NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR RENEWAL OF LICENCE UNDER SUBSECTION
90(2) OF THE BROADCASTING SERVICES ACT 1992 - OCTOBER 2024
In accordance with subsection 90(2) of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, the Australian Communications and Media Authority hereby notifies that the companies listed below have lodged applications for the renewal of the following broadcasting service licences:
Community Radio Licensees | SL No | Service Area | State |
Port Stephens FM Radio Inc | 1150042 | PORT STEPHENS RA1 | NSW |
Western Sports Media Inc | 1150794 | FREMANTLE RA1 | WA |
Lightning Ridge Community Radio Association Incorp | 10414 | LIGHTNING RIDGE RA1 | NSW |
Toowoomba Christian Broadcasters Assoc Inc | 1150095 | TOOWOOMBA RA2 | QLD |
Kiewa Valley Community Radio Inc | 1150015 | MT BEAUTY RA1 | VIC |
Darling Downs Broadcasting Society Inc | 3070 | TOOWOOMBA RA2 | QLD |
Bidjara Media & Broadcasting Company Limited | 1150826 | CHARLEVILLE RA2 | QLD |
Central Victorian Community Broadcasters Inc. | 1130053 | BENDIGO RA5 | VIC |
Radio KLFM Inc | 1150008 | BENDIGO RA3 | VIC |
Community Radio Of Wondai Association Incorporated | 1150097 | WONDAI RA1 | QLD |
Vision Australia Limited | 10257 | BENDIGO RA2 | VIC |
Dalby Broadcasting Association Inc. | 1150099 | DALBY RA1 | QLD |
Capital Community Radio Incorporated | 1150795 | PERTH RA1 | WA |
Queensland Radio for the Print Handicapped Ltd | 5193 | BRISBANE RA1 | QLD |
Top End Aboriginal Bush Broadcasting Association | 10149 | BORROLOOLA RA1 | NT |
Caboolture Community FM Radio Association Inc. | 10350 | CABOOLTURE RA1 | QLD |
Swan Hill and District Community FM Radio Inc | 1150003 | SWAN HILL RA2 | VIC |
Tjuma Pulka (Media) Aboriginal Corporation | 10341 | KALGOORLIE RA2 | WA |
Central Queensland Aboriginal Corporation For Media | 1150184 | ROCKHAMPTON RA2 | QLD |
Overview
The Broadcasting Services Act 1992 was enacted by the Parliament of Australia to establish a regulatory framework governing broadcasting services in the country. It was introduced to address the need for structured oversight and regulation of broadcasting activities, ensuring they comply with national standards and policies. The policy objective of the Act includes promoting diversity in broadcasting content, protecting consumers, and ensuring that broadcasters operate in a manner that is consistent with the public interest. The Act provides the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) with the authority to issue and renew broadcasting service licenses, among other regulatory functions. This recent notification by ACMA regarding the applications for licence renewals highlights the ongoing commitment to maintaining a regulated and diverse broadcasting landscape in Australia.
Scope and Application
The Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (Cth) pertains to the regulation of broadcasting services in Australia, ensuring compliance with the standards and guidelines set forth by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). This Act applies to entities that provide radio and television broadcasting services, including commercial and community radio and television stations, and any other entity that engages in broadcasting activities within the Commonwealth. The geographic reach of the Act is national, covering all areas within Australia. The Act's scope includes the licensing, renewal, and monitoring of broadcasting services to maintain the quality and standards of content. Notably, the Act does not explicitly state any exclusions, though it provides exemptions for certain community and indigenous broadcasting services. The ACMA may extend or restrict the application of the Act through subordinate instruments, such as codes of practice and guidelines, to provide further detail on the implementation and enforcement of the legislative provisions.
Key Provisions
Pursuant to subsection 90(2) of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is required to notify the public of applications for the renewal of broadcasting service licenses lodged by various entities. This subsection mandates the publication of a notice in the Gazette, providing details of the companies and their applications. The companies listed have submitted their applications for licence renewals, and the details of these applications are made publicly available through this notice (subsection 90(2)).
The Broadcasting Services Act 1992 imposes specific obligations on the entities that have applied for the renewal of their broadcasting service licenses. These obligations include ensuring that all the information provided in the application is accurate and complete. The applicants must also comply with any conditions imposed by ACMA as part of the licence renewal process. Additionally, the entities must adhere to all relevant broadcasting standards and regulations set forth by the Act to maintain their licenses.
Failure to comply with the provisions of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 can result in several consequences. For instance, if an entity fails to provide accurate information or violates any broadcasting standards, ACMA may refuse to renew the licence. Additionally, under section 215 of the Act, there are penalties for non-compliance, including fines of up to $50,000 for individuals and $250,000 for bodies corporate. Furthermore, continued non-compliance could lead to further sanctions, including the potential cancellation of the broadcasting service license.