Online Radio & Television Codes of Practice

PART A – OFFICIAL LEGAL VERSION

1. Purpose

These Codes establish standards for online radio and television broadcasters operating under the Online Broadcasting Industry Association (O.B.i.A.). They ensure ethical conduct, community responsibility, transparency, and public safety in digital broadcasting.

2. General Standards

• Broadcast content must be accurate, fair, and presented in context.
• Reasonable efforts must be made to correct significant factual errors promptly.
• Content must not incite violence, hatred, or unlawful discrimination.
• Programming must reflect community interest and diversity.

3. Medical Information & Health Content

• All medical advice broadcast must be evidence-based and from appropriately qualified professionals.
• Broadcasters must clearly state when content is general information and not personal medical advice.
• No prescription medications, scheduled drugs, or therapeutic goods may be sold, promoted, endorsed, or advertised during programming.
• Health claims must not be misleading, exaggerated, or unverified.

4. Mental Health & Suicide Reporting

• Mental health content must be handled sensitively and responsibly.
• Reporting on suicide must avoid explicit detail regarding method or location.
• Content must not sensationalise, glamourise, or normalise suicide.
• Language must avoid stigmatizing terminology.
• Where appropriate, broadcasts must include crisis support information.
• All suicide-related reporting must align with the Mindframe Guidelines on Communicating about Suicide.

5. Gambling Advertising Restrictions

• No gambling advertisements shall be broadcast between 6:00am and 8:00pm, seven days per week.
• No gambling applications, betting platforms, or wagering services may be advertised during any sports-related programming at any time.
• No sponsorship integrations, live odds promotion, or gambling brand placement during sports coverage.

6. Advertising & Sponsorship Transparency

• Advertising must be clearly distinguishable from editorial content.
• Sponsorship announcements must not exceed reasonable time limits.
• No deceptive, predatory, or exploitative advertising practices permitted.

7. Volunteer Wellbeing & Workplace Safety

• Stations must provide a safe, respectful, and harassment-free environment.
• Volunteers must not be subjected to bullying, discrimination, or unsafe conditions.
• Reasonable breaks must be provided during shifts.
• Psychological wellbeing support pathways must be available.
• Volunteers must not be pressured to broadcast content beyond their competence or comfort.

8. Complaints Handling

• Complaints must be acknowledged within 7 days.
• Investigations must be conducted fairly and independently.
• Written responses must be provided within 30 days.
• Unresolved matters may be escalated to O.B.i.A.

9. Compliance

Member stations must maintain internal policies consistent with these Codes and cooperate with any review or compliance process initiated by O.B.i.A.