community radio broadcasting-code of practice 2008
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Community RadioBroadcasting
23 October 2008
Codes of Practice
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Contents1Introduction
a. Background 1
b. Guiding principles 2
c. Legal obligations 2
d. Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) 2
e. Sector organisations 3
Code 1: Our responsibilities in broadcasting to meet community interest 4
Code 2: Principles of diversity and independence 5
Code 3: General programming 6
Code 4: Indigenous programming 8
Code 5: Australian music 9
Code 6: Sponsorship 10
Code 7: Complaints 11
Code 8: Codes of Practice review 12
Appendices: appendices attached to the Codes are for guidance only and do not formpart of the Codes
1: Codes of Practice checklist 13
2: Codes of Practice on-air announcement example 19
3: Rights and responsibilities of volunteers example 20
4: Procedures for disciplinary action and dismissal of volunteers example 23
5: Reporting suicide and mental health resources 26
6: Music policy example 27
7: Sponsorship policy example 28
8: Complaints policy example 29
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IntroductionA BackgroundCommunitybroadcastingplaysavitalroleinAustralia
asaunique sector operating togetherwithcommer-
cial broadcasters and national broadcasters such as
theAustralianBroadcastingCorporation(ABC)andthe
SpecialBroadcastingService(SBS).Thesectoractively
promotes community access and participation and
volunteersarelargelyresponsiblefortheoperationsof
communitybroadcastingstations.Thestationsvarysig-
nificantlydependingontheaudienceandcommunityinteresttheyserve.Thesestationsincludethosefocus-
ingonparticulargeographicareas,Indigenous,ethnic,
RadioforthePrintHandicapped,religious,gayandles-
bian,andyouth,asafewexamples.
The Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the Act) outlines
thelegalframeworkforcommunitybroadcastingand
explainstherolethesectorplaysindeliveringdiverse
mediaservices thatreflectasenseofAustralian iden-
tity, character and cultural diversity. The Community
RadioCodesofPractice(theCodes)setouttheguiding
principlesandpoliciesforprogrammingoncommunity
broadcastingstations.Theyalsooutlinetheoperational
standards for stations that hold a communitybroad-
castinglicence.TheCodesdonotreplacethelicence
conditionsintheAct;theyarecomplementaryandwe
arelegallyobligedtofollowboththelicenceconditions
andtheCodes.
Under Section 123 of the Act , industry groups must
developtheCodesinconsultationwiththeAustralianCommunicationsandMediaAuthority.TheCodesmay
cover programming requirements, fairness and accu-
racyinnewsandcurrentaffairsreporting,complaints
handlingandsponsorship,amongothermatters.The
Codes outline that thesector organisation represent-
ingthemajorityoflicenseeswillberesponsibleforco-
ordinatingareviewoftheCodes.Assuch,during2008
the CommunityBroadcasting Association of Australia
(CBAA)coordinatedthereviewprocess.
NOTE:AppendicesattachedtotheCodesareforguid-anceonlyanddonotformpartoftheCodes.
B Guiding principlesCommunitybroadcastersareunitedbysixguid-ingprinciples.Wewillworkto:
n Promoteharmonyanddiversityandcontributetoaninclusive,cohesiveandculturallydiverseAustraliancommunity
n Pursuetheprinciplesofdemocracy,accessandequity,especiallyforpeopleandissuesnotadequatelyrepresentedinothermedia
n EnhancethediversityofprogrammingchoicesavailabletothepublicandpresentprogramsthatexpandthevarietyofviewpointsbroadcastinAustralia
n Demonstrateindependenceinprogrammingaswellasineditorialandmanagementdecisions
n Supportanddeveloplocalartsandmusic
n Increasecommunityinvolvementin
broadcasting.
Throughout the Codes, community broadcasting li-censeesarereferredtoas‘we’or‘our’.Thetermsarele-gallybinding.
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C Legal obligationsEach community broadcasting station has legal obli-gationsthatrelatetoprogrammingandstationopera-tions.The Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the Act) outlinesa number of licence conditions and some programstandardsthatapplytoallstations.
Key provisions in the Act require communitybroadcastersto:
n providecommunitybroadcastingservicesforthebenefitofthecommunityandnotoperatethemtomakeaprofit,
n continuetorepresentthecommunityinterestthatitrepresentedwhenthelicencewasallocatedorlastrenewed,althoughalicenseecanapplytochangethatcommunityinterestatrenewal,
n encouragecommunityaccessandparticipationinallaspectsofstationoperations,from
programmingtomanagement,and
n onlybroadcastsponsorshipannouncements,ratherthanadvertising,whichtotalnomorethanfiveminutesinanyhourofbroadcasting.
D Australian Communications andMedia Authority (ACMA)
Thebroadcastingregulator,theAustralianCommunica-tionsandMediaAuthority(ACMA),isresponsibleforen-suringthatcommunitybroadcastingstationsmeetthelicenceconditionsinthe Act andrequirementsoutlinedintheCodes.
SomeotherkeyresponsibilitiesofACMAareto:
n PromoteasystemwherebybroadcasterstakeresponsibilityformakingsuretheymeetthelicenceconditionsandtherequirementsintheCodes,
n Makesurethatelectronicmediamaintaincommunitystandards,
n Managespectrumallocationandmakesurethatarangeofmediaservicesisprovidedinallareas,and
n Administerthelicenceallocationsandrenewalsprocess,includingfortemporarycommunitybroadcastinglicences.
ACMAinvestigatescomplaintsmadeonissuesrelatingtolicenceconditionsortheCodes.Thecomplaintspro-cedureisdetailedinCode7.Theorderinwhichcom-plaintsaredealtwithisoutlinedinthefollowingtable:
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Type ofcomplaint:
Steps in handlingcomplaint
A station’s choice ofprogramming
Station’sresponsibilityaccordingtoitspoliciesandproceduresunderCode2or3.
E Sector organisationsCommunitybroadcastingorganisationsexisttoprovidesupport and advice to their members. They include
Disputes among Station’sresponsibility
station volunteers accordingtoitspoliciesand members andprocedures
underCode1.Sectororganisationsmaybeabletoprovidesomeassistance.
