ACMA rejects revised TV code of practice over gambling, booze concerns
Proposed revisions to the commercial television industry code of practice have been rejected by media watchdog ACMA, with concerns over alcohol and gambling advertising, and mature content.
In March, Free TV Australia — the industry body for the free-to-air channels — submitted the revised code to the ACMA, which was last updated in 2015. The code regulates the content of commercial free-to-air television, in regards to community standards.
The ACMA rejected the proposal, saying in a media release it is “not satisfied that the revised code would provide appropriate community safeguards.”
Gambling advertising is of particular concern to the ACMA.
The watchdog said “of particular concern to the ACMA was the proposal to extend the times when M rated content would be permitted, allowing more M content, including advertising for products such as alcohol, to be shown on commercial TV at times when children are more likely to be watching.”
It also noted “significant community concern regarding gambling advertising on commercial TV”, and urged Free TV to “proactively review the existing gambling advertising rules ahead of any potential government reforms.”
The ACMA also announced it will investigate the suitability of the current alcohol advertising restrictions in the current code, including live sports exemptions, and whether it needs to determine a content standard.
The current code remains in place. Bridget Fair, CEO of Free TV, told Mumbrella it will “carefully consider the ACMA’s feedback” and will “continue to engage constructively with the Authority’s future initiatives.”
She adds: “The existing Code continues to provide strong community safeguards, with free-to-air television remaining the most highly regulated broadcast medium in the country.”
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