Skip to main
Help and resources
Register
for My Account
Sign in
to My Account
Search
Australian Government
Federal Register of Legislation
Site navigation
Constitution
Acts
Legislative instruments
Notifiable instruments
Gazettes
Administrative Arrangements
Prerogative instruments
Norfolk Island
Home
Acts
In force
Text
Details
Authorises
Downloads
All versions
Interactions
Broadcasting Services Act 1992
In force
Administered by
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
Latest version
Order print copy
Save this title to My Account
Set up an alert
C2024C00334 (C109)
10 July 2024
Legislation text
View document
Select value
Act
Filter active
Table of contents
Enter text to search the table of contents
Collapse
Volume 1
Collapse
Part 1—Preliminary
1 Short title
2 Commencement
3 Objects of this Act
4 Regulatory policy
5 Role of the ACMA
6 Interpretation
7 Interpretation—meaning of control
8 Interpretation—shareholding interests, voting interests, dividend interests and winding up interests
8A Captioning taken to be part of program
8AA Designated community radio broadcasting licence
8AB Digital program enhancement content taken to be a radio program
8AC Digital radio start up day
8AD Deemed radio broadcasting licence areas
8AE Local content exemption period—regional commercial radio broadcasting licensee
8AF Regional racing service radio licence
8B Remote Indigenous community
9 Act to bind the Crown
10 Extension of Act to the external Territories
10A Application of the Criminal Code
Collapse
Part 2—Categories of broadcasting services
11 Categories of broadcasting services
11A Dual categorisation of international broadcasting services
12 Method of regulating particular services
13 National broadcasting services
14 Commercial broadcasting services
15 Community broadcasting services
16 Subscription broadcasting services
17 Subscription narrowcasting services
18 Open narrowcasting services
18A International broadcasting services
19 ACMA may determine additional criteria or clarify existing criteria
21 Requests to ACMA to decide which category a broadcasting service falls into
22 Matters to be considered by ACMA
Collapse
Part 3—Planning of the broadcasting services bands
23 Planning criteria
26 Preparation of licence area plans
26AA Compliance with television licence area plan
26C Licence area plans not required to deal with certain digital radio broadcasting services
26D Licence area plans—how digital radio broadcasting services may be dealt with
29 Designation of licence areas
30 ACMA may determine population figures
31 Minister may reserve capacity for national broadcasters or community broadcasters
33 Development of technical planning guidelines
34 Alternative uses of broadcasting services bands
Collapse
Part 4—Commercial television broadcasting licences and commercial radio broadcasting licences
Collapse
Division 1—Allocation of licences
36 ACMA to determine system for allocating licences
36A Commercial radio broadcasting licences to provide analog or digital commercial radio broadcasting services
37 When licences must not be allocated
37A Limitation on number of commercial television broadcasting licences
38 ACMA to advertise for applications for certain licences
38A Additional commercial television licences in single markets
38B Additional commercial television licences in 2 station markets
38C Commercial television broadcasting licences—services provided with the use of a satellite
39 Additional commercial radio licences in single markets
40 Allocation of other licences
41 When persons are regarded as suitable
Division 2—Services authorised by licences
41C Services authorised by commercial television broadcasting licences
41CA Services authorised by commercial television broadcasting licences allocated under section 38C
41D Services authorised by commercial radio broadcasting licences
Division 3—Licence conditions
42 Conditions of commercial broadcasting licences
43 ACMA may impose additional conditions
43AA Local news to be provided to section 38C licensees by regional commercial television broadcasting licensees
43AB Commercial television programs to be provided to section 38C licensees by metropolitan commercial television broadcasting licensees
43AC Commercial television programs to be provided to section 38C licensees by remote terrestrial licensees
43AD Compensation for acquisition of property
43B Local presence—regional commercial radio broadcasting licences
43C Local content—regional commercial radio broadcasting licences
43D Special licence conditions relating to digital radio commercial broadcasting services
44 Matters to which conditions may relate
Division 4—General provisions
45 Duration of licences
46 Applications for renewal
47 ACMA to renew licences unless it is aware of special circumstances
48 Transfer of commercial broadcasting licences
49 Surrender of commercial broadcasting licences
Collapse
Part 5—Control of commercial broadcasting licences
Collapse
Division 1—Preliminary
50A This Part does not apply in relation to licences allocated under section 38C or subsection 40(1)
50 Interpretation—knowledge of company
51 Means of dealing with overlapping licence areas
52 Changes in licence area populations not to put persons in breach of this Part
52A Newspapers—additional constitutional basis
Collapse
Division 2—Limitation on control
53 Limitation on control of commercial television broadcasting licences
54 Limitation on control of commercial radio broadcasting licences
Collapse
Division 3—Limitation on directorships
55 Limitation on numbers of directorships—television
56 Limitation on numbers of directorships—radio
Collapse
Division 5—Newspapers associated with licence areas
59 Newspapers associated with commercial television or radio broadcasting licence areas
Collapse
Division 5A—Media diversity
Collapse
Subdivision A—Introduction
61AA Definitions
61AB Unacceptable media diversity situation
61AC Points
61AD Statutory control rules
61AE Shared content test
61AF Overlapping licence areas
Subdivision B—Prohibition of transactions that result in an unacceptable media diversity situation coming into existence etc.
