Community Radio Station in Launceston – Codes of Practice

Community stations vary enormously but all are bound by the Broadcasting Services Act (BSA). It stipulates licence conditions, and station and program standards which are generally overseen by the Australian Communications & Media Authority (ACMA). This Code of Practice is a document produced by the community broadcasting sector to meet requirements of the BSA. City Park Radio includes adherence to this Code as one of its main operational principals

 

The guiding principles

• Promote harmony and diversity and contribute to an inclusive, cohesive and culturally-diverse Australian community
• Pursue the principles of democracy, access and equity, especially for people and issues not adequately represented in other media
• Enhance the diversity of programming choices available to the public and present programs that expand the variety of viewpoints broadcast in Australia
• Demonstrate independence in programming as well as in editorial and management decisions
  Support and develop local arts and music
• Increase community involvement in broadcasting.

 

Code 1: Our responsibilities in broadcasting to meet our community Interest

To make sure that community radio stations operate according to the guiding principles and within a framework of sound corporate governance

1.1 Each community radio station will be controlled and operated by an independent body that represents its community interest.

1.2 We will have in place written corporate governance policies and procedures that support management, financial, and technical operations to meet all legal requirements.

1.3 We will have training in place to ensure that everyone is aware of his or her legal obligations and is able to effectively participate in providing the service.

1.4 We will have written policy documents in place that outline:
(a) the principles of financial membership,
(b) the rights and responsibilities of financial members within the organisation, and
(c) the rights and responsibilities of the organisation to financial members.
A register of financial members will also be kept and made available to ACMA on request.

1.5 We will have written policies and procedures in place to effectively deal with internal conflict.

1.6 We will have policies and procedures in place to handle complaints from our members and volunteers. See Code 7: Complaints for more information.

1.7 We will broadcast at least one on-air announcement each week that contains information about the Codes and where listeners can get a copy. A copy of the announcement is to be made available to ACMA on request.

 

Code 2: Principles of diversity and independence

To make sure that community radio stations have written policies and procedures in place that promote diversity and encourage community participation

2.1 Our station will make sure that people in our community who are not adequately served by other media are encouraged and assisted to participate in providing our service. We will have in place policies and procedures to support this commitment. We will document evidence of our efforts to encourage community participation.

2.2 Our policies and procedures will include mechanisms to enable active participation by our community in station management, programming and general operations.

2.3 We will have policy documents in place that outline:
(a) the principles of volunteering,
(b) the rights and responsibilities of volunteers within the organization,
(c) the rights and responsibilities of the organisation to volunteers, whether they are members or not, and
(d) grounds and procedures for the dismissal of volunteers.

2.4 All policy documents will be freely available.

2.5 In all station activities and our behaviour we will oppose and break down prejudice on the basis of ethnicity, race, language, gender, sexuality, age, physical or mental ability, occupation, religious, cultural or political beliefs.

 

Code 3: General programming

To encourage programming that reflects our community interest and guiding principles

3.1 Our community radio station will not broadcast material that may:
(a) incite, encourage, or present for its own sake violence or brutality,
(b) mislead or alarm listeners by simulating news or events,
(c) present as desirable the use of illegal drugs, the misuse of tobacco or alcohol as well as other harmful substances, and
(d) glamorise, sensationalise, or present suicide as a solution to life problems. In particular, broadcast material should not provide explicit details about the
method and/or location of a suicide attempt or death.

3.2 We will attempt to avoid censorship where possible. However, in our programming decisions we will consider our community interest, context, degree of explicitness, the possibility of alarming the listener, the potential for distress or shock, prevailing Indigenous laws or community standards and the social importance of the broadcast.

3.3 We will not broadcast material that is likely to stereotype, incite, vilify, or perpetuate hatred against, or attempt to demean any person or group, on the basis of ethnicity, nationality, race, language, gender, sexuality, religion, age, physical or mental ability, occupation, cultural belief or political affiliation. The requirement is not intended to prevent the broadcast of material which is factual, or the expression of genuinely held opinion in a news or current affairs program or in the legitimate context of a humorous, satirical or dramatic work.

