Commercial radio must now disclose when using AI, according to new rules revealed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
Under the Commercial Radio Code of Practice 2026, radio stations will be required to let their audience know when a synthetic voice is being used to host a regularly scheduled program or news broadcast.
This is the first time AI has been addressed in a broadcasting code of practice.
Broadcasters will also have to give special care when airing content between 8-9am and 3-4pm on school days, when children are more likely to be listening.
ACMA chair Nerida O’Loughlin said the new rules would allow audiences to make more informed decisions about their listening habits.
“Broadcasting rules must keep pace with technology and with community expectations. AI is a powerful tool that offers a lot of innovation for broadcasters,” O’Loughlin said.
“However, listeners want greater transparency about when AI is being used. We welcome the commitments by the radio industry to address listener concerns.
“Listeners are also worried about inappropriate content at peak travel times when families listen together.
“These new rules set clear time windows where broadcasters must consider whether their content is suitable for children, giving parents and carers greater confidence when tuning in.”
The revised code, which was developed by industry group Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA), also includes strengthened provisions around corrections for errors in news coverage and greater transparency in complaints reporting.
Industry body Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) welcomed ACMA’s registration of the updated code, saying it delivers appropriate community safeguards while reflecting changing listener expectations and new technologies.
CRA chief executive Lizzie Young said the industry was proud to lead the development of the new rules.
"The Australian radio industry is pleased to be proactively addressing evolving community standards, positioning the local commercial radio sector to navigate technological and social changes responsibly," Young said.
A significant number of submissions to the review called for strengthened rules around the broadcasting of Australian music. The new code includes changes to the station categories that determine how much Australian music must be played to better reflect contemporary broadcasting practices and music genres.
The ACMA will be working closely with CRA and the commercial radio industry over the coming 12 months to ensure stations are applying the new categories correctly and meet their longstanding Australian music obligations, including in relation to new Australian music.
The Commercial Radio Code of Practice 2026 comes into effect July 1.
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