The Australian Communciations and Media Authority (ACMA) is a regulatory body with a range of powers, functions and policy objectives pertaining to all sectors of Australia’s broadcasting industry. Its operation is defined by the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.

Broadly speaking, the ACMA’s functions include:

• planning the availability of broadcasting services bands;
• allocating, renewing, suspending and cancelling broadcasting licences;
• collecting broadcasting licence fees;
• aiding in the development of Codes of Practice;
• investigating complaints about inappropriate content;
• developing and administering Australian content program standards;
• monitoring the Broadcasting Act’s ownership and control provisions;
• keeping abreast of advances and trends in broadcasting technology.

Community broadcasting licences

Under the Broadcasting Services Act, community broadcasting licensees are bound by both general and specific licence conditions, and are subject to relevant program standards and industry Codes of Practice.

Section 15 of the Act defines community broadcasting services as those that:

• are provided for community purposes; and
• are not operated for profit or as part of a profit-making enterprise; and
• provide programs that
  • are able to be received by commonly available equipment; and
  • are made available free to the general public.

Although only one class of community broadcasting licence now exists in Australia, there are two distinct models:

• special interest (eg print handicapped, ethnic, Aboriginal, Christian)
• geographic (eg towns, suburbs, shires, regions)

A useful definition

Referring expressly to community broadcasting, the ACMA states that:

“the most useful definition of community is one that is broad and takes into account social, historical and cultural linkages. The objects of the Act include promoting the diversity of broadcasting services available to the public; developing and reflecting Australian identity, character and cultural diversity; and providing programming material that is locally significant.”

The ACMA has offices in both Sydney and Canberra, and an expansive website at www.acma.gov.au.