3.4 We will have programming practices that protect children from harmful material but will avoid concealing the real world from them.

3.5 We will follow applicable privacy laws by:
(a) respecting people’s legitimate right to protection from unjustified use of material which is
obtained without consent or through an invasion of privacy,
(b) only broadcasting the words of an identifiable person where:

(i) that person has been told in advance that the words may be broadcast, or
(ii) it was clearly indicated at the time the recording was made that the material would be broadcast, or
(ii) in the case of words that have been recorded without the knowledge of a person, that person has indicated his/her agreement prior to broadcast.

3.6 News, current affairs (including news updates and promotions), documentaries, feature programs and interviews shall:
(a) provide access to views not adequately represented by other broadcasting sectors,
(b) present factual material accurately and ensure that reasonable efforts are made to correct substantial errors of fact as quickly as possible,
(c) clearly distinguish factual material from commentary and analysis,
(d) present news in such a way that it does not create public panic or unnecessary distress to listeners, and
(e) represent viewpoints fairly without having a misleading emphasis, editing out of context or withholding relevant and available material.

3.7 Community broadcasters play a vital role in broadcasting emergency information. Community radio stations with the ability to offer emergency broadcasts will:
(a) have procedures in place to enable appropriate local emergency broadcasts,
(b) liaise with appropriate emergency and essential service organisations, and
(c) ensure the accuracy of emergency information.

 

Code 4: Indigenous programming and coverage of Indigenous issues

To acknowledge the unique status of Indigenous peoples as the first Australians and to offer a way to demonstrate respect for their cultures and customs. In the Code ‘Indigenous Australians’ refers to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia

4.1 We will seek to involve and take advice from Indigenous Australians in the production of programs focusing on Indigenous Australians and issues. Where possible, we will consult the appropriate Indigenous media organisation broadcaster on appropriate forms of communication.

4.2 When reporting on Indigenous peoples and issues, we will take care to verify and observe the best way to respect culture and customs by:
(a) considering regional differences, that is, be mindful of differences between Indigenous local groups,
(b) using appropriate words and phrases in referring to Indigenous peoples and their regional groups,
(c) seeking proper advice on how to best respect Indigenous bereavement customs when reporting on people who are recently deceased, and
(d) using suitable words and phrases when reporting on the social and emotional well-being of Indigenous people.

 

Code 5: Australian music

To reflect the commitment of community radio stations to develop Australian music and provide opportunities for performers to have their work regularly broadcast

5.1 In selecting Australian music for broadcast in each month we will consider our community interest.

5.2 Of all music programming, we will broadcast at least:
(a) 25 per cent of Australian music, except for ethnic and classical music stations, and
(b) 10 per cent of Australian music for ethnic and classical music stations.

Australian music played is calculated as a percentage of all music played over a calendar month.

5.3 The requirements above do not include music used in sponsorship announcements, programs, or station promotions.

 

Code 6: Sponsorship

To complement the licence condition in the Act relating to sponsorship announcements

6.1 We will have in place a written sponsorship policy that reflects the licence condition in the Act. This includes:
(a) broadcasting no more than five minutes of sponsorship announcements in one hour, and
(b) tagging each announcement to acknowledge the financial and/or in-kind support of the sponsor.

6.2 Sponsorship will not be a factor in deciding who can access broadcasting time.

6.3 We will make sure editorial decisions affecting the content and style of individual programs are not influenced by program or station sponsors.

6.4 We will ensure that editorial decisions affecting the content and style of overall station programming are not influenced by program or station sponsors.

6.5 The general programming guidelines in Code 3 also apply to sponsorship announcements.

 

Code 7: General programming

To outline our legal requirements relating to complaint handling

7.1 We acknowledge the rights of our listeners, members and volunteers to make complaints in writing about alleged non-compliance with both the licence conditions in the Act and the requirements outlined in the Codes.

7.2 We will make every reasonable effort to resolve complaints, except where a complaint is clearly frivolous, without sufficient grounds or not made in good faith.