61AG Prohibition of transactions that result in an unacceptable media diversity situation coming into existence—offence
61AH Prohibition of transactions that result in an unacceptable media diversity situation coming into existence—civil penalty
61AJ Prior approval of transactions that result in an unacceptable media diversity situation coming into existence etc.
61AK Extension of time for compliance with prior approval notice
61AL Breach of prior approval notice—offence
61AM Breach of prior approval notice—civil penalty
Subdivision C—Remedial directions
61AN Remedial directions—unacceptable media diversity situation
61AP Extension of time for compliance with remedial direction
61AQ Breach of remedial direction—offence
61AR Breach of remedial direction—civil penalty
Subdivision D—Enforceable undertakings
61AS Acceptance of undertakings
61AT Enforcement of undertakings
Subdivision E—Register of Controlled Media Groups
61AU Register of Controlled Media Groups
61AV How a media group is to be entered in the Register
61AW Explanatory notes may be included in the Register
61AX Continuity of media group
61AY Initial registration of media groups
61AZ Registration of newly formed media group
61AZA De registration of media group that has ceased to exist
61AZB Registration of change of controller of registered media group
61AZC Registration of change of composition of media group
61AZCA ACMA must deal with notifications in order of receipt
61AZD Conditional transactions
61AZE Review and confirmation of entries and alterations etc.
61AZF Reconsideration of decisions
61AZG Corrections of clerical errors or obvious defects
61AZH Regulations
Division 5B—Disclosure of cross media relationships
61BA Definitions
61BB Disclosure of cross media relationship by commercial television broadcasting licensee
61BC Choice of disclosure method—commercial radio broadcasting licensee
61BD Disclosure of cross media relationship by commercial radio broadcasting licensee—business affairs disclosure method
61BE Disclosure of cross media relationship by commercial radio broadcasting licensee—regular disclosure method
61BF Disclosure of cross media relationship by publisher of newspaper
61BG Exception—political communication
61BH Matter or material about the business affairs of a broadcasting licensee or newspaper publisher
Division 5C—Local news and information requirements for regional commercial radio broadcasting licensees
Collapse
Subdivision A—Introduction
61CA Definitions
61CAA This Division does not apply in relation to certain licences
61CB Trigger event
61CC What is local?
Collapse
Subdivision B—Minimum service standards for local news and information
61CD Licensee must meet minimum service standards for local news and information
61CE Minimum service standards for local news and information
Collapse
Subdivision C—Local content statements
61CF Licensee must prepare and publish local content statements
Collapse
Subdivision CA—Licensee to inform the ACMA how the licensee will comply with minimum service standards for emergency warnings
61CG Licensee to inform the ACMA how the licensee will comply with minimum service standards for emergency warnings
Collapse
Subdivision CB—ACMA’s information gathering powers
61CH ACMA’s information gathering powers
Collapse
Subdivision D—Other local content requirements
61CR Minister may direct the ACMA to conduct an investigation about other local content requirements
61CS Minister may direct the ACMA to impose licence conditions relating to local content
Division 5D—Local programming requirements for regional commercial television broadcasting licensees
61CU Definitions
61CV Trigger event
61CW Local programming requirements for regional aggregated commercial television broadcasting licensees
61CX Local programming requirements for regional non aggregated commercial television broadcasting licensees
61CY Points system
61CYA Modifications relating to designated Western Australian commercial television broadcasting licences
61CYB When designated Western Australian commercial television broadcasting licences are under common control
61CZ Local programming determination
61CZA Record keeping requirements
61CZB Licensee must submit compliance reports
61CZC Review of local programming requirements
61CZD Minister may direct the ACMA about the exercise of its powers
Division 6—Notification provisions
63 Requirement to notify changes in control
65A Strict liability offence
65B Designated infringement notice provision
Division 7—Approval of temporary breaches
66 Offence for breaches without approval
67 Applications for prior approval of temporary breaches
68 Extension of time for compliance with notice
69 Breach of notice under section 67 to constitute an offence
Division 8—Action by the ACMA
70 Notices by the ACMA
71 Extension of time for compliance with notice
72 Breach of notice under section 70 to constitute an offence
Division 9—Special provision for small markets
73 Additional licence under section 38A not to result in breach of ownership limits
73A Additional licence allocated under section 38B not to result in breach of control rules
Division 10—Prior opinions by the ACMA
74 Requests to ACMA to give an opinion on whether a person is in a position to control a licence, a newspaper or a company
Division 10A—Register of Foreign Owners of Media Assets
Collapse
Subdivision A—Introduction
74A Simplified outline of this Division
74B Definitions
74C Foreign stakeholder
Collapse
Subdivision B—Register of Foreign Owners of Media Assets
74D Register of Foreign Owners of Media Assets
74E Information to be set out in the Register of Foreign Owners of Media Assets
Collapse
Subdivision C—Notification
74F Notification by a person who becomes a foreign stakeholder in an Australian media company
74G Notification by a person who ceases to be a foreign stakeholder in an Australian media company
74H Notification by a person who is a foreign stakeholder in an Australian media company at the end of a financial year
74J Notification by a person who is a foreign stakeholder in an Australian media company at the commencement of this Division
74K Notification by a person who is a foreign stakeholder in an Australian media company—requirement by the ACMA
74L Requirement for executors, administrators and liquidators to give notification
74M Person may give the ACMA relevant information
Collapse
Subdivision D—Miscellaneous
74N Minister may direct the ACMA about the performance of its functions or the exercise of its powers
74P Service of summons, process or notice on corporations incorporated outside Australia
74Q Extra territorial application
74R Annual report
74S Part 13 not limited
74T Liability for damages
74U Review of this Division etc.