Internal conflictresolution
Station’sresponsibilityaccordingtoitspoliciesandproceduresunderCode1.Sectororganisa-tionsmaybeabletoprovidesomeassistance.
ConsulttheStateor TerritoryOfficeofFair
Internal managementor constitutionmatters TradingorConsumer
AffairsDepartment.Sectororganisationsmaybeabletoprovidesomeassistance.
Defamation claimsagainst station
Seekownlegaladvice.
For further information on community broadcasting,seeACMA’swebsite:www.acma.gov.au.
national,stateandregionallybasedorganisationsandthose focused on special interests or communities. These organisations alsowork to influence the regu-latory environment through lobbying, advocacy andbriefinggovernment.
Noneofthesesectororganisationsregulatescommu-nity broadcasting.They have no legal role toplay inmonitoring complaints, solving disputes or ensuringthatcommunitybroadcastersmeettheirlegalobliga-tions.However,collectivelytheycontributeinformationandideastotheCodesofPracticereview,inconsulta-tionwithACMA,andmayassiststationstomeettheirlegalobligations.
Alistofcurrentmembershipbasedcommunitybroad-casting sector organisations can be found at www.cbonline.org.au.
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Code: 1 Purpose:
Ourresponsibilitiesinbroadcastingtomeetourcommunityinterest
Tomakesurethatcommunityradiostationsoperateaccordingtotheguidingprinciplesandwithinaframeworkofsoundcorporategovernance
1.1 Eachcommunityradiostationwillbecontrolledandoperatedbyanindependentbodythatrepresentsitscommunityinterest.
1.2 Wewillhaveinplacewrittencorporategovernancepoliciesandproceduresthatsupportmanagement,financial,andtechnicaloperationstomeetalllegalrequirements.
1.3 Wewillhavetraininginplacetoensurethateveryoneisawareofhisorherlegalobligationsandisabletoeffectivelyparticipateinprovidingtheservice..
1.4 Wewillhavewrittenpolicydocumentsinplacethatoutline:
(a)theprinciplesoffinancialmembership,
(b)therightsandresponsibilitiesoffinancialmemberswithintheorganisation,and
(c)therightsandresponsibilitiesoftheorganisationtofinancialmembers.
AregisteroffinancialmemberswillalsobekeptandmadeavailabletoACMAonrequest.
1.5Wewillhavewrittenpoliciesandproceduresinplacetoeffectivelydealwithinternalconflict.
1.6 Wewillhavepoliciesandproceduresinplacetohandlecomplaintsfromourmembersandvolunteers.SeeCode 7: Complaintsformoreinformation.
1.7 WewillbroadcastatleastoneonairannouncementeachweekthatcontainsinformationabouttheCodesandwherelistenerscangetacopy.AcopyoftheannouncementistobemadeavailabletoACMAonrequest.
Appendix 1:CodesofPracticechecklist.
Appendix 2:CodesofPracticeannouncementexample.
References:
Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice4
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Code: 2 Purpose:
Principlesofdiversityandindependence Tomakesurethatcommunityradiostationshavewrittenpoliciesandproceduresinplacethatpro-motediversityandencouragecommunityparticipa-tion
2.1 Ourstationwillmakesurethatpeopleinourcommunitywhoarenotadequatelyservedbyothermediaareencouragedandassistedtoparticipateinprovidingourservice.Wewillhaveinplacepoliciesandprocedurestosupportthiscommitment.Wewilldocumentevidenceofoureffortstoencouragecommunityparticipation.
2.2 Ourpoliciesandprocedureswillincludemechanismstoenableactiveparticipationbyourcommunityinstationmanagement,programmingandgeneraloperations.
2.3 Wewillhavepolicydocumentsinplacethatoutline:
(a)theprinciplesofvolunteering,
(b)therightsandresponsibilitiesofvolunteerswithintheorganisation,
(c)therightsandresponsibilitiesoftheorganisationtovolunteers,whethertheyaremembersornot,and
(d)groundsandproceduresforthedismissalofvolunteers.
2.4 Allpolicydocumentswillbefreelyavailable.
2.5 Inallstationactivitiesandourbehaviourwewillopposeandbreakdownprejudiceonthebasisofethnicity,race,language,gender,sexuality,age,physicalormentalability,occupation,religious,culturalorpoliticalbeliefs.
Appendix3:Rightsandresponsibilitiesofvolunteersexample.Appendix4:Proceduresfordisciplinaryactionanddismissalofvolunteersexample.
References:
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Code: 3 Purpose:
Generalprogramming Toencourageprogrammingthatreflectsourcom-munityinterestandguidingprinciples
3.1 Ourcommunityradiostationwillnotbroadcastmaterialthatmay:
(a)incite,encourage,orpresentforitsownsakeviolenceorbrutality,
(b)misleadoralarmlistenersbysimulatingnewsorevents,
(c)presentasdesirabletheuseofillegaldrugs,themisuseoftobaccooralcoholaswellasotherharm-fulsubstances,and
(d)glamorise,sensationalise,orpresentsuicideasasolutiontolifeproblems.Inparticular,broadcastmaterialshouldnotprovideexplicitdetailsaboutthemethodand/orlocationofasuicideattemptordeath.
3.2 Wewillattempttoavoidcensorshipwherepossible.However,inourprogrammingdecisionswewillconsiderourcommunityinterest,context,degreeofexplicitness,thepossibilityofalarmingthelistener,thepotentialfordistressorshock,prevailingIndigenouslawsorcommunitystandardsandthesocialimportanceofthebroadcast.
3.3 Wewillnotbroadcastmaterialthatislikelytostereotype,incite,vilify,orperpetuatehatredagainst,orattempttodemeananypersonorgroup,onthebasisofethnicity,nationality,race,language,gender,sexuality,religion,age,physicalormentalability,occupation,culturalbelieforpoliticalaffiliation.Therequirementisnotintendedtopreventthebroadcastofmaterialwhichisfactual,ortheexpressionofgenuinelyheldopinioninanewsorcurrentaffairsprogramorinthelegitimatecontextofahumorous,satiricalordramaticwork.
