Media Watch’s critique of new TV rules lacked appropriate ‘context’ claims media watchdog

The communications watchdog dubbed a “watchpuss” by Media Watch presenter Paul Barry has returned fire saying the critique of the new Code of Practice for commercial broadcasters was riddled with errors.

Barry took a filleting knife to the code on Monday night’s show, saying the revised document would expose viewers to unidentified advertorial shows, more alcohol advertising and ignoring the increased online consumption of shows preventing some viewers from lodging complaints.

The media commentator was unequivocal in his view that the Australian Communication and Media Authority had rolled over in the face of pressure from Free TV.

However, the ACMA has disputed many of the claims Barry made, saying he had misinterpreted rules on advertorial identification and saying it was satisfied it had taken into account submissions from broadcasters and its own research of viewers.