The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is seeking feedback on proposed new rules governing Australian content and children’s television standards.
Chair of the ACMA, Nerida O’Loughlin said the draft Broadcasting Services (Australian Content and Children’s Television) Standards 2020 established a new Australian content quota system for commercial television broadcasters.
At the same time, it maintained existing program and advertising-related protections for children’s programs.
“The program standards are part of the measures announced by the Government in September to support the ongoing provision of Australian content on our screens,” Ms O’Loughlin said.
“Keeping Australian content on our TV screens plays an important role in fostering Australian culture and identity.”
She said the Government had made decisions to help TV broadcasters better target content to suit their audiences while still protecting Australian stories and perspectives.
She said ACMA was now consulting on new standards to give effect to the Government’s decisions.
“The ACMA’s consultation focuses on practical implementation and drafting issues relating to the program standards,” Ms O’Loughlin said.
“The information we receive through the consultation will be used to improve the clarity and operability of the new standards, where appropriate.”
She said that once the new standards had been finalised, ACMA would continue to work with commercial free-to-air television broadcasters to facilitate a smooth transition to the new arrangements.
Consultation closes on 7 December. Feedback would then be considered, with the new standards planned to begin on 1 January 2021.
Further information can be accessed on the ACMA website at this PS News link.