3.4 Wewillhaveprogrammingpracticesthatprotectchildrenfromharmfulmaterialbutwillavoidconcealingtherealworldfromthem.
3.5 Wewillfollowapplicableprivacylawsby:
(a)respectingpeople’slegitimaterighttoprotectionfromunjustifieduseofmaterialwhichisob-tainedwithoutconsentorthroughaninvasionofprivacy,
(b)onlybroadcastingthewordsofanidentifiablepersonwhere:
(i)thatpersonhasbeentoldinadvancethatthewordsmaybebroadcast,or
(ii)itwasclearlyindicatedatthetimetherecordingwasmadethatthematerialwouldbebroadcast,or
(iii)inthecaseofwordsthathavebeenrecordedwithouttheknowledgeofaperson,thatpersonhasindicatedhis/heragreementpriortobroadcast
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3.6 News,currentaffairs(includingnewsupdatesandpromotions),documentaries,featureprogramsandinterviewsshall:
(a)provideaccesstoviewsnotadequatelyrepresentedbyotherbroadcastingsectors,
(b)presentfactualmaterialaccuratelyandensurethatreasonableeffortsaremadetocorrectsubstantialerrorsoffactasquicklyaspossible,
(c)clearlydistinguishfactualmaterialfromcommentaryandanalysis,
(d)presentnewsinsuchawaythatitdoesnotcreatepublicpanicorunnecessarydistresstolisteners,and,
(e)representviewpointsfairlywithouthavingamisleadingemphasis,editingoutofcontextorwithholdingrelevantandavailablematerial.
3.7 Communitybroadcastersplayavitalroleinbroadcastingemergencyinformation.Communityradiostationswiththeabilitytoofferemergencybroadcastswill:
(a)haveproceduresinplacetoenableappropriatelocalemergencybroadcasts,
(b)liaisewithappropriateemergencyandessentialserviceorganisations,and
(c)ensuretheaccuracyofemergencyinformation.
Appendix 5:Reportingsuicideandmentalillnessresponsibly–resourcesavailable.References:
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Code 5: Purpose:
Australianmusic ToreflectthecommitmentofcommunityradiostationstodevelopAustralianmusicandprovideopportunitiesforperformerstohavetheirworkregularlybroadcast
5.1 InselectingAustralianmusicforbroadcastineachmonthwewillconsiderourcommunityinterest.
5.2 Ofallmusicprogramming,wewillbroadcastatleast:
(a)25percentofAustralianmusic,exceptforethnicandclassicalmusicstations,and
(b)10percentofAustralianmusicforethnicandclassicalmusicstations.
Australianmusicplayediscalculatedasapercentageofallmusicplayedoveracalendarmonth.
5.3 Therequirementsabovedonotincludemusicusedinsponsorshipannouncements,programs,orstationpromotions.
Appendix6:Musicpolicyexample.References:
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Code 6: Purpose:
Sponsorship Tocomplementthelicenceconditioninthe Act relatingtosponsorshipannouncements
6.1 Wewillhaveinplaceawrittensponsorshippolicythatreflectsthelicenceconditioninthe Act .
Thisincludes:
(a)broadcastingnomorethanfiveminutesofsponsorshipannouncementsinonehour,and
(b)taggingeachannouncementtoacknowledgethefinancialand/orinkindsupportofthesponsor.
6.2 Sponsorshipwillnotbeafactorindecidingwhocanaccessbroadcastingtime.
6.3 Wewillensureeditorialdecisionsaffectingthecontentandstyleofindividualprogramsarenotinfluencedbyprogramorstationsponsors.
6.4 Wewillensurethateditorialdecisionsaffectingthecontentandstyleofoverallstationprogrammingarenotinfluencedbyprogramorstationsponsors.
6.5 ThegeneralprogrammingguidelinesinCode3alsoapplytosponsorshipannouncements.
Appendix7:SponsorshippolicyexampleSeealsoACMA’sCommunityBroadcastingSponsorshipGuidelines2008at
www.acma.gov.au
References:
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Code 7: Purpose:
Complaints Tooutlineourlegalrequirementsrelatingtocomplainthandling
7.1 Weacknowledgetherightsofourlisteners,membersandvolunteerstomakecomplaintsinwritingaboutallegednoncompliancewithboththelicenceconditionsinthe Act andtherequirementsoutlinedintheCodes.
7.2 Wewillmakeeveryreasonableefforttoresolvecomplaints,exceptwhereacomplaintisclearlyfrivolous,withoutsufficientgroundsornotmadeingoodfaith.
7.3 Wewillensurethat:
(a)complaintswillbereceivedbyaresponsiblepersoninnormalofficehoursandreceiptisacknowl-edgedinwriting,
(b)complaintswillbeconscientiouslyconsidered,investigatedifnecessary,andrespondedtosub-stantivelyassoonaspossible,
(c)complaintswillberespondedtoinwritingwithin60daysofreceipt,asrequiredbythe Act ,andtheresponsewillincludeacopyoftheCodes,and
(d)complainantsareadvisedinwritingthattheyhavetherighttorefertheircomplaintaboutaCodemattertoACMAprovidedtheyhavefirst:
(i)formallylodgedtheircomplaintwiththelicenseeinwriting,and
(ii)receivedasubstantiveresponsefromthelicenseeandaredissatisfiedwiththisresponse,orhavenotreceivedaresponsefromthelicenseewithin60daysaftermakingthecomplaint.
Awrittencomplaintorresponsecanbealetter,fax,oremail.
7.4 Aresponsiblepersonofthelicenseewillmaintainarecordofcomplaintsandresponsesforatleasttwoyearsfromthedateofthecomplaint.
7.5 TherecordofcomplaintsandresponseswillbemadeavailabletoACMAonrequest.
Appendix8:ComplaintspolicyexampleSeealsoACMA’sComplaints about programs: How to make a complaint about radio andtelevision programs brochureatwww.acma.gov.au
References:
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Code 8: Purpose:
CodesofPracticereview ToensurethattheCodescontinuetoreflectchangingcommunitystandardsandremainrelevantinthecontemporarymediaenvironment
8.1 Thecommunityradiosector,ascoordinatedbythesectororganisationrepresentingthemajorityoflicensees,willreviewtheCommunityRadioCodesofPracticeeverythreetofiveyearsinconsultationwithothersectororganisations.
