New legislation is being proposed by the Federal Government to secure the prominence of local radio services on smart speakers. This is really important to make sure listeners can easily access local radio services for free on new audio devices. It is a vital safeguard to ensure these devices don’t unfairly prioritise streaming services or other sources of audio over local, licenced broadcasters.
As listening devices continue to evolve, Government regulation is required to ensure Australians can continue to freely and easily access community radio.
Read CBAA’s Submission: Radio Prominence on Smart Speakers
CBAA argues the new radio prominence framework should apply to manufacturers and operating system (OS) providers of the relevant devices including, smart speakers, other smart devices with audio, and systems in connected cars. All of these companies in the supply chain should have an obligation to ensure their products and services provide free, consistent and reliable access to licensed Australian radio broadcasting services.
CBAA is asking for the framework to provide access to station’s broadcast and online streaming services. We also want to ensure station gets to determine the source of the audio – so you get to decide if your listeners tune into your native stream or via a third party.
We don’t think smart speaker provides should be able to add their own, or a third party’s broadcasting, advertising or other content to a station stream without the consent of the station.
The CBAA is also working with ABC, SBS and commercial radio to include devices in cars. In-car radio listening remains a critically important place for audiences to access community radio.