Code Review

Commercial Radio Code of Practice Review 

The content of all commercial radio programs broadcast on commercial radio is regulated under the Commercial Radio Code of Practice (the Code). The Code has been developed by the commercial radio industry and the industry body Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) in consultation with the public and is registered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). 

The Code is part of the Government’s co-regulatory regime for the commercial radio broadcasting sector, developed under section 123 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992. 

The Code regulates commercial radio content in accordance with community standards, assists listeners in making informed choices about their radio listening and provides effective procedures for receiving and handling listener complaints. 

The Code is intended to provide clear guidance to radio station staff and listeners on what is required in each of the areas covered by the Code. Because the Code is developed under the Broadcasting Services Act, commercial radio stations that breach the Code can ultimately be subject to serious penalties. 

In 2024 and 2025, CRA conducted a review of the Code to ensure it continues to provide appropriate community safeguards for the matters covered by the Code.  This included a 6 week public consultation.

In February 2026, the ACMA announced that it had registered a new Radio Code, which will commence on 1 July 2026.  You can access the new code here.