Regulation of Children's Television in Australia: Past and Present

Abstract

The provision of quality television programming made specifically for children has been a significant issue in Australia since television was introduced. From 1979, specific requirements have been in place to ensure children have access to a variety of quality television programs made specifically for them, including Australian drama and non-drama programs. This article traces the development of these requirements and how they have led to the current Children's Television Standards (CTS).

The Children's Television Standards (CTS), administered by the Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA), are widely regarded in Australia and overseas as a notable example — if not benchmark — for how to regulate children's television in the public interest. The article also examines some key trends in programming since 1979 and identifies areas of the standards which are problematic and/or might need to be revised to ensure the expected outcomes are still being achieved.

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References

Australian Broadcasting Authority, Annual Report, 1998–99.

Australian Broadcasting Control Board, Twenty-First Annual Report For Year Ended 30 June 1969, Appendix N.

Australian Broadcasting Tribunal 1977, ‘Self-regulation for Broadcasters — A Report on the Public Inquiry into the Concept of Self-Regulation for Australian Broadcasters’, Sydney.

Australian Broadcasting Tribunal 1991a, ‘kidz TV — An Inquiry into Children's and Preschool Children's Television Standards, vols 1 and 2, Sydney.

Australian Broadcasting Tribunal 1991b, ‘Oz Content — An Inquiry into Australian Content on Commercial Television’ vol. 1, Sydney.