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New TV classification times start today.

Beware, you'll need to monitor classifications more closely from today -especially if you're a parent.

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From today Australian TV networks can now air PG content all day, M rated programs from 7:30pm and MA rated programs from 8:30pm.

While there are no radical changes in programming as yet, Seven, Nine and TEN can now increase the impact of content in earlier timezones without slapping a breach from the media watchdog, the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

The moves were vehemently opposed by family lobby groups.

But ACMA gave networks most of their wishes, ruling that viewing is a shared responsibility since most TVs have parental-locks.

In News and Current Affairs, accuracy will be required only in relation to material facts. While News is required to be impartial, Current Affairs can take a particular view on issues.

You can also complain if you have issue with something you saw on broadcast television -not on streaming or catch-up. That’s despite ACMA’s Chairman Chris Chapman acknowledging TV is available on digital platforms.

If the broadcasting watchdog can’t regulate a contemporary definition of “broadcasting” because the Broadcasting Services Act doesn’t cover Streaming and Online then it is at risk of being a paper tiger.

You can read more on the changes to Timezones here and News & Current Affairs complaints and corrections here.

New Code of Practice

Amended.

8 Responses

  1. it may have starterd today, but doesn’t mean networks will jump at the chance of airing M and MA programs earlier. looked at the TV guide and haven’t seen any change besides movies that would have been AV are now MA.

    with these changes I reckon what they should have done was make the AV rating an R rating for FTA leaving movies/shows uncut at a certain time, like say 10:30 or 11pm.

    1. Maybe I’m just from a different generation but as a kid my parents controlled the TV quite firmly, if there was something not suitable (in their opinion) they’d change the channel.

      1. You are from a very different generation.

        While still not the majority (from my observation, and my fervent hope), there is a vast amount of parents out there who view TV (or worse, their iphone) as the new babysitter for their kids.

        Of course, these are the parents who also refuse to take any responsibility for their children as well (as in “My little Johnny would never do that” etc).

        As I said, currently not the majority, but the numbers are growing 🙁

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