ACMA seeks feedback on content changes

Media watchdog the Australian Communications and Media Authority is undertaking a public consultation on proposed new Australian content and children’s television standards.

This follows an overhaul of content regulations announced by Communications Minister Paul Fletcher.

Amongst the matters for feedback are Definitions of ‘commissioned’, ‘acquired’ and ‘production budget’, definition of ‘first release’ and Definitions of ‘Australian drama program’ and ‘children’s program (non-drama).’

ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said, “Keeping Australian content on our TV screens plays an important role in fostering Australian culture and identity.

“The Australian Government has made decisions to help TV broadcasters better target content to suit their audiences while still protecting Australian stories and perspectives. The ACMA is now consulting on new standards to give effect to the Government’s decisions.

“The information we receive through the consultation will be used to improve the clarity and operability of the new standards, where appropriate,” Ms O’Loughlin said.

“Once the new standards have been finalised, we will continue to work with commercial free-to-air television broadcasters to facilitate a smooth transition to the new arrangements.”

The draft Broadcasting Services (Australian Content and Children’s Television) Standards 2020 establish a new Australian content quota system for commercial television broadcasters, while maintaining existing program and advertising-related protections for children’s programs.

The ACMA’s consultation focuses on practical implementation and drafting issues relating to the program standards.

The ACMA is seeking comments on the draft program standards with consultation closing on 7 December 2020. This is so that all feedback can be considered and the new standards can commence on 1 January 2021.

The proposed new standards and related documentation is available on the ACMA website.