Licence to broadcast at special events

To broadcast with an open narrowcast licence, the special event must:

• last no longer than 30 days
• be significant for cultural, sporting or other community reasons
• have one or more specific organisers

Examples of special events are:

• the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix
• Olympic Games or Commonwealth Games
• cultural events such as horticultural or flower shows
• artistic exhibitions 

The Broadcasting Services Clarification Notice 2016 contains the exact definition.

We only issue one special event licence for each event. To apply, you need to be:

• the event organiser 
• a peak body

You will need to share air-time if:

• we receive more than one application for an event
• applicants disagree about who the main body is

In this situation, we will ask you to:

• discuss and agree the shared air-time arrangement 7 weeks before the event 
• give us this agreement no less than 3 weeks before the event 

If you cannot agree, we will consult with you and allocate licences equally. 

To apply for a transmitter licence for a special event: 

• Read the Special events policy guidelines.
• Complete form B12 - Application for an Apparatus Licence in the Broadcasting Services Bands. 
• Complete the Special Events Checklist.
• Send both documents to us at least 8 weeks before the event.

A special event licence may include one or two days before the event for testing.

If we approve your application, you need to pay a transmitter licence tax.

You may allow other people to operate a transmitter under your licence. If you do, you must write to them to confirm the agreement. You must give us details of the agreement if we ask.

When we issue a licence, we balance:

• the needs of the public in the long term
• an immediate and high-level demand at the event

If your requested frequency is not available for the special event, we will try and find an alternative frequency. You can only use this:

• for the exact special event purpose 
• the exact location of the event

If you have any queries about licences for special events, email info@acma.gov.au or call 1300 850 115.