TV terms

The Federal Government today released a consultation paper which proposes a number of changes to the regulations governing free-to-air television. The consultation process provides an opportunity for consumers to comment on current captioning regulations, and the fact that multi-channels such as Gem, 7Two, Eleven, ABC2 and SBS2 remain exempt from the captioning requirements that apply to primary channels.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has commenced posting this year’s round of draft exemption and target reduction orders, which exempt channels from having to meet normal captioning requirements for a year or more.

In April, the Seven Network’s Plus7 became the first commercial TV catch-up service in Australia to provide closed captions on its major programs.

Today is the deadline for submissions to the Senate Communications and Environment Committee which is reviewing proposed changes to captioning regulations.