Division 11—Miscellaneous
75 Register of matters under this Part
76 Continuing offences
77 Part has effect notwithstanding Competition and Consumer Act
78 Part not to invalidate appointments
Collapse
Part 6—Community broadcasting licences
79 Interpretation
79A Application
80 Allocation of BSB community broadcasting licences
81 When licences must not be allocated
82 Other community broadcasting licences
83 When persons are regarded as suitable
84 Allocation of community broadcasting licences
84A Designated community radio broadcasting licences to provide analog or digital services
85 ACMA not required to allocate community broadcasting licence to any applicant
85A Services authorised by designated community radio broadcasting licences
86 Conditions of community broadcasting licences
87 ACMA may impose additional conditions on community broadcasting licences
87A Additional conditions on CTV licences
87B Special licence condition relating to digital community radio broadcasting services
88 Matters to which conditions may relate
89 Duration of community broadcasting licences
90 Applications for renewal of community broadcasting licences
91 ACMA may renew community broadcasting licences
91A Transfer of community broadcasting licences
92 Surrender of community broadcasting licences
Collapse
Part 6A—Temporary community broadcasting licences
92A Interpretation
92B Temporary community broadcasting licences
92C Applicants for temporary community broadcasting licences
92D When applicants and licensees are regarded as suitable
92E Criteria for deciding whether to allocate a licence
92F Licences to accord with alternative planning procedures
92G Licence area, timing conditions and licence period
92H Conditions of temporary community broadcasting licences
92J ACMA may vary conditions or periods, or impose new conditions
92K Duration of temporary community broadcasting licences
92L Surrender of temporary community broadcasting licences
Collapse
Part 7—Subscription television broadcasting services
Collapse
Division 1—Allocation of subscription television broadcasting licences
95 When subscription television broadcasting licence must not be allocated
96 Allocation of other subscription television broadcasting licences
97 Requests to Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
98 Suitability for allocation of licence
98D Compensation
Collapse
Division 2—Conditions of subscription television broadcasting licence
99 Conditions applicable to subscription television broadcasting licence
100 Matters to which conditions may relate
Collapse
Division 2A—Eligible drama expenditure
Collapse
Subdivision A—Introduction
103A Simplified outline
103B Definitions
103C Channel providers
103D Part channel providers
103E Pass through providers
103F Part pass through providers
103G Supply of channel or package
103H Non designated pre production expenditure not to be counted unless principal photography has commenced
103J Cash based accounting—when expenditure is incurred
103JA When designated script development expenditure is incurred in relation to an eligible drama program etc.
103K When expenditure incurred on a new eligible drama program
103L ACMA may make determinations about what constitutes program expenditure
103M Expenditure to be nominated only once in meeting licence conditions
Collapse
Subdivision B—Channel provider supplies channel
103N 10% minimum eligible drama expenditure—channel provider supplies channel
103NA Carry forward eligible drama expenditure
103P Shortfall of eligible drama expenditure—channel provider supplies channel exclusively to licensee
103Q Shortfall of eligible drama expenditure—channel provider supplies channel to multiple licensees
Collapse
Subdivision C—Pass through provider supplies channel
103R 10% minimum eligible drama expenditure—pass through provider supplies channel
103RA Carry forward eligible drama expenditure
103S Shortfall of eligible drama expenditure—pass through provider supplies channel
Collapse
Subdivision D—Licensee supplies all program material
103T 10% minimum eligible drama expenditure—licensee supplies all program material
103TA Carry forward eligible drama expenditure
Collapse
Subdivision E—Part channel provider supplies package of programs
103U 10% minimum eligible drama expenditure—part channel provider supplies package of programs
103UA Carry forward eligible drama expenditure
103V Shortfall of eligible drama expenditure—part channel provider supplies a package of programs exclusively to licensee
103W Shortfall of eligible drama expenditure—part channel provider supplies a package of programs to multiple licensees
Collapse
Subdivision F—Part pass through provider supplies package of programs
103X 10% minimum eligible drama expenditure—part pass through provider supplies package of programs
103XA Carry forward eligible drama expenditure
103Y Shortfall of eligible drama expenditure—part pass through provider supplies package of programs
Collapse
Subdivision G—Licensee supplies part of program material
103Z 10% minimum eligible drama expenditure—licensee supplies part of program material
103ZAA Carry forward eligible drama expenditure
Collapse
Subdivision H—Annual returns
103ZA Licensee to lodge annual return
103ZB Channel provider and part channel provider to lodge annual return
103ZC ACMA may inquire into the correctness of an annual return
103ZD Nominations to be attached to annual returns
Collapse
Subdivision J—Miscellaneous
103ZG Anti avoidance—transactions between persons not at arm’s length
103ZH Expenditure to be expressed in Australian currency
Collapse
Division 6—Miscellaneous
113 Transfer of subscription television broadcasting licence
114 Surrender of subscription television broadcasting licence
115 Minister may protect the free availability of certain types of programs
116 Certain arrangements not to result in control or in persons being associates
116A Use of additional capacity
116B Application of section 51 of the Competition and Consumer Act
Collapse
Part 8—Subscription broadcasting and narrowcasting class licences
117 Determination of class licences
118 Conditions of class licences
119 Matters to which conditions may relate
120 Variation of class licences
Collapse
Part 8A—Restrictions on subscription television broadcasting services in regional areas etc.
