Media and Communications Resources

Media and Communications Resource Guide

the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) was created on 1 July 2005, following the merger of the Australian Broadcasting Authority and the Australian Communications Authority.
the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission site contains speeches, press releases and other policy material dealing with competition aspects of telecommunications policy.
the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA) site provides extensive access to media releases, policy documents and related sites.
the Australian Government Information Management Office (AGIMO) develops and coordinates information policy, including online services and information technology.
the Office of Film and Literature Classification, National Classification Scheme administers Australia's censorship and classification policy.
the Online and Communications Council comprises members of the Commonwealth, state/territory and local governments who are responsible for policy on online issues and the information economy. The site contains information on the activities of the Council as well as links to the relevant state and local government authorities.
the Putting Cables Underground Working Group is a body with representatives from industry and all levels of government examining the cabling issue. This DCA site describes the work of the Group and contains links to relevant legislation.

the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 provides for the establishment and operation of the ABC.
the Australian Communications Authority Act 1997 establishes the ACA for the management and licensing of the radiofrequency spectrum.
the Australian Film, Television and Radio School Act 1973 provides for the establishment and operation of the School.
the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 provides for the regulation of broadcasting services by the Australian Broadcasting Authority.
the Radiocommunications Act 1992 establishes the radiocommunications regulatory regime.
the Special Broadcasting Service Act 1991 provides for the establishment and operations of the SBS.
the Telecommunications Act 1997 provides for the regulation of telecommunications.
the Telstra Corporation Act 1991 provides for the ownership and operations of Telstra.

Australian Centre for Independent Journalism
Communications Research Forum
International Institute of Communications
Australian Children's Television Foundation
Young Media Australia is a community based organisation that deals with issues concerning children and the media.
the La Trobe University Online Media Program provides information and links on Australian social and policy research in telecommunications.
the Communications Law Centre is a public interest, research and education organisation specialising in media and communications law and policy. The site contains an extensive range of material and links relevant to the subject.
the Information and Telecommunications Needs Research Group site has information on the group and its work.
Convergent Communications Research Group
the OECD Information and Communication Technologies
Australian TV ratings are compiled by OzTAM which conducts television audience measurement (TAM), covering the five city metropolitan areas and nationally for Subscription TV. The most recent weekly viewing reports are available free of charge, more data are available through subscription.

The Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA) has conducted a number of Digital broadcasting policy reviews The reports of reviews conducted in 2004 and 2005 and those conducted previously as required through the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 are also available.
Productivity Commission, Broadcasting Inquiry Report (March 2000)
Senate Select Committee on Information Technologies, Netbets: A review of online gambling in Australia (March 2000)
Senate Select Committee on Information Technologies, In the Public Interest: Monitoring Australia's Media (April 2000)
Senate Environment, Communications, Information Technology and Arts Committee, Inquiry into ABC On-line Final Report (March 2001)
Senate Environment, Communications, Information Technology and Arts Committee, Above Board? Methods of Appointment to the ABC Board (September 2001)
House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications, Transport and the Arts, Local Voices: an Inquiry into Regional Radio (September 2001)
Senate Standing Committee on Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts reports on media and communications legislation
House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications, Transport and the Arts, Regional Radio Racing Services (June 2000)