Commercial Television Code of Practice
The Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice [opens a new window] regulates program content on commercial free-to-air television, including:
- program classification;
- accuracy, fairness and respect for privacy in news and current affairs;
- non-program time on television;
- placement of commercials and program promotions;
NOTE: Any feedback concerning programming or advertising on other Television Networks should be referred to the relevant channel. Television stations value audience feedback as an important way of keeping in touch with community opinion. If your feedback concerns a particular program you should contact the relevant station.
The Code of Practice sets out a formal complaints process for matters covered by the Code of Practice. If you believe a station has acted contrary to the Code of Practice you should contact the station concerned. If you wish the station to reply formally you should follow the two step guide below. If you would like more information about the complaints process see section 7 of the Code of Practice.
View Feedback Form |
To make a complaint about a matter covered by the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice, simply print and complete this form and then send by fax or post to the relevant station. | Related document |
Viewer Online Feedback Form |
This Electronic Lodgement System can only be used for complaints under matters covered by the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice. |
Related document |
Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice
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The content of free-to-air Commercial Television is regulated under the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice which has been developed by Free TV Australia and registered with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). | Related PDF document |
Loudness in Advertisements
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Broadcasters are aware that community concern exists in relation to the perceived loudness of advertisements compared with adjacent programs. For more information or for a copy of the relevant free-to-air television industry Operational Practice (OP 48) refer the attached document. | Related PDF document |
PG Time Zones Fact Sheet
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Designed as a guide for parents, we have prepared a Fact Sheet on the PG time zones. Please see below for links for the fact sheet. |
Related PDF document |
STEP 1
Write a letter (and send by post or fax) (step 2 explains who you should send your complaint to). It is important that you post or fax your complaint as soon as possible. Stations will provide a substantive written response to a written complaint about matters covered by the Code where the complaint is received within 30 days of broadcast.
Stations appreciate that, for many people, telephone or email is the preferred way of expressing a view about programming. Due to resource considerations and limitations on the availability of programming staff, stations will not provide a written response to telephone calls or email comments. However, comments received by telephone that concern a matter covered by the Code of Practice will be noted and brought to the attention of relevant staff.
To trigger the formal complaints procedures for alleged breaches of the Code of Practice your complaint must be received by post or fax within 30 days of broadcast of the matter complained about.
What information should your complaint include?
Your complaint should include the following information:
- Your name, address and telephone number
- Name of program or advertiser/product
- The station on which you saw or heard the program/advertisement
- The date and time you saw or heard it
- Reasons for your concerns
STEP 2
Who should you send your complaint to?
Read the table below and post or fax your complaint to the appropriate body.
What is your complaint about? |
Who to send your complaint to. |
Program of Promotion |
|
|
WIN Television Head Office |
Commercials |
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| The number of commercials in a program | WIN Television Head Office Locked Bag 8800 Wollongong NSW 2500 Fax: (02) 4227 3682 |
| The placement of a commercial (what time and in what program the commercial was viewed) | WIN Television Head Office Locked Bag 8800 Wollongong NSW 2500 Fax: (02) 4227 3682 |
| The content of commercials eg. Discriminatory portrayal of people, concern for children, use of language, portrayal of violence, portrayal of sex, sexuality and nudity and, health and safety. |
The Advertising Standards Bureau |
What if you are not sure who to write to?
If you write to Free TV Australia about something that you should have written to a television station or the Advertising Standards Bureau about, we will forward your letter to the correct organisation.
When should you expect to receive a reply?
The Code requires a station to respond to you within 30 working days of receiving a written complaint about a matter covered by the Code of Practice.
What can you do if you don't receive a reply or you do not consider the reply to be adequate?
If the station has not written back to you within 60 days or you do not consider the response to be adequate, you may send your complaint to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). ACMA will need a copy of your original complaint to the station, as well as a copy of the station's reply.
Last modified on 5 March, 2010.
