The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has launched an investigation into the Australian media’s treatment of the recent mass murder in New Zealand.
Broadcasters will be asked to explain themselves over their coverage of the Christchurch terrorist attack, with ACMA’s investigation focusing on the perpetrator’s live-streamed footage of the shootings that was broadcast on Australian television.
Chair of ACMA, Nerida O’Loughlin (pictured) is to write to broadcasters seeking information on their coverage.
TV transmitters Foxtel, Nine and Seven all showed excerpts from the live stream, with most clips finishing before the attacker entered the mosque.
In addition to that shown on television, ACMA also said it was concerned about content made available on broadcasters’ websites, saying that while the sites were beyond its legislative powers, it would work with the Australian Press Council to review coverage of the attack.
ACMA also said it would request urgent meetings with the peak industry organisations — Free TV Australia and the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association — to discuss whether current rules were providing adequate protections for Australian audiences.
Head of Free TV Australia, Bridget Fair was reported as saying the organisation’s broadcasting members took their responsibilities under the law and the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice very seriously.
“Free TV and its members will co-operate fully with the ACMA investigation,” Ms Fair said.
Prime Minister, Scott Morrison has called for social media platforms to cease their video streaming services until they can sure of preventing content such as the live stream of the attack going to air.
