Australian radio industry adopts new Code of Practice

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has today confirmed the registration of the new Commercial Radio Industry Code of Practice.

The updated code will come into force on March 15 and was developed following an extensive review and consultation process between the industry and ACMA.

It will regulate the content of commercial radio and aims to ensure broadcasts meet community standards and attitudes, while serving to protect the right of freedom of speech.

“The code has been updated to reflect changes in the modern media environment and to provide clear guidance to radio stations and listeners on what is required in each of the areas covered by the code,” said Joan Warner, CRA chief executive officer.

“These include taste and decency, accuracy and impartiality in news, broadcast of Australian music, procedures for complaints handling and the broadcast of information in times of emergency.”

Community safeguards in relation to the protection of children, privacy and the broadcast of offensive content are evident in the code, while no change to the amount of radio advertising has been made.

The code is part of the government’s co-regulatory regime for the commercial radio broadcasting sector, developed under section 123 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.

The Commercial Radio Industry Code of Practice can be viewed in full on the CRA website.