Television and Radio
Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)
From 1 July 2005, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is responsible for the regulation of broadcasting, radio communications, telecommunications and online content. [Until 30 June 2005, this role fell to the Australian Broadcasting Commission.]
ACMA administers complaint schemes for radio, TV and internet content. It can deal with radio complaints about the following:
- tobacco advertising
- political advertising
- election material
- sponsorship announcements on community radio
- access to membership of a community radio association
- advertisements about medicine
- matters relating to the Australian Content Standard, or the anti-siphoning rules
ACMA can also deal with complaints about things covered by a Code of Practice BUT you must complain to the radio station first. If you're not satisfied with its response, or it has not responded to you within 60 days, you can complain to ACMA.
Information on the various codes of practice is on ACMA's site here
The main codes of practice are:
- Free to air/commercial radio - here
- ABC - ABC Act, Code and Charter here (on the ABC web site)
- Subscription Radio - here (on the web site of ASTRA, the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association)
- Community Radio - here (on the web site of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia)
There are also a number of issues ACMA doesn't handle.
They are listed here on ACMA's site here together with the agency that does handle them.
Complaints to ACMA should be made to:
Assistant Manager Investigations Section
Australian Communications & Media Authority
PO Box Q500 Queen Victoria Building Sydney NSW 1230
Fax: (02) 9334 7799
Online complaints form
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