7.3 We will ensure that:
(a) complaints will be received by a responsible person in normal office hours and receipt is acknowledged in writing,
(b) complaints will be conscientiously considered, investigated if necessary, and responded to substantively as soon as possible,
(c) complaints will be responded to in writing within 60 days of receipt, as required by the Act, and the response will include a copy of the Codes, and
(d) complainants are advised in writing that they have the right to refer their complaint about a Code matter to ACMA provided they have first:

(i) formally lodged their complaint with the licensee in writing, and
(ii) received a substantive response from the licensee and are dissatisfied with this response, or have not received a response from the licensee within 60 days after making the complaint.

A written complaint or response can be a letter, fax, or email.

7.4 A responsible person of the licensee will maintain a record of complaints and responses for at least two years from the date of the complaint.

7.5 The record of complaints and responses will be made available to ACMA on request.

 

Code 8: Codes of Practice review

To ensure that the Codes continue to reflect changing community standards and remain relevant in the contemporary media environment

8.1 The community radio sector, as coordinated by the sector organisation representing the majority of licensees, will review the Community Radio Codes of Practice every three to five years in consultation with other sector organisations.

8.2 Before any changes are made to the Codes, the sector, as represented by the sector organisation representing the majority of licensees, will consult with other sector organisations and ACMA. The organisation will strive to seek agreement with the majority of community broadcasting stations and incorporate public feedback before the Codes are provided to ACMA for registration under the Act.

For more information visit …. https://www.acma.gov.au/-/media/Community-Broadcasting-and-Safeguards/Regulation/pdf/Community-Radio-Broadcasting-Codes-of-Practice.PDF?la=en

An updated ‘CODES OF PRACTICE’ has been approved and will come into effect on July 1, 2025 – The following will apply

CODE 1: Application

1.1 The Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice apply to all community broadcasters allocated a community radio broadcasting licence.

1.2 We must comply with the Codes, but a failure to comply will not be a breach of the Codes provided that we took reasonable precautions and exercised due diligence, and the non-compliance was:

1. a) in respect of a minor, peripheral, incidental or trivial matter; or
2. b) due to an act or failure to act of another person which was outside of our control, or an accident, technical/engineering issue, or some other cause, which was outside our control.

1.3 We will broadcast an on-air announcement at least once a week that contains information about the Codes, a short description of matters covered by the Codes and where listeners can get a copy. A copy of the Codes will also be made accessible via our website (or via our social media page if no website exists).

1.4 The community radio sector, as coordinated by the sector organisation representing the majority of licensees, will review the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice every three to five years in consultation with other sector organisations.

1.5 These Codes commence on 1 July 2025.

CODE 2: Governance

• We must have in place, abide by, and regularly review key Governance documents including:

1. a) our constitution, or equivalent Governance document;
2. b) Governance policies.

2.2 We must ensure that the Governance documents listed at 2.1 and our annual reports, including annual financial statements are freely available (e.g., via our website, social media page, Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission’s website).

2.3 We will have training in place to ensure that workers are aware of their Code and legal obligations.

CODE 3: Diversity, Independence and Our Community

3.1 We must be able to demonstrate our understanding of our community interest.

3.2 The programs we broadcast must, collectively, reflect the needs and diversity of our community interest including through the provision of Material of Local Significance.

3.3 We must encourage and assist people in our community interest, including those who are not adequately served by other media, to participate in providing our service, prioritising the discussion of topics by those with relevant lived experience.

3.4 We keep our community interest informed of how community suggestions and participation are reflected in our activities and programming.

3.5 When complying with Code 3, we must have regard to our First Nations Engagement and Programming obligations under Code 7.

CODE 4: Material Not Suitable for Broadcast

4.1 We will not:

1. a) simulate news or events in such a way that is likely to mislead or alarm listeners;
2. b) present as desirable the use of illegal drugs, the misuse of tobacco or alcohol as well as other harmful substances;
3. c) promote or encourage harmful or excessive gambling;
4. d) promote gambling, gambling information (other than prevention or support information) or gambling live odds immediately before, during, or immediately after sporting events;
5. e) broadcast material that is likely to be harmful to children, without giving reasonable warning;
6. f) present suicide as a solution to problems or broadcast details about suicide like method or location;
7. g) broadcast material that is likely to incite or encourage, or present for their own sake, violence, or brutality; or
8. h) broadcast material that expresses, provokes, or perpetuates hatred, serious contempt or significant ridicule of any person or group of persons because of age, disability, mental ill-health, medical conditions, sex characteristics, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, nationality, culture, religion or being from a lower socio-economic community.