121A Simplified outline
121B Definitions
121C Identical program items
121D Continuity of program items
121E ACMA permission is required to provide certain television services in regional areas
Collapse
Part 8B—International broadcasting licences
Collapse
Division 1—Introduction
121F Simplified outline
121FAA Definitions
Collapse
Division 2—Allocation of international broadcasting licences
121FA Application for international broadcasting licence
121FB Corporate status and suitability
121FC Unsuitable applicant
121FD Australia’s national interest
121FE Allocation of licence
Collapse
Division 3—Obligations of international broadcasting licensees
121FF Conditions of international broadcasting licences
Collapse
Division 4—Remedies
121FG Prohibition on providing an international broadcasting service without a licence
121FH Remedial directions—unlicensed international broadcasting services
121FHA Breach of remedial direction—offence
121FHB Breach of remedial direction—civil penalty provision
121FJ Offence for breach of conditions of international broadcasting licence
121FJA Civil penalty provision relating to breach of conditions of international broadcasting licences
121FJB Remedial directions—licence conditions
121FJC Breach of remedial direction—offence
121FJD Breach of remedial direction—civil penalty provision
121FK Cancellation of licence if service does not commence within 2 years
121FL Formal warning, or cancellation or suspension of licence, where service is contrary to Australia’s national interest
Collapse
Division 4A—Nominated broadcaster declarations
121FLA Object of this Division
121FLB Applications for nominated broadcaster declarations
121FLC Making a nominated broadcaster declaration
121FLD Effect of nominated broadcaster declaration
121FLE Conditions of nominated broadcaster declarations
121FLF Offence for breach of conditions of nominated broadcaster declaration
121FLG Revocation of nominated broadcaster declaration
121FLH Cancellation of licence if declaration ceases to be in force and licensee is not an Australian company
121FLJ Register of nominated broadcaster declarations
Collapse
Division 5—ACMA to assist the Minister for Foreign Affairs
121FM Report about compliance with international broadcasting guidelines
121FN Records of broadcasts
Collapse
Division 6—Miscellaneous
121FP International broadcasting guidelines
121FQ Surrender of international broadcasting licences
121FR Complaints about international broadcasting services
121FS Statements about decisions of the Minister for Foreign Affairs
Collapse
Part 9—Content rules, program standards and codes of practice
121G Australian content—transmission quota
121H Australian content: transmission quota for regional/remote commercial television broadcasting licensees
122 Program standards for children’s programs and Australian content
123 Development of codes of practice
123B Review by the ACMA—application of code of practice to section 38C licences
124 ACMA to maintain Register of codes of practice
125 ACMA may determine program standards where codes of practice fail or where no code of practice developed
125A ACMA must determine a gambling promotion program standard if directed by the Minister
126 Consultation on standards
127 Notification of determination or variation or revocation of standards
128 Standards and codes to be amendable by the Parliament
129 Limitation of ACMA’s power in relation to standards
130 Application of the Competition and Consumer Act
Collapse
Part 9A—Technical standards
130A Technical standards for digital transmission—television etc.
130AA Technical standards for digital transmission—radio etc.
130AB Technical standards relating to the operation of multiplex transmitters
130AC Technical standards for digital transmission of television services provided with the use of a satellite
130B Technical standards for domestic digital reception equipment—television etc.
130BA Technical standards for domestic digital reception equipment—radio etc.
