Free TV Australia is reviewing the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice (the Code) and seeks public comment.
The new Code has been revised to reflect Australia’s modern digital media landscape, uphold community standards and ensure appropriate viewer safeguards.
In developing the new Code, Free TV has considered Australia’s diversified media environment in which viewers are accessing content whenever and wherever they wish, across a range of devices and a variety of platforms. Many of these alternative platforms remain unregulated.
The new Code:
• Contains no change to the amount of advertising on commercial free-to-air television;
• More accurately reflects how Australians are actually consuming television content;
• Contains key community safeguards in the areas of classification, news and current affairs, advertisements, and effective complaints-handling;
• Is simplified, more concise and consumer-friendly; and
• Ensures commercial television remains Australia’s safest and most heavily regulated platform.
Free TV Chairman Harold Mitchell AC said: “This is a strong Code that continues to provide the most comprehensive community safeguards for viewers.
“It has been simplified and is much more user friendly.
“We are confident that the proposed Code catches up with the range of ways people now access content, while ensuring Free TV remains Australia’s safest place for viewers.”
The closing date for public comment is April 3. Submissions may be sent to Free TV Australia via post to 44 Avenue Road, Mosman NSW 2088 or via email to Code2015@freetv.com.au.