The Broadcasting Services Act outlines the legal framework of Australian broadcasting, including community broadcasting, and explains the role the sector plays in delivering diverse media services that reflect a sense of Australian identity, character and cultural diversity.
The Codes set out the guiding principles and policies for programming on community broadcasting stations. They also outline the operational standards for stations that hold a community broadcasting licence. The Codes do not replace the licence conditions in the Act; they are complementary and stations are legally obliged to follow both the licence conditions and the Codes.
The ACMA is the Australian broadcasting regulator and is responsible for ensuring that community broadcasting stations meet the licence conditions in the Act and requirements outlined in the Codes. The ACMA is responsible for giving stations their broadcast licences and oversees the licence renewal process.
Consumer Affairs Bodies
Almost all community radio stations are incorporated associations, and must adhere to the association legislation as set out by each state's Consumer Affairs or Fair Trading body. Incorporated associations offer simple and more affordable ways of creating separate legal entities for small, community-based groups with limited resources. Consumer Affairs or Fair Trading bodies regulate these non-profits and associations.
Your Station's Constitution
The organisation. It is also a legal requirement that an organisation and its members follow the rules of the organisation. As such, your station's constitution is often the first place to turn to understand how your station should run, although the constitution must reflect legal obligations as set out by the Codes, the ACMA, and your state's Consumer Affairs body.
The ACNC is the independent national regulator of charities. They are responsible for registering charities, supporting the not-for-profit sector and helping charities understand their obligations. Many community radio stations are registered charities, and as such must report to the ACNC - you can check your station's charity status online.
PPCA provides licences covering the recording and/or music video of a song (a particular recorded performance), and represents the interests of recording artists and record labels. Broadcasters must pay for a PPCA licence (CBAA members save 50% on their compulsory licence fees).
APRA AMCOS provides licences covering the copyright in a song (eg lyrics, composition etc) and represents the interests of composers and publishers. Broadcasters must pay for a APRA AMCOS licence.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has developed the Community Broadcasting Sponsorship Guidelines 2008 (the guidelines) to assist licensees with compliance.
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