Regulation & Codes

Commercial radio code of practice

The Broadcasting Services Act 1992 provides that the relevant industry bodies (Commercial Radio & Audio Limited (CRA) on behalf of the Commercial Radio industry), develop in consultation with the Australian Communications Media Authority (ACMA), the Commercial Radio Code of Practice 2026 (the Code) which applies to all commercial radio broadcasting services operated by a licensee. The Code is formulated in consultation with the CRA members and is then registered by the ACMA.

You can view the Code here.

Code amendment — removal of gambling advertising provisions

Following recent changes to gambling advertising laws, from 1 January 2027 gambling advertising on commercial radio will be regulated directly under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. As a consequence, CRA is proposing to remove the corresponding gambling advertising provisions from the Commercial Radio Code of Practice.

The proposed amended Code as of 1 January 2027 is available here. Any feedback on these specific changes to the Code should be sent to codes@cra.au by Sunday 25 October 2026.

Commercial Radio Guidelines

Commercial radio broadcasters are also encouraged to use these guidelines when producing content. Please note that these guidelines do not form part of the Code and are intended as a general outline only.

Australian Music Guidelines

Commercial radio broadcasters are also encouraged to use these guidelines in correctly identifying and classifying their station format for the purposes of Australian music content obligations. Please note that these guidelines do not form part of the Code and are intended as a general outline only.  

Complaints

Understand the complaints process for commercial radio content or advertising and where to direct your concerns here.