The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has released a statement on the use of its content for political advertising and messaging in which it stresses that the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 requires it to maintain its independence and integrity.
“These principles have been in place from the inception of the ABC as a public broadcaster in 1932 and are reflected in the ABC’s editorial policies,” the ABC said.
“To preserve and protect the ABC’s independence and integrity, the ABC does not permit any of its content, logos, or intellectual property to be reproduced for political purposes,” it said.
The Broadcaster said the ABC’s rights in relation to its content, logos, or intellectual property were protected under Australian copyright law “so any intended use of ABC content or logos or any other intellectual property by political parties, candidates, or third-party groups, requires the ABC’s approval”.
It said this approval would not be granted for any use of ABC content or logos or any other intellectual property in political advertising or political messaging.
“This includes broadcast advertising, print advertising, other forms of advertising including websites, and any and all social media platforms,” it said.
“Political parties, other organisations, or individuals repurposing ABC content or intellectual property on non-ABC platforms for political advertising or political messaging will be requested to immediately remove the ABC material,” the ABC said.