130BB Technical standards for domestic digital reception equipment—television services provided with the use of a satellite
Collapse
Part 9B—Industry codes and industry standards
Collapse
Division 1—Simplified outline
130C Simplified outline
Collapse
Division 2—Interpretation
130D Industry codes
130E Industry standards
130F Industry activities
130G Sections of the industry
130H Participants in a section of the industry
Collapse
Division 3—General principles relating to industry codes and industry standards
130J Statement of regulatory policy
130K Examples of matters that may be dealt with by industry codes and industry standards
130L Industry codes and industry standards not to deal with certain matters
Collapse
Division 4—Industry codes
130M Registration of industry codes
130N ACMA may request codes
130P Publication of notice where no body or association represents a section of the industry
130Q Replacement of industry codes
Collapse
Division 5—Industry standards
130R ACMA may determine an industry standard if a request for an industry code is not complied with
130S ACMA may determine industry standard where no industry body or association formed
130T ACMA may determine industry standards—total failure of industry codes
130U ACMA may determine industry standards—partial failure of industry codes
130V Compliance with industry standards
130W Formal warnings—breach of industry standards
130X Variation of industry standards
130Y Revocation of industry standards
Collapse
Division 6—Register of industry codes and industry standards
130ZA ACMA to maintain Register of industry codes and industry standards
Collapse
Part 9C—Access to commercial television broadcasting services provided with the use of a satellite
130ZBA Simplified outline
130ZB Objectives of conditional access scheme—South Eastern Australia TV3 licence area and Northern Australia TV3 licence area
130ZBB Objectives of conditional access scheme—Western Australia TV3 licence area
130ZC Registration of conditional access scheme developed by representative body or association
130ZCAA ACMA may invite representative body or association to develop a revised conditional access scheme
130ZCAB ACMA may request development of replacement conditional access scheme
130ZCA Registration of conditional access scheme formulated by the ACMA
130ZD Replacement of conditional access scheme
130ZE ACMA to maintain register of conditional access schemes
130ZF ACMA may direct a scheme administrator to issue a reception certificate etc.
130ZFA Adequate reception
130ZG Applicable terrestrial digital commercial television broadcasting services
130ZH Declared service deficient areas
Collapse
Part 9D—Captioning
Collapse
Division 1—Introduction
130ZJ Simplified outline
130ZK Definitions
130ZKA Definition of channel provider
130ZKB Definition of part channel provider
130ZKC Supply of channel or package
130ZL Designated viewing hours
130ZM This Part does not apply to foreign language programs
130ZN This Part does not apply to programs that consist wholly of music
130ZO Captioning service provided for part of program
130ZP Multiple subscription television services provided by licensee
130ZQ Television service provided in a period
Collapse
Division 2—Captioning obligations of commercial television broadcasting licensees and national broadcasters
130ZR Captioning obligations—basic rule
130ZS Captioning obligations—special rules for multi channelled services
130ZUA Exemption orders and target reduction orders—unjustifiable hardship
130ZUAA Effect of target reduction order
130ZUB Certain breaches to be disregarded
Collapse
Division 3—Captioning obligations of subscription television licensees
130ZV Annual captioning targets—subscription television licensees
130ZVA Categories for subscription television movie services
130ZW Categories for subscription television general entertainment services
130ZX Exemptions—certain subscription television services provided before 1 July 2022
130ZY Exemption orders and target reduction orders—unjustifiable hardship
130ZYA Effect of target reduction order
130ZZ Captioning services for repeats of television programs
130ZZAA Captioning services for simultaneously transmitted television programs
130ZZAB Certain breaches to be disregarded
Collapse
Division 4—Captioning standards
130ZZA Captioning standards
Collapse
Division 5—Emergency warnings
130ZZB Emergency warnings
Collapse
Division 6—Reports and record keeping
130ZZC Annual compliance reports
130ZZD Record keeping
Collapse
Division 7—Review of this Part etc.
130ZZE Review of this Part etc.
Collapse
Part 9E—Prominence framework
Collapse
Division 1—Introduction
130ZZF Simplified outline of this Part
130ZZG Objects
130ZZH Definitions
130ZZI Regulated television devices
130ZZJ Regulated television services
130ZZK Broadcasting video on demand service
130ZZL Primary user interface
130ZZM ACMA may make guidelines about regulated television devices
Collapse
Division 2—Minimum prominence requirements
130ZZN Regulated television devices must comply with minimum prominence requirements
130ZZO Regulations may prescribe minimum prominence requirements
130ZZP Remedial directions—contravention of minimum prominence requirements
Collapse
Division 3—Information gathering
130ZZQ ACMA may obtain information and documents
130ZZR Copies of documents
Collapse
Division 4—Miscellaneous
130ZZS Service of notices by electronic means
130ZZT Relationship with other laws
130ZZU Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws
Collapse
Division 5—Review of this Part etc.
