Related links

• Free TV Australia
• ACMA website

 

Commercial television licences are issued under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the Act) by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). These licences authorise the provision of commercial television services within a relevant licence area.

In early 2009, there were 55 licensed commercial television broadcasting services throughout Australia. Most of these are operated by the larger metropolitan or regional television networks.

The three major metropolitan television networks—Seven, Nine and Ten—provide broadcasting services in metropolitan areas and on-sell content to regional broadcasters including the three major regional networks—WIN, Prime and Southern Cross.

Commercial television broadcasting services are subject to a regulatory regime established under the Act. Regulation includes limits on audience reach, cross-media holdings and licence numbers.

ACMA has primary responsibility for administering the regulation of commercial television under the Act. In this capacity ACMA is responsible for:

• the planning of broadcasting spectrum
• the allocation, renewal, suspension and cancellation of broadcasting licences and the collection of licence fees
• monitoring compliance with ownership and control rules
• assisting in the development of industry codes of practice
• developing and administering program standards
• investigations into the broadcasting industry.

In relation to the foreign ownership of Australian media, the media industry remains a sensitive sector under the Governments Foreign Investment Policy. This means that all foreign investment in local media that seeks more than five per cent equity in a media company must be notified to and approved by the Treasurer, who may grant approvals subject certain conditions upon theparties involved. More information about the Governments Foreign Investment Policy can be found at www.firb.gov.au.