New South Wales-based radio station One Central West FM88 has been found to have breached a licence condition following an investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
One Central West FM88 holds a licence to provide an open narrowcasting service. These licences are issued for the purpose of niche broadcasting and must be limited in some way, such as being targeted to special interest groups or being provided for a limited period of time or for a special event.
An ACMA investigation found that One Central West was broadcasting a mix of content, including live-hosted and automated music programs, and news and weather bulletins that would likely appeal to a general audience in the broadcast area.
“One Central West FM88 was not providing open narrowcasting in accordance with its licence,” ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said.
“All broadcasters must comply with their licence conditions at all times and there are potentially serious consequences for not doing so.”
The ACMA has accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from One Central West FM88 requiring it to change its programming so that the service is limited as required under the law. The ACMA will monitor the broadcasts of the station over the next 12 months.
If the licensee fails to comply with the narrowcasting rules the ACMA may take steps to suspend or cancel their licence.
MR 40/2022