Online Broadcasting Code of Practice

1. Purpose

This Code ensures that online broadcasters operate responsibly, ethically, and in the public interest. It establishes standards for content, advertising, worker wellbeing, and the protection of vulnerable audiences.

2. General Standards

• Broadcast content must comply with all applicable Australian laws.
• Content must not mislead or deceive audiences.
• Reasonable care must be taken to avoid causing harm or undue distress.
• News and factual content must be presented accurately and fairly.

3. News and Current Affairs

• News must be reported with accuracy and impartiality.
• Distinguish clearly between fact, commentary, and opinion.
• Corrections must be made promptly when significant errors occur.
• Individuals and organisations must be given a reasonable opportunity to respond to serious allegations.

4. Medical Advice and Health Information

• Medical information must be accurate, evidence-based, and sourced from qualified professionals.
• On-air presenters must not provide personalised medical diagnosis or treatment advice.
• No sale, promotion, or advertising of prescription medication or pharmaceutical drugs is permitted on-air or via embedded broadcast promotions.
• Health segments must include clear disclaimers encouraging audiences to consult qualified healthcare professionals.

5. Mental Health, Suicide and Crisis Reporting

• Mental health topics must be handled with sensitivity and care.
• Suicide reporting must avoid explicit description of methods or locations.
• Content must not glamorise, sensationalise, or normalise suicide.
• Where suicide or crisis is discussed, appropriate support service information must be provided.
• Broadcasters must follow best-practice guidance consistent with national media frameworks on communicating about suicide, including safe language, minimising harm, and promoting help-seeking behaviour.
• Interviews involving vulnerable persons must prioritise their safety and wellbeing.

6. Gambling Advertising Restrictions

• No gambling advertising is permitted between 6:00am and 8:00pm, seven (7) days per week.
• No advertising of gambling applications, betting websites, or wagering services is permitted during any sports program, live or recorded, at any time.
• Promotional integration, sponsorship mentions, or influencer endorsements for gambling services are prohibited during sports-related content.

7. Advertising Standards

• Advertising must be clearly distinguishable from editorial content.
• Advertising must not be misleading or deceptive.
• Advertising must not exploit vulnerable audiences.
• Advertisements must comply with Australian Consumer Law.

8. Protection of Children

• Content likely to harm children must not be broadcast during times when children are reasonably expected to be in the audience.
• Online content must use appropriate age classification systems.
• Advertising directed at children must not promote unsafe or harmful products.

9. Worker and Volunteer Wellbeing

• Broadcasters must provide a safe and respectful working environment.
• Paid workers and volunteers must not be subjected to harassment, bullying, or unreasonable workloads.
• Reasonable breaks must be provided during extended broadcasts.
• Staff covering traumatic events must have access to appropriate psychological support.
• Volunteers must receive training and supervision appropriate to their roles.
• Wellbeing obligations apply during paid work hours and during approved volunteer activities.

10. Complaints Handling

• Complaints must first be directed to the relevant member station.
• If unresolved, complaints may be escalated to the Online Broadcasting Industry Association (O.B.i.A.).
• Complaints must be acknowledged within 7 business days.
• A substantive response must be provided within 30 business days.

Postal Complaints Address:
Online Broadcasting Industry Association (O.B.i.A.)
PO Box 8424
Kooringal NSW 2650
Australia

11. Compliance and Review

• Member webcasters must comply with this Code as a condition of O.B.i.A. membership.
• Breaches may result in sanctions including corrective action, suspension, or termination of membership.
• This Code will be reviewed periodically to reflect changes in law and community standards.