130ZZV Review of this Part
130ZZW Minister may request report
130ZZX Minister may direct ACMA about the exercise of its powers
Collapse
Part 10—Remedies for breaches of licensing provisions
Collapse
Division 1—Offences for providing unlicensed services
131 Prohibition on providing a commercial television broadcasting service without a licence
132 Prohibition on providing a subscription television broadcasting service without a licence
133 Prohibition on providing a commercial radio broadcasting service without a licence
134 Prohibition on providing a community television broadcasting service without a licence
135 Prohibition on providing a community radio broadcasting service without a licence
136 Continuing offences
Collapse
Division 1A—Civil penalty provisions relating to unlicensed services
136A Prohibition on providing a commercial television broadcasting service without a licence
136B Prohibition on providing a subscription television broadcasting service without a licence
136C Prohibition on providing a commercial radio broadcasting service without a licence
136D Prohibition on providing a community television broadcasting service without a licence
136E Prohibition on providing a community radio broadcasting service without a licence
136F Continuing breaches
Collapse
Division 2—Action by ACMA where a person provides a service without a licence
137 Remedial directions—unlicensed services
138 Breach of remedial direction—offences
138A Breach of remedial direction—civil penalty provision
Collapse
Division 3—Action in relation to breaches by licensees
139 Offence for breach of conditions of licences and class licences
140 Continuing offences
140A Civil penalty provisions relating to breach of conditions of licences and class licences
141 Remedial directions—licence conditions, class licences and codes of practice
142 Breach of remedial direction—offences
142A Breach of remedial direction—civil penalty provision
143 Suspension and cancellation
Collapse
Division 4—Action in relation to class licences
144 Application to Federal Court
Collapse
Part 10A—Anti hoarding rules
Collapse
Division 1—Introduction
146A Simplified outline
146B Definitions
146C Designated events and designated series of events
146CA When event or series is eligible for delayed televising in the Central Western time zones
146D Program suppliers
Collapse
Division 2—Commercial television broadcasting licensees
146E Anti hoarding rule—licensees
146F Anti hoarding rule—program suppliers
146G What constitutes an offer to transfer rights to televise live events
146H Offers to transfer rights to televise live events
146J Contracts to acquire rights to televise live events must authorise the transfer of the rights
146K Simultaneous events in a series
146KA Delayed televising in the Central Western time zones
Collapse
Division 3—National broadcasters
146L Anti hoarding rule
146M What constitutes an offer to transfer rights to televise live events
146N Offers to transfer rights to televise live events
146P Contracts to acquire rights to televise live events must authorise the transfer of the rights
146Q Simultaneous events in a series
146R Delayed televising in the Central Western time zones
Collapse
Part 11—Complaints to the ACMA
Collapse
Division 1—Complaints relating to action under licences and class licences
147 Complaints relating to offences or breach of licence conditions
148 Complaints under codes of practice
149 Investigation of complaints by the ACMA
Collapse
Division 2—Complaints relating to national broadcasting services or datacasting services provided by the ABC or SBS
150 Complaints relating to national broadcasting services or datacasting services provided by the ABC or SBS
151 Investigation of complaints relating to the ABC or SBS by the ACMA
152 Action by ACMA where complaint justified
153 ACMA may report to Minister on results of recommendation
Collapse
Part 13—Information gathering by the ACMA
Collapse
Division 1—Introduction
168 Obtaining of information by the ACMA
169 Decision making by the ACMA not limited to matters discovered by investigation or hearing
Collapse
Division 2—Investigations
170 Investigations by the ACMA
171 Minister may direct ACMA to conduct an investigation
172 ACMA may call for written submissions from the public
173 Notice requiring appearance for examination
174 Examination on oath or affirmation
175 Examination to take place in private
176 Record to be made of examination
177 Production of documents for inspection
178 Report on investigation
179 Publication of report
180 Person adversely affected by report to be given opportunity to comment
Collapse
Division 3—Hearings
182 Power to hold hearings
183 Minister may direct ACMA to hold a hearing
184 Procedure for conduct of hearings
185 ACMA may direct holding of conference
186 Hearings to be informal, quick and economical
187 Hearings to be in public except in exceptional cases
188 Public notice of hearings
189 Confidential material not to be published
190 Directions as to private hearings
191 Constitution of ACMA for conduct of hearings
192 Presiding member
193 Reconstitution of hearing panel
194 Exercise of powers in relation to conduct of hearing
195 Summons to give evidence or produce documents
196 Written submissions may be made to hearing
197 Evidence and submissions to be taken into account by ACMA
198 Representation at hearings
199 Reports on hearings
Collapse
Division 4—General
200 Protection of members and persons giving evidence
201 Protection of panel conducting hearing
202 Non compliance with requirement to give evidence
203 Proceedings for defamation not to lie
Collapse
Part 14—Appeals to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal
204 Appeals to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal
205 Notification of decisions to include notification of reasons and appeal rights
Collapse
Part 14AA—Collection and recovery of interim tax
205AA Simplified outline of this Part
205AB Assessments
205AC When interim tax becomes due and payable
205AD Recovery of interim tax
205AE Refund of overpayment of interim tax
205AF Late payment penalty
205AG Anti avoidance
Collapse
Part 14B—Civil penalties
Collapse
Division 1—Ancillary contravention of civil penalty provision
205E Ancillary contravention of civil penalty provision
Collapse
Division 2—Civil penalty orders
205EA Simplified outline
205F Civil penalty orders
205G Who may apply for a civil penalty order
205H 2 or more proceedings may be heard together
205J Time limit for application for an order
205K Civil evidence and procedure rules for civil penalty orders
205L Civil proceedings after criminal proceedings
205M Criminal proceedings during civil proceedings
205N Criminal proceedings after civil proceedings
205P Evidence given in proceedings for a civil penalty order not admissible in criminal proceedings
205PAA Mistake of fact
Collapse
Part 14C—Injunctions
205PA Simplified outline
205Q Injunctions
205R Interim injunctions
205S Discharge etc. of injunctions
205T Certain limits on granting injunctions not to apply
205U Other powers of the Federal Court unaffected
Collapse
Part 14D—Enforceable undertakings
205V Simplified outline
205W Acceptance of undertakings
205X Enforcement of undertakings
Collapse
Part 14E—Infringement notices
205XAA Simplified outline
205XA Formal warning
205Y When an infringement notice can be given
205Z Matters to be included in an infringement notice
205ZA Amount of penalty
205ZB Withdrawal of an infringement notice
205ZC What happens if the penalty is paid
205ZD Effect of this Part on criminal proceedings
205ZE Appointment of authorised infringement notice officer
205ZF Regulations
Collapse
Part 14F—Grants
205ZG Simplified outline of this Part
205ZH Grants
205ZJ Terms and conditions for grants
205ZK Advisory committee
205ZL Annual report
205ZM Short title of amending Act does not limit the powers conferred by this Part
Collapse
Part 15—Miscellaneous
206 Broadcasting or datacasting taken to be publication in permanent form
207 Amounts of fees
209 Prosecutions
210 Publication of opinions
211AA Time when a television program is broadcast—certain terrestrial licence areas
211A Time when a television program is broadcast—South Eastern Australia TV3 and Northern Australia TV3 licence areas