8.2 BeforeanychangesaremadetotheCodes,thesector,asrepresentedbythesectororganisation
representingthemajorityoflicensees,willconsultwithothersectororganisationsandACMA.TheorganisationwillstrivetoseekagreementwiththemajorityofcommunitybroadcastingstationsandincorporatepublicfeedbackbeforetheCodesareprovidedtoACMAforregistrationundertheAct.
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AppendicesAPPENDIX 1: Codes Of Practice Checklist
This appendix is for guidance only and does not form
part of the Community Radio Codes of Practice 2008
Background
Ascommunitybroadcasters it is our responsibility toabidebyanumberoflegislativerequirementsinpro-grammingcontentandstationoperations.
TheBroadcastingServicesAct1992outlinesanumberoflicenceconditionsandprogramstandardsthatareapplicabletoallourstations.Alicenseeisalsoboundbytheconditionsuponwhichtheirlicencewasissuedorlastrenewed.
Inaddition,wearerequiredtoobservetheCommunityRadioCodesofPractice2008(theCodes)thatguideallareasofstationactivity.Assuchwewillhaveinplacewrittencorporategovernancepoliciesandproceduresthat support management, financial and technical
operationstomeetalllegalrequirements.
TheAustralianCommunicationandMediaAuthority’s
roleistodeterminewhetherstationshaveimplementedtheprocessesoutlinedintheCodes,andaretherefore
upholdingthestandardsapplicabletoallcommunitybroadcasters.ItistheroleofACMAtoassesswhether
stationscomplywiththeCodesandtodetermineifa
breachoftheCodeshasoccurred.In cases where compliance is an issue, ACMA mayalso take enforcement action to improve licensees’
performance.
Purpose
Thefollowingchecklistwillhelpdetermineifyoursta-
tionhas developed the appropriatepoliciesand pro-cedurestomakesureitiscomplyingwiththerequire-
mentsoftheCodes.
Section One: Corporate Governance
Corporate governance policies and procedures that support management, financial, and technicaloperations to meet all legal requirements.
Governance: Does your station... Yes No
haveeasilyaccessiblehardandelectroniccopiesofitsconstitution?
holdregularboardandcommitteemeetings?
keepminutesofthesemeetingsandholdtheminanaccessibleplace?
holdAnnualGeneralMeetingswhichincludeelectionofboardandcommitteemembersinaccordancewithyourconstitutionandrequirementsofrelevantlegislation(eg:IncorporatedAssociationsAct)?
have documents that outline the roles and responsibilities of board and committee members?
Financial Management: Does your station... Yes No
maintainaccurateanduptodatefinancialrecords?
haveadesignatedtreasurerorbookkeeper?
regularlypresentrecordsofitsaccountstotheboard?
presentendoffinancialyearreportstothemembers?
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Technical Management: Does your station... Yes No
haveeasilyaccessiblehardandelectroniccopiesofitsbroadcastingserviceslicenceandapparatuslicencespecifications?
have mechanisms in place for ensuring ongoing compliance with its licencespecifications?
have mechanisms in place for ensuring ongoing compliance with EMR / RF hazardstandards?
ensureappropriatesafetyandqualityofstudioandproductionfacilities?
Section Two: Policies and Procedures
Does your station have clear procedures for boards, committees, staff and volun- Yes Noteers dealing with the following:
Programming
Accessandequity
Antidiscrimination
GrievanceandcomplaintsMusicAustraliancontent
Sponsorship
How does your station management publicise/promote these policies and Yes Noprocedures?
Newsletters
Noticeboards
StationHandbooks
Inductionortrainingsessions
Other
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Section Three: Participation
Under the Codes community radio stations are required to ensure that people in their community whoare not adequately served by other media are encouraged and assisted to participate in providing ourservice.
Stationsarerequiredtohaveinplacepoliciesandprocedurestosupportthiscommitmentaswellastodocu-mentevidenceoftheireffortstoencouragecommunityparticipation.
Howdoesyourstationencourageandassisttheactiveparticipationofcommunitymembers (includingbroad-castersatyourstationandmembersofthecommunity)in:
Activity Action taken to Evidence documentedencourage participation of this activity
Onairshifts
Fundraising
Administration
BoardOfDirectors
Committees
ProgrammingDecisions
Other
Other
Other
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monitoritsAustralianmusiccontenttoensureitmeetstheminimumquota?
management approve and monitor all sponsorship on air (this includes inkindsponsorship)?
Section Four: Programming
Does your station... Yes No
Does your station have a set of programming guidelines for broadcasters relating Yes Noto on-air standards concerning broadcasts about or including?
Violenceandbrutality
Simulatednewsorevents
Drug,alcoholandtobaccouse
Stereotypingandvilification
Protectingchildrenfrom‘harmful’content
Privacy
NewsandCurrentAffairs
Indigenousprogramming
Australianmusiccontent
Sponsorship
Balancingcensorshipandfreedomofexpression
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theprinciplesoffinancialmembership,
therightsandresponsibilitiesoffinancialmemberswithintheorganisation,
therightsandresponsibilitiesoftheorganisationtofinancialmembers.
Section Five: Volunteers
Does your station have written policy documents in place that outline... Yes No
How does your station inform volunteers of their rights and responsibilities? Yes No
Noticeboard
Newsletters
Meetings
VolunteerInductionKit
Website
Email
Other:
Does your station... Yes No
haveinductionproceduresforallnewvolunteers?
haveacomplaintsprocedureforvolunteers/staffconcerninginternaldisputes?
informvolunteersaboutthestation’sinternalcomplaintsprocedure?
have a policy and procedure in place regarding disciplinary action and dismissal ofvolunteers?
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Section Six: Listener Complaints
Does your station... Yes No
haveaprocedureforrecordinganddealingwithlistenercomplaints?
