 18th May |
| Friday 22nd May | Tuesday 19th May |
| Saturday 23rd May | Wednesday 20th May |
| Sunday 24th May | Wednesday 20th May |
| Monday 25th May ** | Wednesday 20th May |
| Tuesday 26th May | Wednesday 20th May |
Bank Holiday **
VOD deadlines
Early May Bank Holiday: Monday 4th May 2026
| Copy rotations, tracking tags and copy changes | Need to be received by EOP |
|---|---|
| Between Tuesday 5th May – Saturday 9th May | Thursday 23rd April |
Spring Bank Holiday: Monday 25th May 2026
| Copy rotations, tracking tags and copy changes | Need to be received by EOP |
|---|---|
| Between Tuesday Tuesday 26th May – Saturday 30th May | Thursday 14th May |
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 during this 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.