212 Special provisions for re transmission of programs
212A Self help providers
212B Declared self help providers and excluded providers
213 Penalties for continuing offences
214 Procedure relating to continuing offences
215 Guidelines relating to ACMA’s enforcement powers etc.
216 Ministerial consultative and advisory bodies
216A Schedule 4 (digital television broadcasting)
216AA Review of taxation arrangements etc.
216C Schedule 6 (datacasting services)
216D Schedule 7 (content services)
216E Schedule 8 (online content services)
217 Regulations
218 Channel sharing
Collapse
Volume 2
Collapse
Schedule 1—Control and ownership of company interests
Part 1—Introduction
1 Control—general
Part 2—When person is in a position to exercise control
2 When person is in a position to exercise control
3 When person is in a position to exercise control of a newspaper
4 Special provisions for authorised lenders
Part 3—Deemed control
5 Explanation of examples
6 The 15% rule
7 Application of method through chain of companies
Part 4—Tracing of ownership
8 Tracing of ownership
Collapse
Schedule 2—Standard conditions
Collapse
Part 1—Interpretation
1 Definitions
2 Interpretation—certain things do not amount to broadcasting of advertisements
Collapse
Part 2—Special conditions
3 Broadcasting of political or controversial material
3A Broadcasting of election advertisements
3B Broadcasting of referendum advertisements
4 Identification of certain political matter
5 Records of matter broadcast
Collapse
Part 3—Commercial television broadcasting licences
Collapse
Division 1—General
7 Conditions of commercial television broadcasting licences
Division 2—Licences allocated under section 38C
7A Common conditions
7B Conditions about the provision of primary commercial television broadcasting services
7C Conditions about the provision of non primary commercial television broadcasting services
7D Condition about the provision of local news services
7E Exemption—provision of new commercial television broadcasting services not technically feasible
7F Exemption—commercial television broadcasting services with the same program content