Does this procedure... Yes No
ensurethereisadesignated,responsiblepersonwhohasbeennominatedtodealwithlistenercomplaintsandwhoisavailableduringofficehours?
includeprovidinginformationtolistenersabouttheirrightsiftheyaredissatisfiedwithyourstation’sresponsetotheircomplaint?
ensureyourstationwillrespondsubstantivelytocomplaints,inwriting,within60daysofreceivingthecomplaint?
How does your station inform volunteers and staff of the procedure for taking a Yes Nocomplaint from a listener?
Newsletters
Noticeboard
Meetings
VolunteerInductionKit
Other:
Does your station... Yes No
broadcastatleastoneonairannouncementeachweekthatcontainsinformationabouttheCodesandwherelistenerscangetacopy
WhattodoifyoufindyourstationisnotmeetingtherequirementsoftheCodes:
1. Ifyourstationdoesnothaveapolicyorprocedurewhichhasbeenmentionedinthechecklist,pleaselookthroughthefurtherappendiceswiththeCodesforexamples.WesuggestyouchangethesetosuityourneedsbeforeadoptionbytheBoard.
2. YoucanalsovisittheCBAAwebsite(www.cbaa.org.au)whereyouwillfindinformationondevelopingpoliciesandprocedures.
3. AftertheBoardofDirectorshascollectedallthepoliciesandproceduresandapprovedthem,itisadvisablethattheyshouldbewidelycirculatedwithinthestation.
4. Itisalsoimportanttodevelopwaysinwhichthesepolicieswillcontinuetobepublicisedefficientlytonewbroadcastersandothers.Thiscouldbedoneatprogramevaluationtime,stationmeetings,intrainingsessions,asremindersinnewslettersandanyotherwayyoucanthinkofgettingthemessageacross.
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This appendix is for guidance only and does not form
part of the Community Radio Codes of Practice 2008
APPENDIX 2: Codes of Practice Announcement Example
Background
UnderCode1.7communityradiostationsarerequiredtobroadcast“oneonairannouncementeachweekthatcontainsinformationabouttheCodesandwherelisten-
erscangetacopy”. Thefollowingscriptisanexampleofacommunityser-viceannouncementthatcouldberecordedandplayedinordertomeettherequirementsofCode1.7.
ThisexamplepointstheaudiencetothewebsiteoftheCommunity Broadcasting Association of Australia inordertodownloadacopy.WhilethiswouldsatisfytherequirementsoftheCodes,stationsareencouragedtomakecopiesavailableonyourownwebsitesorthroughadirectrequesttothestation.Assuch,stationsmayedit
thescriptaccordingly.
Title: CodesofPracticeCSA
Duration: 30secs
Cast:
Music:
WhatyouhearoncommunityradioisgovernedbytheCommunityRadioCodesofPractice.
TheCodesofPracticecovermattersrelatingtopro-gramcontent,includinglocalcontent,news,currentaffairs, Australian musiccontent,programs for chil-drenandtheresponsibilitiesassociatedwithbroad-castingtothecommunity.
Theyalsocoveraspectssuchascommunityaccessandparticipationintheoperationofthisservice.
Copies of the Codes are available from the Com-
munity Broadcasting Association website,www.cbaa.org.au
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This appendix is for guidance only and does not form
part of the Community Radio Codes of Practice 2008
Principles of volunteering
APPENDIX 3: Rights and Responsibilities of Volunteers Example
This is an exampleof a policy thatcould beusedtomeettherequirementsofCode2.3.
Background
[stationname]isacommunityradiostation,whichre-lieslargelyontheeffortsofourvolunteerstomaintainoperations.Ourvolunteerscomefromawiderangeofbackgroundsandvolunteerfordifferentreasons
Theseinclude:
tocontributesomethingtothecommunity,
todevelopprofessionalskills,
tomaintainexistingskills,
toenjoythesocialnatureoftheorganisation,
tofacilitatepersonalgrowth.
Weaimtotreatallofourvolunteersequally,withre-spectandtrust,andtoprovideaworkplacethatissafe,enjoyableandfulfilling.Wewillendeavourtoprovideaworkingenvironmentthatisflexibleinordertoallowourvolunteerstogainthebenefitstheywishfromvol-unteering.
Conversely,weexpectourvolunteerstoactprofession-allyandingoodfaithtowardsourstationatalltimes.Weexpectthattheyhold the interestsofourstationanditscommunityinequalregardtotheirowntoensurepositiveoutcomesforthemselves,ourstationandthe
communityweserve.
Purpose Thisdocumentsetsout[StationName’s]policyontheresponsiblemanagementofourvolunteerprogram.
The policy’s purpose is to provide a clear statementabouttherolesandresponsibilitiesofvolunteersandourstation.
Volunteering:
benefitsthecommunityandthevolunteer,
isalwaysamatterofchoice,
isanactivitythatisunpaidandnotundertaken
forthereceiptofsalary,pension,governmentallowanceorhonorarium,
isalegitimatewayinwhichcitizenscanparticipateintheactivitiesoftheircommunity,
isavehicleforindividualsorgroupstoaddresshuman,environmentalandsocialneeds,
doesnotreplacepaidworkersnorconstituteathreattothejobsecurityofpaidworkers,
respectstherights,dignityandcultureofothers,
promoteshumanrightsandequality.
The rights and responsibilities of volunteers
Therightsofvolunteersat[stationname].Youhavetherightto:
betreatedasacoworker,
suitableassignmentwithconsiderationforpersonalpreference,temperament,abilities,education,trainingandemployment,
knowasmuchabouttheorganisationaspossible,itspolicies,peopleandprograms
expectclearandopencommunicationfrommanagementandstaffatalltimes,
begivenappropriateorientation,introductionandprovisionofinformationaboutnewdevelopments,
soundguidanceanddirectionintheworkplace,
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advancenotice(wherepossible)ofchangeswhichmayaffectyourwork(suchasprogrammingchanges),
undertakeyourvolunteeractivitywithoutinterruptionorinterferencefrommanagement,stafforothervolunteers,
aplaceofworkcomplyingwithstatutoryrequirementsinregardtoequalemployment,antidiscriminationlegislation,the
CommonwealthRacialDiscriminationAct1975andoccupationalhealthandsafetystandards,
beheard,tofeelfreetomakesuggestionsandtobegivenrespectforyourhonestandconstructiveopinion,
appropriateinsurancecoversuchasvolunteerandpublicliabilityinsurance,
appropriategrievanceproceduresintheeventofadisputeand,ifnecessary,mediationorarbitrationtoassistwithresolvingthedispute,
receivewrittennotificationandreasonsforsuspension/releaseofservices,
haveservicesappropriatelyassessedandeffectivelyrecognised,
havetrainingprovidedthatwillenableparticipationatthestationatavarietyoflevels.
