ACMA releases draft guidelines for narrowcast TV - Black Dawson Waldron Lawyers
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has called for submissions on its draft guidelines for narrowcasting television services, which have been released as part of a paper entitled Narrowcasting services on television – Guidelines and information about open narrowcasting television and subscription television narrowcasting services. Narrowcasting services are broadcasting services that have a more targeted audience than a commercial broadcasting service, such as by being pitched to a special interest group or by providing programs that appeal to a niche audience.
The guidelines are designed to assist prospective service providers in assessing whether their service falls under the statutory definition of narrowcasting. They also outline the way in which ACMA will approach making binding opinions under section 21 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (Cth) to determine which category applies to a given service. Once finalized, the guidelines will apply to the new digital narrowcasting channels, Channels A and B, as well as other platforms on which narrowcasting services are provided.
Submissions on the draft guidelines are due by 9 March 2007.
To view the Draft Guidelines click here.
