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The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is imploring broadcasters to revise their codes of conduct and create new regulations to suit online services like live streaming and catch-up TV.
The communications watchdog claims that since streaming services are now more popular in Australia than free-to-air television, it is necessary to change television regulations.
According to ACMA, 54 % of adults watch Nine, Seven, Ten, SBS, or the ABC, compared to 58% who use online subscription video services like Netflix, Stan, and Binge in a given week.
Additionally, data reveals that more Australians were using catch-up or on-demand services provided by broadcasters, with 37% of individuals reportedly doing so in the preceding week, up from 28% in June 2019.
Citing a paper that ACMA released, Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said they identified necessary safeguards on issues such as accuracy and impartiality, transparency of commercial interests, privacy, and dealing with highly distressing content.
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O’Loughlin said, “Co-regulation currently sits at the heart of TV and radio content regulation in Australia. It is incumbent on the broadcasting industry to effectively deliver on co-regulation to maintain the confidence of audiences and the broader community.”
“We, therefore, expect broadcasters will take this research into account when reviewing and updating their respective co-regulatory codes of practice,” she added.
Eight significant streaming providers have entered the market since 2013. Australians are consuming more media than ever before, from 21.4 hours in 2019 to 26.6 hours per week of TV and internet video content in 2021.
Nine industry codes of practice registered with ACMA offer viewer protections. Without obtaining regulatory approval, the ABC and SBS create their own regulations.
The ACMA Chair said, “With the rapidly changing content environment, we consider there is an urgent need for broadcasters to apply content rules consistently across their multiple delivery platforms so that all their audiences are afforded similar protections.”
O’Loughlin. said, “We also intend for this paper to serve as a resource for a broader range of content providers outside of the regulatory framework, including print media and streaming services.”
“These services should be asking themselves whether these audience expectations are being met by their current self-regulatory arrangements, such as terms of use.”
You may also want to read: ACMA whacks Lycamobile with additional fine for disregarding obligations (commsroom.co)
Jaw de Guzman is the content producer for Comms Room, a knowledge platform and website aimed at assisting the communications industry and its professionals.
