Commercial Radio & Audio says a new Commercial Radio Code of Practice has been formally registered by Australia’s broadcast regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority, introducing updated community safeguards and new transparency requirements linked to emerging technologies.
The new Code, which takes effect July 1, 2026, applies to all commercial radio broadcasting licensees in Australia. CRA says it builds on existing safeguards while responding to evolving community expectations and technological change across the sector.
Among the changes, the Code introduces a new “special care” requirement during school drop-off and pick-up periods — between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. on school days — when children may be listening. It also establishes a mandatory transparency requirement for programs hosted by synthetic AI voices, including news programming. CRA says this is the first on-air broadcast requirement of its kind in Australia.
We’re proud to lead the way with this new Code
Lizzie Young, CEO of Commercial Radio & Audio
Strengthens correction obligations
The updated Code also strengthens correction obligations for news and current affairs programs and enhances transparency into complaints by requiring the publication of an annual complaints report by CRA. In addition, it refines Australian music format descriptions for existing local music quotas, with further guidance to be developed in consultation with the regulator.
Lizzie Young, CEO of Commercial Radio & Audio, said the industry had taken a proactive approach. “We’re proud to lead the way with this new Code. The Australian radio industry is pleased to be proactively addressing evolving community standards, positioning the local commercial radio sector to navigate technological and social changes responsibly,” she said.
Young said the revised Code was shaped through consultation with regulators, broadcasters and the public. “Over the course of the review, we’ve worked closely with the Australian Communications and Media Authority, our members and the Australian public who shared their views during consultation. The result is a new Code that reflects what matters most to the communities that commercial radio connects with every day, and we’re committed to continuing our work with the ACMA as it takes effect,” she said.
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