The responsibilities of volunteers at[station name]
Youhavetheresponsibilityto:
haveaprofessionalattitudetowardsyour voluntarywork,
beprompt,reliableandproductivewithregardtocommitmentsandagreementsmadewith[stationname],
notifytheappropriatepersonifunabletomeetcommitments,
acceptandabidebystationrules,
understandandadheretotheCodesandmaintainfamiliaritywithbroadcastlawssuchasdefamationlawandtheBroadcastServicesAct1992
nottorepresent[stationname]publiclyorcommerciallyunlesspriorarrangementhasbeenmade,
nottobringintodisreputetheoperations,management,stafforothervolunteersof[station
name],
treattechnicalequipmentwithduecareandrespectandtonotifytechnicalstaffoffaultsandproblems,
undertaketocompleteaminimumofthebasicleveloftrainingofferedatthestationifyouareintendingtoworkinanyareaofprogramming,
onlyusestationresourcesandequipmentincarryingoutworkfor[stationname]andnotfor
personalorprivatepurposes,
ensurethatthestationhasyourcurrentcontactdetails,
respecttheracialandreligiousbackgroundsandthesexualpreferencesofyourcovolunteerworkersandworktoensurethat[stationname]isasafeworkplaceforeveryone,
contributetotheachievementofasafe,tolerantandequitableworkingenvironmentbyavoiding,
andassistinginpreventing,behaviourwhichisdiscriminatory.
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The rights and responsibilities of[station name] towards volunteers
[stationname]hastherightto:
expectyourcooperationinworkingtoupholdandmaintainthestation’smissionstatement,thestationcharterandprogrampolicies,
expectyoutobefamiliarwiththelawsrelatingtobroadcasting,stationpoliciesandprocedures,
expectyoutobeprompt,reliableandproductivewithregardtocommitmentsandagreementsmadewith[stationname],
haveconfidentialinformationrespected,
makeadecision,inconsultationwithyou,astowhereyourservicesandskillswouldbestbeutilised,
makedecisionswhichmayaffectyourwork,
makeprogrammingdecisionsinaccordancewithprogrammingpoliciesandprocedures,
develop,implementandenforcerules,policiesandproceduresforallaspectsofstationoperation,
developandmaintainallpropertyandresidenceofthestation,
provideyouwithfeedbacktoenhanceyourprogrammingandbroadcastingdevelopment,
expectclearandopencommunicationfromyou
atalltimes,suspendordismissyouinaccordancewithstationpoliciesandproceduresduetocontraventionofstationrules.
[stationname]hastheresponsibilityto:
provideyouwithaworkenvironmentwhichembracestheprinciplesofaccessandequity.
valuetheimportanceofyourrolewithintheorganisation,
placeyouinanappropriate,suitablepositionandenvironment,
giveyouappropriatetasksinaccordancewithyourstrengths,abilities,trainingandexperience,
provideyouwithtrainingsothatyoucanexpandyourexpertiseandabilities,
acknowledgeyourcontributiontothestationandprovideyouwiththeappropriaterecognitionand/orrewards,
ensurestaffhavetheappropriateskillsrequiredtoworkwithyou,
provideadequateopportunitiesforformalandinformalconstructivefeedback,
provideyouwithinformationregardinganyactivitiesorchangesatthestationwhichmayaffectyourwork,
consultwithyou(wherepossibleandpracticable)onissuesthatmayaffectyourwork,
ensurethatallstationdemocraticprocessesareadheredtoandthatyouareconsultedinmajordecisionmakingprocesses,
ensure that you are aware of station democraticprocesses and are encouraged to participate in them.
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This appendix is for guidance only and does not form
part of the Community Radio Codes of Practice 2008
Purpose
Thisdocumentoutlinesapolicyandprocedurefordis
APPENDIX 4: Procedures for Disciplinary Action and Dismissal of Volunteers Example
This is anexampleofa policy thatcould beusedtomeettherequirementofCode2.3(d).
Background
Volunteersareaninvaluableresourceto[stationname]andourprimaryaimistoencourageandsupporttheircontributiontoourstation.However,itisalsorecogn-isedthattheremaybetimeswhenavolunteerneedstobecounselled,disciplinedandperhapsdismissed.
We undertake to handle such situations in a profes-sionalmanner,ensuringcommunicationbetweenourstationandthevolunteerisclear,fair,objectiveandre-mainswithinthepolicyoutlinedbelow.
Throughout the process our board will reflect on itsownoperationsaswellasthoseofthestationandwillconsiderthecircumstances,actionsandbehaviorlead-ingtothesituation.
Thefollowingquestionswillguidethisprocess:
Havetheroles,valuesandexpectationsoftheorganisationbeenclearlycommunicatedtothevolunteerandsubsequentlyreinforcedduringpriorconversationsregardingthevolunteer’sperformance?
Arethereanyotherfactorsthatmaybecontributingtothevolunteer’spoorperformancee.g.learningdifficultiesorlanguagebarriers?
Has the volunteer been reminded of expectedcodes of conduct and consequences for breaches?
Hasthevolunteerreceivedtraining/mentoringandorcoachingtoimproveperformance?
Hasaverbalandwrittenwarningbeengiventothevolunteerexplainingthatanyfurthernon-compliancewillresultinsuspensionortermination
ofthevolunteeringopportunity?Didthevolunteerhavetheopportunitytorespondtopriorverbalandwrittenwarnings?
ciplinarymeasuresand dismissal. It aimstoprovidea clearandfairstructurethatisunderstandabletoboth
managementandvolunteers.
Thepolicyincludesanappealsmechanismtoensurea ‘rightofreply’toavolunteerwhohasbeendisciplined.
