Overview

The Broadcasting Services Act 1992, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, was introduced to regulate broadcasting services in Australia, including radio and television. It provides the framework for the licensing and operation of broadcasting services and aims to ensure that the public interest is served through the provision of broadcasting services. The Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA) was established under this Act to administer and enforce its provisions. In May 2001, the ABA varied the licence area plan for radio services in Bridgetown, Western Australia, to update the technical specifications of a commercial radio service. This variation was made under subsection 26(2) of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 and was intended to reflect changes in the technical requirements for the operation of radio services in the area. The variation involved altering the technical specifications of a commercial radio service identified by the technical specification number TS10002152, including the transmitter site, frequency, and other technical details as outlined in Schedule One and Attachment 1.8.1 to the instrument.

Scope and Application

The variation to the licence area plan (LAP) for radio services in the Bridgetown area of Western Australia, effected by the Australian Broadcasting Authority, pertains to the technical specifications of the commercial radio service designated by the technical specification number TS10002152. This variation is governed under subsection 26(2) of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 and pertains specifically to the technical parameters and operational details of the radio transmitters serving the Bridgetown area. The amendment involves updating the technical specifications to reflect new parameters for the commercial radio service, with the previous specifications being deleted and replaced by those detailed in Schedule One and Attachment 1.8.1 of this instrument. This variation does not affect the status of the services or the frequencies used, which are included for reference only. The changes apply solely to the technical details of the transmitters operating within the Bridgetown licence area, ensuring that the updated specifications align with current broadcasting standards and practices.

Key Provisions

The legislative instrument (F2005B01237) amends the licence area plan (LAP) for radio services in Bridgetown, Western Australia, under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the "Act"). This variation pertains to the technical specifications of the commercial radio service identified by the technical specification number TS10002152 (section 1). Specifically, the instrument modifies the transmitter specifications for the commercial radio service in Bridgetown. The technical specifications outlined in Schedule One and Attachment 1.8 of the original LAP are deleted and replaced with new specifications detailed in Schedule One and Attachment 1.8.1 (section 2). The obligations imposed by this Act require entities operating within the Bridgetown radio licence area to comply with the updated technical specifications. This includes adhering to the new transmitter specifications, particularly for the commercial radio service, ensuring that the transmission parameters such as frequency, site location, and output power conform to the details provided in Schedule One and Attachment 1.8.1 (section 3). Operators must ensure their equipment and operational practices align with these updated specifications to maintain compliance with the broadcasting regulations. Failure to comply with the amended technical specifications may result in penalties. Under the Act, non-compliance with the specified technical standards can lead to enforcement actions. The penalties for such breaches can include fines or other administrative sanctions as prescribed by the relevant broadcasting laws (section 4). The exact penalties are not specified in the instrument, but they can include significant fines as stipulated under the broader regulatory framework of the Act.