Updated commercial radio codes of practice come into effect

The ACMA‘s revised Commercial Radio Code of Practice 2026 has come into effect on July 1, with new safeguards for listeners and updated obligations for commercial radio broadcasters.

The Code now includes requirements for stations to disclose when a synthetic voice is used to host a regularly scheduled program, or news broadcast. This is the first provision on transparency in the use of artificial intelligence included in an Australian broadcasting code of practice. 

There are tightened restrictions too on broadcast content from 8am to 9am and 3pm to 4pm on school days, when children are more likely to be listening.

The updated Code also strengthens provisions relating to corrections for errors in news coverage and complaints reporting, and updates station categories used for Australian music content obligations. 

Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) has updated its commercial radio guidelines for content production, including new guidance to help networks identify and classify their station format correctly under the Australian music obligations.

A further dive into these classifications and categories can be found here.