Thisisfurthercomplementedby[stationname’s]griev-ance and dispute resolution policy and procedure, whichmay be used ina situationwherea volunteer believestheyhavenotbeenfairlyheardorthatthePro-cedures for Disciplinary Action and Dismissal of Volunteers
hasnotbeenadequatelyfollowed.
Thisdocumentdoesnotincludetheprocedureforex-pulsionofamemberfromtheassociation,whichislaid outintheconstitutionof[formalIncorporatedname].
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Policy
1. Theprocedurefordisciplinaryactionisathreestepprocesswhichincludes:
a. Firstformalnoticeinwriting
b. Secondformalnoticeinwriting
c. Noticetothevolunteerofdismissalfromduties.
2. Forissuesthatareconsideredminoraconversationwiththevolunteermaybeappropriate;howeverthiswillnotbeconsideredpartoftheformaldisciplinaryaction(althoughitmaybereferredtoinlateraction).
3. Writtennoticewillincludedetailsoftheissueand,wherefeasible,evidence.Inacasewherethedisciplinarymeasurehasbeeninstigatedbyacomplaint,itmaybeappropriatetoincludeacopy(withidentificationremoved)orextractofthiscomplaint.
4. Furtherdisciplinaryactions,suchasasuspensionofvolunteerdutiesforaperiodoftime,mayalsobeappropriate.Insuchcasestheseactionswillbeincludedwiththeformalnoticeinwriting.
5. Everyeffortwillbetakentoensurethatnoticeofadisciplinarymeasure,whetherformalorinformal,willbegivenatanappropriatetime,eg:notimmediatelypriorto,orduringabroadcast
6. Noticeofadisciplinarymeasurewillbegivenbyadesignated[staff/boardmember]
7. Volunteerswillbeprovidedanappealagainsttheaction.Thismaytaketheformofameetingwiththeappropriate[staff/boardmember]orarepresentationinpersonand/orinwritingtotheboard.
8. Thevolunteermaybringarepresentativetoanysuchmeeting.
9. Shouldanappealresultinachangeofthedisciplinaryaction,orremovalofit,thiswillbeconfirmedinwritingtothevolunteer.
10. Conductwhichmayleadtodisciplinaryactionincludes,butisnotlimitedto:
a. Poortimekeepingandunreliability
b. Notfollowingpreexistingstationrulesandpolicies,includingprogrammingpoliciesandprogrambriefs
c. EngaginginactsorbroadcastswhichmaybreachtheCodes
d. EngaginginbroadcastswhichmaybreachotherrelatedlegislationsuchastheBroadcastingServicesAct1992(whichincludessponsorshipprovisions),copyrightordefamationlaws
e. Inappropriatehandlingoruseofstationequipmentorotherproperty
f. Rudenessorhostilitytowardsothervolunteersorstaffmembers
g. Intoxicationthroughalcoholorothersubstancesduringworkinghours
h. Publiclybringing[stationname]intodisrepute
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11. Someconductmaybetantamountto‘grossmisconduct’,inthisinstanceavolunteermaybedismissedwithoutpriorwarning
12. Conductwhichmaybeclassedasgrossmisconductmayinclude,butisnotlimitedto:
a. Verbalorphysicalharassmentofanyothervolunteer,employee,memberorguestof[stationname],particularlyinrespectofrace,sexorreligion
b. Wilfuldamagetoortheftofpropertybelongingto[stationname]orothervolunteer,employee,memberorguestof[stationname]
c. Falsificationsofanyoftheorganisationrecordsforpersonalgain
d. Commercialmisrepresentationof[stationname].
13. Inacaseofavolunteerbeingdismissedwithoutpriorwarningsthevolunteerwillbeprovidedanappealasoutlinedinpoint7
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This appendix is for guidance only and does not form
part of the Community Radio Codes of Practice 2008
TheMindframeMediaandMentalHealth(MMMH)proj
APPENDIX 5: Reporting suicide and mental illness responsibly – resources available
SuicideisaprominentpublichealthissueinAustralia
withover2,000peopledyingbysuicideeachyear.
Someimportantfactsaboutsuicideare:
Ratesofsuicidearegenerallythreetofourtimes
higheramongmalesthanfemalesManymorepeopleattemptthandiebysuicidewithhospitaladmissionsforintentionalselfinjuryabouttentimesascommonasdeathsbysuicide
MigrantsinAustraliashowsimilarsuicideratestothoseintheircountryoforigin
Peopleinanyformofcustodyhaveasuicideratethreetimeshigherthanthegeneralpopulation.
Mentalillnessisamajorriskfactorforsuicidewithpsy-chologicalautopsystudiesshowingthatupto90%ofpeoplewhosuicidemayhavebeenexperiencingmen-
taldisorderatthetimeoftheirdeath.
Issuestoconsiderwhenreporting:
ShouldIrunthestory?
Becarefulwiththelanguageyouuse
Don’tbeexplicitaboutthemethodorlocationofsuicide
Discussion of celebrity suicide can glamourisesuicide
Considertheangle(orpositioning)ofthestory
Shouldyouinterviewthebereaved?Isitnecessary?
Placethestoryincontext
Includehelplinecontactsinyourstory.
ectisoneofasuiteofprojectsonsuicide,mentalillnessandthemediadevelopedaspartofthenationalmediastrategy.MMMHaimstobuildacollaborativerelation-shipwiththeAustralianmediaandmentalhealthsys-temstoenableamoreaccurateandsensitiveportrayalofsuicideandmentalhealthissuesacrossallnewsme-diainAustralia.AkeyactivityofMMMHisthedevelop-
mentofaresourcekitforusebymediaprofessionals.Itisavailablefrom:www.mindframemedia.info
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This appendix is for guidance only and does not form
part of the Community Radio Codes of Practice 2008
Policy
APPENDIX 6: Music Policy Example
This is anexampleofa policy thatcould beusedtomeettherequirementsofCode5.