4.2 The application of 4.1 is guided by the context of the material. Material that is likely to cause harm and offence must be justified by context, and adequate protective measures provided. Code 4.1 does not prevent the legitimate presentation of factual material, a fair report of, discussion or a fair comment on, a matter of public interest or material that is humorous, satirical, artistic or dramatic in nature. When assessing context, including in relation to the assessment of complaints, factors to be considered will include the nature of the content including its genre, subject matter and editorial purpose, and our community interest.

4.3 Our programming decisions will align with contemporary community standards.

Privacy

4.4 We will not broadcast the words of an identifiable person or material that relates to a person’s personal or private affairs or invades a person’s privacy or intrudes into their private life, unless:

1. a) there is a clear public interest reason for the material to be broadcast; or
2. b) the person has provided informed consent, whether explicit or implicit, for the material to be broadcast (or in the case of a person under 16, a parent or guardian has given implicit or explicit consent).

4.5 We will exercise special care before using material relating to a child’s personal or private affairs in the broadcast of a report of a sensitive matter concerning the child.

CODE 5: News and Journalistic Content

5.1 In broadcasting news and journalistic content we must:

1. a) provide access to perspectives not adequately represented by other broadcasting sectors;
2. b) ensure that:
3. all factual material is presented accurately;
4. all News Content is presented with due impartiality;

News Content means: the news content in a news bulletin, newsbreak, news update or news flash.

1. c) represent viewpoints fairly without having misleading emphasis, editing out of context or withholding relevant and available material;
2. d) where practical, include the voices of those with relevant lived experience;
3. e) clearly distinguish factual material from analysis, commentary or opinion, comedy, satire, and any other kind of fictional entertainment content;
4. f) exercise special care when reporting on contentious or controversial matters where facts may be contested and not settled and avoid the amplification of misinformation and disinformation;

Misinformation is verifiably false, misleading, or deceptive information that has the potential to cause serious harm to the community and/or individuals, including disinformation, which is misinformation created and/or broadcast with malicious intent.

1. g) not present material in a way that is likely to create public panic or cause serious distress to reasonable listeners;
2. h) provide correction or clarification of significant errors of material fact in a timely manner;
3. i) ensure our journalists identify themselves and our organisation before proceeding with an interview;
4. j) avoid or adequately disclose any conflict of interest. Any such conflict must not influence the content of a broadcast.

5.2 A failure to comply with 5.1b)i. will not be a breach of the Code if the station makes a correction in an appropriate manner within 30 days of a complaint being received or notice of a complaint being referred to the ACMA (whichever is later).

CODE 6: Emergency Information

6.1 Where we offer emergency broadcasts, we will have procedures in place to enable appropriate local emergency broadcasts.

6.2 Where we offer emergency broadcasts, those broadcasts must include:

1. a) accurate, reliable, and timely factual information; and
2. b) locally relevant information, to the extent possible.

6.3 Where possible, we provide emergency broadcasts in the main languages other than English spoken in our local area.

CODE 7: First Nations Engagement and Programming

7.1 We will demonstrate respect and cultural sensitivity for First Nations cultures, languages, histories, knowledge, rights, and experiences in our work and in all programs broadcast.

7.2 We will strengthen relationships with local First Nations people and organisations.

7.3 We will include First Nations people or organisations in the planning and production of content about or affecting First Nations peoples, and seek advice on:

1. a) using appropriate language, preferred terminology, and correct pronunciation;
2. b) observing cultural protocols;
3. c) respecting bereavement practices in content about people who have recently died; and
4. d) ensuring the consideration of regional differences in protocols, practices, experiences, and perspectives of First Nations communities.

7.4 We will prioritise First Nations voices when reporting on or discussing First Nations issues.

7.5 We seize opportunities to celebrate First Nations peoples and stories recognising the important role community media plays in truth-telling and reconciliation.

