Australia - Free-to-Air TV - Regulatory - Content Overview and Analysis

Synopsis

This report has been archived and has not been updated. Mass media has become the greatest form of mass communication, and in many ways the TV is the key conduit for reaching the masses. The potential to influence people’s views and opinions is great, and accordingly there are rafts of laws regulating what is in fact broadcast in Australia. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), previously known as the Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA), is the chief government body responsible for licensing broadcasters and regulating broadcasting content. This report looks at the main regulatory requirements and operations regarding broadcasting content.

Table of Contents

• 1. Synopsis
• 2. Australian content
  • 2.1 Advertising
  • 2.2 Australian Content Standards
    • 2.2.1 Television Program Standard 14
    • 2.2.2 Review of Television Program Standard 14 – 1994-95
    • 2.2.3 Review of Standard – 1998
    • 2.2.4 Review of Standard – 2001 - 2002
    • 2.2.5 Locally significant content
    • 2.2.6 Subscription TV
  • 2.3 Anti-hoarding
  • 2.4 Role of ACMA in online content
• 3. Media classifications
  • 3.1 Commercial television and radio
  • 3.2 National broadcasting - television and radio
  • 3.3 Community radio broadcasting
  • 3.4 Subscription TV
  • 3.5 Films and videos
  • 3.6 Computer games
• 4. Related reports

• Exhibit 1 – Regulation of Australian TV content – 1992 - 2006
• Exhibit 2 – Regulation of Australian TV children’s content – 1992 - 2006