Election Coverage

The Broadcasting Services Act (1992) stipulates broadcast law regarding media coverage of local, state and federal elections. It is the responsibility of every community broadcaster to ensure that these laws are observed, as a condition of the station's licence.

Political Advertising

• The broadcast of political advertising must cease three days prior to the polling day. This applies to local, state and federal elections. If the election is to take place on a Saturday, advertising must cease at the end of the Wednesday and only re-commence after the polls are closed on Saturday.
• The station must announce the details of the party that has authorised and sponsored the political advertisement.
• The political advertisement must be "tagged" eg. "This political announcement was sponsored and authorised by XXX party".
• If a station broadcasts the political advertising of a political party, the opportunity of advertising must be available to competing political parties.
   

Political Material

• The station may broadcast political content (news, statements, commentary or discussion) during the entire election period provided that “the broadcaster give reasonable opportunities for the broadcasting of election matter to all political parties contesting the election....”
• Be sure that all broadcast material is logged. Logging is a licence condition. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is entitled to request audio logs/ details of any political or current affairs material that is broadcast on your station.

The ACMA provides broadcasters with a fact sheet that covers the broadcasting and communication of political and election matter, available here.