CODE 8: Australian Music

8.1 Of all music programming, we must broadcast at least 25% Australian music, except community broadcasters representing an ethnic or fine music community.

8.2 Community broadcasters representing an ethnic or fine music community must broadcast at least 10% Australian music of all music programming.

8.3 The requirements in this Code are calculated as a percentage of all music played over a calendar month and do not include music used in sponsorship announcements or station and program promotions.

CODE 9: Sponsorship

9.1 Our editorial decisions about the content and style of news and journalistic content, individual programs and overall programming must not be influenced by sponsors and we will avoid or adequately disclose any conflict of interest.

9.2 Sponsorship will not be a factor in deciding who can access broadcasting time.

9.3 Code 4 also applies to sponsorship announcements.

CODE 10: Complaints and Disputes

10.1 We must ensure complaints are handled fairly, objectively, and confidentially in a timely manner.

10.2 We will have a complaints and disputes policy and procedure that clearly set out the different ways to deal with:

1. a) Code Complaints;
2. b) Internal Complaints and Disputes; and
3. c) complaints that are about a breach of a Licence Condition or the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.

10.3 We must provide clear and prominent information about how to make a complaint, which includes a direct link to a complaints section on our website (or social media platform if no website exists).

10.4 People making complaints will be:

1. a) listened to, treated with respect by our workers and actively involved in the complaint process where possible and appropriate; and
2. b) provided with reasons for our decisions.

10.5 We must keep a record of complaints and our responses for at least 24 months from the date of the complaint. Records will include:

10. a) the outcomes of the complaint including whether it or any aspect of it was substantiated or dismissed under 10.8;
11. b) any recommendations made to address problems identified;
12. c) any decisions made on those recommendations; and
13. d) any outstanding actions to be followed up, including analysing any underlying causes.

10.6 We will keep a recording of any programs that are the subject of a complaint for 60 days after the complaint is received.

10.7 We will keep any material the ACMA has asked us to keep for the length of time specified by the ACMA.

10.8 We are not required to resolve a complaint that:

1. a) is frivolous, vexatious, or an abuse of the complaints process;
2. b) is offensive or vulgar;
3. c) is the second or later complaint in a series of complaints from a single person about the same issue; or
4. d) expressly indicates that a response is not required.

Code Complaints

10.9 Complaints that we have breached these Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice, should first be addressed to us and will be dealt with in accordance with our complaints and disputes policy or procedure.

10.10 We will acknowledge receipt of Code Complaints promptly in writing.

10.11 Code Complaints must:

1. a) be received within 30 days of the relevant broadcast, if about material broadcast;
2. b) be made via email or letter or by filling in a form;
3. c) contain the name and contact details of the complainant;
4. d) include sufficient detail of the complaint (e.g., date, time, program, and description of the material, which Code alleged to be breached).

10.12 We will reply to Code Complaints in writing as soon as is practicable, and at the latest, within 60 Days of the receipt of the complaint. Our reply will respond to the concerns raised in the Code Complaint and inform the complainant of their right to refer the complaint to the ACMA if they are unsatisfied with our response.

Internal Complaints and Disputes

10.13 The ACMA does not have a role in the complaint or dispute resolution process for Internal Complaints and Disputes.

10.14 Internal Complaints and Disputes must be dealt with in accordance with our complaints and disputes policy or procedure.

10.15 Our Internal Complaints and Disputes policy and procedure will:

1. a) where practical, include the option to consider using an Independent Mediator to assist in resolving the dispute, where an agreement or compromise cannot be reached.
2. b) direct us to any internal or external review options available to complainants (including any relevant Ombudsman or oversight regulatory bodies e.g., the ACNC).

Complaints about a breach of a Licence Condition or the Broadcasting Services Act 1992

10.16 Complaints that are about a breach of a Licence Condition or the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 may be addressed to us or go directly to the ACMA. If addressed to us, we will acknowledge receipt promptly in writing and inform the complainant of their right to complain directly to the ACMA.

• 1. 1. REFERENCE: https://www.acma.gov.au/publications/2024-10/rules/community-radio-broadcasting-codes-practice-2025