Once registered by the ACMA, this code will set revised rules for what can and cannot be shown on commercial television.
ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said that public consultation is a critical part of the code review process.
“Consultation allows viewers and the broader community to raise concerns they may have about the current rules and let broadcasters know about the standards they expect when watching free-to-air television,” O’Loughlin said.
“The ACMA has been encouraging Free TV to review and update its code, which was last fully reviewed in 2015, to better respond to the changing media landscape and address contemporary audience expectations.”
As part of the review process, the ACMA has shared with Free TV its views on a range of issues based on its regulatory and research activities.
“We are pleased to see that some of these have been addressed through revisions to the draft code and we welcome Free TV seeking the public’s views on issues raised by the ACMA,” O’Loughlin said.
“We also reiterate our calls for television broadcasters to voluntarily extend these code provisions to all television-like content available on their on-demand streaming services.
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This would ensure viewers can benefit from the same safeguards regardless of how they are watching content offered by Australian television broadcasters.
“Under current co-regulatory arrangements, broadcasters have an important responsibility to develop codes that provide appropriate content safeguards for their audiences. We encourage interested individuals and organisations to make a submission to this process.”
Codes of practice are drafted by the broadcasting industry but can only be registered if the ACMA is satisfied they provide appropriate community safeguards.
Public submissions made to the consultation will be reviewed by the ACMA and may help inform its considerations for registration.
Adrianne Saplagio is a Content Producer at Comms Room, where she combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in multimedia content creation. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for engaging audiences, Adrianne has been instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that resonate across various digital platforms.