7G Delay in commencement of new commercial television broadcasting services
7J Program content
7L Definitions
Part 4—Commercial radio broadcasting licences
8 Standard conditions of commercial radio broadcasting licences
Part 5—Community broadcasting licences
9 Conditions applicable to services provided under community broadcasting licences
Part 6—Subscription television broadcasting licences
10 Conditions applicable to subscription television broadcasting licences
Part 7—Services provided under class licences
11 Conditions applicable to broadcasting services provided under class licences
Collapse
Schedule 4—Digital television broadcasting
Collapse
Part 1—Introduction
1 Simplified outline of this Schedule
2 Definitions
4 Digital mode
4A HDTV digital mode
4B SDTV digital mode
5 Remote licence area
5A SDTV multi channelled commercial television broadcasting service
5B HDTV multi channelled commercial television broadcasting service
5C SDTV multi channelled national television broadcasting service
5D HDTV multi channelled national television broadcasting service
Collapse
Part 3—ABC/SBS television
36 Digital transmitter not to be used to provide a subscription television broadcasting service etc.
Collapse
Part 4A—Primary television broadcasting services
Collapse
Division 1—Commercial television broadcasting services
41G Primary commercial television broadcasting service
Collapse
Division 2—National television broadcasting services
41M Primary national television broadcasting service
41N Primary satellite national television broadcasting service
Collapse
Part 5—Transmitter access regime
42 Simplified outline
43 Definitions
43A Designated associated facilities
44 Extended meaning of access
45 Access to broadcasting transmission towers
45A Access to designated associated facilities
46 Access to sites of broadcasting transmission towers
47 Terms and conditions of access
48 Code relating to access
49 Arbitration—acquisition of property
50 Relationship between this Part and the National Transmission Network Sale Act 1998
Collapse
Part 10—Review of decisions
62 Review by the AAT
63 Notification of decisions to include notification of reasons and appeal rights
Collapse
Schedule 6—Datacasting services
Collapse
Part 1—Introduction
1 Simplified outline
2 Definitions
2A Designated datacasting service
3 Educational programs
4 Information only programs
5 Foreign language news or current affairs programs
6 Datacasting content is taken not to be a television program or a radio program etc.
Collapse
Part 2—Datacasting licences
7 Allocation of datacasting licence
8 When datacasting licence must not be allocated
9 Unsuitable applicant
10 Transfer of datacasting licences
11 Surrender of datacasting licences
12 ACMA to maintain Register of datacasting licences
Collapse
Part 3—Conditions of datacasting licences
Collapse
Division 1—Genre conditions
13 Category A television programs
14 Condition relating to category A television programs
15 Category B television programs
16 Condition relating to category B television programs
17 Genre conditions do not apply to Parliamentary proceedings etc.
18 Genre conditions do not apply to matter that consists of no more than text or still visual images etc.
18A Genre conditions do not apply to advertising or sponsorship material
19 Genre conditions do not apply to interactive computer games
20 Genre conditions do not apply to internet carriage services or ordinary email
20AA Genre conditions do not apply to certain content copied from the internet
Collapse
Division 2—Audio content condition
21 Audio content condition
22 Audio content condition does not apply to Parliamentary proceedings etc.
23 Audio content condition does not apply to matter that consists of no more than text or still visual images etc.
23A Audio content condition does not apply to advertising or sponsorship material
Collapse
Division 2A—Genre conditions: anti avoidance
23B Anti avoidance—declared internet carriage services
Collapse
Division 3—Other conditions
24 General conditions
25 Suitability condition
26 Additional conditions imposed by the ACMA
27 Restricted access system
Collapse
Division 4—Exemption orders for content copied from the internet
27A Exemption orders in relation to content copied from the internet
Collapse
Part 4—Codes of practice
28 Development of codes of practice
30 ACMA to maintain Register of codes of practice
31 ACMA may determine standards where codes of practice fail or where no code of practice developed
32 Consultation on standards
33 Notification of determination or variation or revocation of standards
34 Limitation of ACMA’s power in relation to standards
35 This Part does not apply to internet carriage services or ordinary email
35A This Part does not apply to the ABC or SBS
Collapse
Part 5—Complaints to the ACMA about datacasting services
36 Complaints about offences or breach of licence conditions
37 Complaints under codes of practice
38 Investigation of complaints by the ACMA
Collapse
Part 8—Remedies for breaches of licensing provisions
Collapse
Division 1—Providing a designated datacasting service without a licence
49 Prohibition on providing a designated datacasting service without a licence
50 Remedial directions—unlicensed datacasting services
51 Exemption for broadcasting licensees etc.
51A Exemption for designated teletext services
Collapse
Division 2—Breaches of licence conditions
52 Offence for breach of conditions
52A Civil penalty provision relating to breach of conditions of datacasting licences
53 Remedial directions—breach of conditions
54 Suspension and cancellation
55 Injunctions
56 Federal Court’s powers relating to injunctions
57 Stay of proceedings relating to additional licence conditions, remedial directions and suspension/cancellation decisions
Collapse
Part 9—Review of decisions
58 Review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal
59 Notification of decisions to include notification of reasons and appeal rights
Collapse
Schedule 7—Content services definitions
1 Purpose of this Schedule
2 Definitions
5 Content service provider
7 When content service is provided to the public etc.
9 Services supplied by way of a voice call or video call
12 Re transmitted broadcasting services
13 Re transmitted datacasting services
17 Extended meaning of use
Collapse
Schedule 8—Online content services
Collapse
Part 1—Introduction
1 Simplified outline of this Schedule
2 Definitions
3 Online content service
4 Exempt online simulcast service
5 Geographical link to Australia
6 Online content service provider
7 When content is provided on an online content service
8 When a service is provided to the public etc.
9 Extended meaning of using
10 Extra territorial application
Collapse
Part 2—Online content service provider rules
11 Online content service provider rules
12 Administrative decisions
Collapse
Part 3—Gambling promotional content
Collapse
Division 1—Online content service provider rules relating to gambling promotional content
13 Gambling promotional content
14 Accidental or incidental provision of gambling promotional content
15 Individual exemptions from online content service provider rules
16 Class exemptions from online content service provider rules
Collapse
Division 2—Interpretive provisions
17 When a part of an online content service is taken to be an online content service in its own right
18 Gambling service
19 Sporting event
20 Live coverage of a sporting event
21 Gambling promotional content provided in conjunction with live coverage of a sporting event
22 Scheduled start of a sporting event
23 Conclusion of a sporting event
Collapse
Part 4—Complaints
24 Complaints to ACMA—online content service provider rules
Collapse
Part 5—Enforcement
25 Compliance with the online content service provider rules
26 Remedial directions—breach of the online content service provider rules
Collapse
Part 6—Miscellaneous
27 Minister may direct the ACMA about the exercise of its powers
28 Service of notices by electronic means
29 Service of summons, process or notice on corporations incorporated outside Australia
30 This Schedule does not limit Part 9 of the Online Safety Act 2021
32 Implied freedom of political communication
33 Acquisition of property
34 Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws
35 Schedule not to affect performance of State or Territory functions
Collapse
Endnotes
Endnote 1—About the endnotes
Endnote 2—Abbreviation key
Endnote 3—Legislation history
Endnote 4—Amendment history