The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has registered updated rules for commercial radio broadcasters that include new requirements for content broadcast around school drop-off and pick-up times, and also for disclosing artificial intelligence use.
Under the Commercial Radio Code of Practice 2026, radio stations will be required to let their audience know when a synthetic voice is being used to host a regularly scheduled program or news broadcast. This is the first time AI has been addressed in a broadcasting code of practice.
Broadcasters will also have to give special care when airing content between 8-9am and 3-4pm on school days, when children are more likely to be listening.
ACMA Chair Nerida O'Loughlin said the new rules would allow audiences to make more informed decisions about their listening habits.
"Broadcasting rules must keep pace with technology and with community expectations. AI is a powerful tool that offers a lot of innovation for broadcasters," Ms O'Loughlin said.
"However, listeners want greater transparency about when AI is being used. We welcome the commitments by the radio industry to address listener concerns.
"Listeners are also worried about inappropriate content at peak travel times when families listen together.
"These new rules set clear time windows where broadcasters must consider whether their content is suitable for children, giving parents and carers greater confidence when tuning in," she said.
The revised code, which was developed by industry group Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA), also includes strengthened provisions around corrections for errors in news coverage and greater transparency in complaints reporting.
A significant number of submissions to the review called for strengthened rules around the broadcasting of Australian music. The new code includes changes to the station categories that determine how much Australian music must be played to better reflect contemporary broadcasting practices and music genres.
The ACMA will be working closely with CRA and the commercial radio industry over the coming 12 months to ensure stations are applying the new categories correctly and meet their longstanding Australian music obligations, including in relation to new Australian music.
As with all the provisions in the code, the ACMA expects that licensees with comply with their obligations to broadcast Australian music.
"Commercial radio is an integral part of Australia's media landscape and these rules will help strengthen trust between broadcasters and their audiences.
"We would also like to see broadcasters voluntarily extend the code safeguards to content available on their on-demand streaming services. If they do not, we expect that new regulations may need to be put in place so that listeners know what to expect no matter how they tune in," Ms O'Loughlin said.
The Commercial Radio Code of Practice 2026 will come into effect from 1 July 2026.
