Classifying television and music
Who classifies television?
The Broadcasting Services Act 1992 sets out a self-regulatory regime for broadcasters where the onus to respond to complaints (including those about content and classification) and matters of community concern rests with the broadcaster, in the first instance.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority monitor complaints made to the television broadcasters to assess whether the codes of practice are in tune with prevailing community standards and concerns.
Free-to-air television
Content on free-to-air television is classified by in-house classifiers. SBS and ABC television have their own codes of practice, and the commercial networks operate under the Free TV Code of Practice. These codes of practice contain classification codes under which the classifiers operate.
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The Australian Communications and Media Authority (the ACMA) is responsible for classifying C (children’s) and P (preschool) programs in Australia for broadcast on commercial free-to-air television, in accordance with the Children’s Television Standards. The objectives of these standards is to ensure that children have access to a variety of quality television programs made specifically for them and to provide for the protection of children from possible harmful effects of television. More information on the C and P classifications can be found on the ACMA website.
Pay television
Pay TV stations classify content according to the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA) Code of Practice.
Who classifies music CDs without visual components?
In Australia there has been a system of warning labels used for audio-only recorded music products since 1996. This system is called the Recorded Music Labelling Code of Practice, and is managed by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and the Australian Music Retailers Association (AMRA).
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Who classifies advertisements?
The Advertising Standards Bureau administers a national voluntary system of advertising self-regulation whereby advertisers are required to adhere by the Advertiser Code of Ethics.
This code is prescribed by the Australian Association of National Advertisers following principles laid down by the Australian Parliament as being reflective of community values.
Who classifies mobile phone content?
The Australian Communications and Media Authority encourages the development of self-regulatory schemes for the telecommunications industry and registers and monitors compliance with those codes.