Australian broadcasters operate under co-regulatory arrangements established by the Broadcasting Services Act 1992. Under these arrangements, broadcasters are expected to develop industry codes of practice that establish a series of content safeguards for TV and radio audiences. These operate alongside standards and broadcasting licence conditions.
Broadcasting industry codes are not enforceable until they are registered by the ACMA. We will register a code of practice if:
- it provides appropriate community safeguards
- it was endorsed by a majority of providers in that industry sector
- members of the public have been given an adequate opportunity to comment.
Industry codes should be regularly reviewed to ensure they provide appropriate community safeguards. Our June 2022 position paper, What audiences want – Audience expectations for content safeguards, calls on broadcasters to address the expectations of today’s audiences when reviewing and updating their respective industry codes. Completed codes are listed in the ACMA’s register of codes.
Codes reviews – completed
| Broadcasting code | Industry body | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice 2025 | Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) |
A revised code was registered by the ACMA on 16 October 2024, and will come into effect 1 July 2025. The current 2008 code will continue to operate until this date. More details are available on the CBAA website. |
Codes reviews – in progress
| Broadcasting code | Industry body | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice | Free TV |
The code was last substantively reviewed in 2015, with further updates in 2018 to incorporate new gambling advertising rules. Free TV consulted on a revised draft code between 30 September and 11 November 2024. To support the consultation, the ACMA published key issues raised with Free TV. We expect to receive a revised code for registration in early 2025. |
| Commercial Radio Code of Practice | Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) |
The code was last substantively reviewed in 2017 with further updates in 2018 to incorporate new gambling advertising rules. CRA is currently undertaking a review. We expect CRA to consult publicly in early 2025. |
| Subscription Broadcast Television Codes of Practice | Australian Subscription Television & Radio Association (ASTRA) |
The code was last substantively reviewed in 2013 with further updates in 2018 to incorporate new gambling advertising rules. ASTRA is currently undertaking a review. We expect ASTRA to consult publicly in early 2025. |
| Subscription Narrowcast Television Codes of Practice | Australian Subscription Television & Radio Association (ASTRA) |
The code was last substantively reviewed in 2013 with further updates in 2018 to incorporate new gambling advertising rules. ASTRA is currently undertaking a review. We expect ASTRA to consult publicly in early 2025. |
| Community Television Broadcasting Codes of Practice | Australian Community Television Alliance (ACTA) |
The code was last reviewed in 2011. ACTA has paused work on its code review on suggestion of the ACMA. Work is expected to recommence in mid-2025. |
| Open Narrowcast Radio Codes of Practice | Australian Narrowcast Radio Association (ANRA) |
The code was last reviewed in 2011. ANRA has paused work on its code review on suggestion of the ACMA. Work is expected to recommence in early 2025. |