Captions are available on all TV programs shown between 6.00am-midnight, and all news and current affairs programs, on the primary channels of all free-to-air networks (ABC1, SBS1, Seven, Nine and Ten and regional channels).
There are different rules for the 'digital multichannels' which include ABC2, ABC3, ABCNews24, SBS2, 7Two, 7Mate, GO!, Gem, One HD and 11. These are not subject to the same caption content rules as the networks' primary or 'core' channels. The only programs which must be captioned on the multichannels are repeats which were originally captioned for screening on the same network's primary channel.
All digital television receivers (including set-top boxes) that comply with Australian Standard 4933 must decode and display captions. Watch a video on how to display captions on digital TV.
For more information about regulations covering which programs need to be captioned refer to our television policy and expectations page.
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