2010 Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has registered the 2010 Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice. The new Code came into effect from 1 January 2010.

The Commercial Television Code of Practice covers matters prescribed in Section 123 of the Broadcasting Services Act and other matters relating to program content that are of concern to the community including:

· Program classifications;
· Accuracy, fairness and respect for privacy in news and current affairs;
· Advertising time on television;
· Placement of commercials and programs promotions; and
· Complaints handling.

The new Code places a number of additional requirements on broadcasters. From 1 March 2010, broadcasters are required to accept Code complaints made through an electronic lodgement process via the Free TV website. The new Code also provides increased protection for participants in Reality Television programs and includes amendments to strengthen the consumer advice requirements for MA15+ programs amongst a range of other protections.

The Code includes an Appendix for the new digital multi-channels. There are two primary changes for the digital multi-channels; an extension of the PG timezones in the mornings and afternoons and some more flexibility in the limits for non-program matter. In all other respects, the digital multi-channels will be regulated in the same way as the main channels.

PG time zones for digital multi-channels now include the hours between 6am – 8.30am and between 4pm and 7pm on weekdays and between 6am and 10am on weekends. 

Parental Locks which are available on most digital set-top-boxes and integrated digital televisions are an additional tool for parents who wish to control their children’s viewing.  Click here for more information about Parental Locks. 

The following documents provide further information about the 2010 Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice.

Media Release
Registered Code of Practice
Explanatory Note
Fact Sheet - PG time zones on digital multi-channels 
 
Additional Political Advertising Time During An Election Period
Under the Code of Practice, stations are required to provide Free TV Australia with a summary of additional political advertising time used during an election period. For more information, please click here.