Credit: Eric Nopanen via Unsplash
Commercial Radio Australia (CRA), which is now reviewing its Code of Practice, has been urged to make more fundamental changes than the industry envisaged
CRA is proposing minor language changes to modernise the code, as well as some changes to the rules on corrections:
This includes a firm obligation to correct or clarify certain errors of fact and a requirement to make necessary corrections as soon as reasonably practicable.
CRA believes the code is operating effectively and continues to provide effective safeguards in line with community standards.
However, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) is encouraging the listening public, artists and industry to make submissions before consultation closes May 18.
The recording industry believes local radio should play more local music and when audiences are listening, during peak times. “If not 25% across the board, then at least enforce the rules we already have.”
“This is the first time in decades we’ve seen real momentum for change,” said ARIA and PPCA CEO Annabelle Herd.
“We cannot miss the critical chance to give our homegrown music the radio airtime it is supposed to be getting under broadcasting legislation. It is long overdue.”
The Australian Communications and Media Authority is aware of heightened concerns about certain commercial radio content and whether it meets generally accepted standards of decency.
In February, ACMA opened two new investigations into The Kyle and Jackie O Show to consider possible systemic issues in relation to the decency and complaint handling provisions of the code.
This is in addition to two recently finalised investigations into the program that found breaches of the code.
Concerns about offensive and sexually explicit content on the program have also been raised through parliament and in the media, particularly in relation to children’s exposure to material that is adult in nature during morning breakfast radio.
ACMA said the public response to the recent on-air comments made by Marty Sheargold concerning the Australian women's national soccer team, the Matildas, highlight that community concerns around ‘indecent’ or unacceptable content on commercial radio are not limited to one licensee or program.
CRA has proposed retaining the existing decency provisions in the draft code, without modification.
ACMA encourages listeners to let CRA know their views, including on whether the current decency provisions are adequate or whether code amendments are needed to address concerns.
“This could include, for example, adding a requirement that licensees exercise ‘special care’ when considering content for programs scheduled during school drop-off and pick-up hours, broadening the existing restrictions around ‘explicit sexual themes’ to a wider range of content, or providing clearer warnings where content is broadcast in these periods that may not be suitable for children,” said ACMA.
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