Background
Community broadcasters are renowned for support-ingnew,local,independentandparticularlyAustralianmusic.Manymusicianshavehadtheirfirstairplayandinterviewsonourstations.Weareinauniquepositiontoplayandengagewithabroadrangeofmusicalstyles.Oursupportofthemusicindustryanddiversemusicplayedisoneofthekeyreasonspeoplelistentocom-munityradio.
The2008McNairAudienceResearchSurveyshowsthattwokeyreasonspeoplelistento
communityradiostationsare:
‘TheyplayAustralianmusic/supportlocalartists’.
‘Specialistmusicorinformationprograms’.
Purpose
Thepurposeofthispolicyistoensurethat[station]
continuestoplayadiverserangeofmusicthroughoutallofourprogramming,
supportslocalmusicians,and
complieswiththe25%AustralianmusicrequirementoftheCodesbyaimingfor30%Australianmusicacrossallgeneralprogramming.Thisallowsforspecialistprograms(musicand/ortalkbased)whichmaynotbeabletomeetthe25%quota
(see#2underPolicybelow).
1. Broadcastersareencouragedtoprovideawiderangeofmusicalstyleswhiletakingintoaccountthestation’saimsandobjectivesandtheindividualprogram’saimsandobjectives.
2. Allprogramswillendeavortoensurethatofthe
totalmusicplayedthroughoutaprogram,atleast30%ofthisisAustralianunless:
(a) TheprogramsaimistofocusonmusicorcultureotherthanAustralian
(b) ThemusicalstyleofaprogramisofanaturethatdoesnothaveahighinstanceofAustralianrecordings.
3. Inthecasesof2.aand2.b,priorapprovalmustbegivenbytheprogrammingcommitteefora
programtoqualifyfortheseexemptions.4. AllAustralianrecordingsthataretheproperty
ofthestationwillbevisiblyidentifiedasAustralian.
5. Allpresentersarerequiredtocompleteandhandinamusiclogsheetaftereachprogram.
6. AnauditofAustralianmusiccontentwillbeconductedonamonthlybasis.
7. Presentersareencouragedto,withinthe
confinesofthesponsorshipframework,promoteeventswherelocalmusiciansarefeatured.
8. Presentersmustnotmakerepresentationstorecordcompaniesorothermusicsuppliersonbehalfof[station]unlesspriorconsenthasbeengivenbythe[board/musiccoordinator/programcommittee].
9. [station]willnotacceptanyformofpaymentincashorinkind,inreturnforprovidingairplay
orpromotionofmusic,exceptunderstandardsponsorshiparrangements.
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This appendix is for guidance only and does not form
part of the Community Radio Codes of Practice 2008
Policy
APPENDIX 7: Sponsorship Policy Example
This is an exampleof a policy thatcould beusedtomeettherequirementsofCode6.
Background
Under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (BSA) com-
munity broadcasters are not permitted to broadcast‘advertising’.
Sponsorship,however,ispermittedandthisisakintoa limitedformofadvertising.TheBSAoutlinestwokeyrequirementsofasponsorshipannouncement:
Sponsorshipcontentwillbelimitedtofiveminutesinanyhour(BSASch2,Part5clause9(3))
Everysponsorshipannouncementwillbeclearly“tagged”(BSASch2,Part1,clause2(2)(b)).
InlinewithCode6[stationname]willmakesurethat:
Sponsorshipwillnotbeafactorindeterminingaccesstobroadcastingtime,
editorialdecisionsaffectingthecontentandstyleofindividualprogramsarenotinfluencedbypro-gramorstationsponsors,and
editorialdecisionsaffectingthecontentandstyleofoverallstationprogrammingarenotinfluencedbyprogramorstationsponsors.
Further information on sponsorship requirements isavailableACMA’sCommunity Broadcasting SponsorshipGuidelines 2008–seewww.acma.gov.au.
Purpose
Thepurposeofthispolicyistoensurecompliancewith
theBSAandtheCodesandalsotogivecleardirectionon[stationname]ethostowardsponsorship.
1. Allsponsorshipannouncementswillcomplywiththethreekeysponsorshipconditionsoutlinedabove.
2. Allsponsorshiparrangementsshallberecordedonastandardcontractandapprovedbythestationmanagerorpersonresponsible.
3. Sponsorshipwillnotbeacceptedfromcompaniesthatpromotetobaccoorgambling.
4. Sponsorshipfromcompaniespromotingalcoholmaybeaccepted,howevertheannouncementsmustnot:
(a) promotethemisuseofalcohol,or
(b) bedirectedtowardsminors.
5. Sponsorshipwillnotbeacceptedfrom
individualsorgroupswhosepoliciesorpracticesareinconsistentwiththegeneraldirectionsof[stationname].
6. Sponsorshipannouncementswillbeproducedandpresentedinastyleandformconsistentwiththeprograminwhichtheyaretobeplaced.
7. Individualpresentersandmembersarenotentitledtoseeksponsorshiponbehalfof
[stationname]withoutthewrittenconsentofthe[stationmanager/boardofmanagement].
8. Undernocircumstancescanpresentersacceptgifts,productsorservicesorpaymentsinreturnforpromotionofaproduct,serviceorbusiness.
9. [stationname]reservestherighttorefuseanypaidannouncement.
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This appendix is for guidance only and does not form
part of the Community Radio Codes of Practice 2008
(d). complainantsareadvisedinwritingthat
APPENDIX 8: Complaints Policy Example
This is anexampleofa policy thatcould beusedto meettherequirementsofCode7.
Code7outlinesourlegalrequirementsrelatingtocom-plainthandling.
Purpose
Thepurposeofthispolicyistooutlinethemostappro-priatewayfor[stationname]torespondtocomplaints,andothercommentsfrommembersofthepublic.
1. [station name] acknowledges the right of ourlisteners,membersandvolunteerstocommentandmakecomplaintsinwritingconcerningal-leged noncompliance with both the licenceconditionsin the Act andtherequirementsout-
linedintheCodes
2. WebroadcastatleastoneonairannouncementeachweekthatcontainsinformationabouttheCodesandwherelistenerscangetacopy.
3. [stationname]willmakeeveryreasonableefforttoresolvecomplaints,exceptwhereacomplaintisclearlyfrivolous,withoutsufficientgroundsornotmadeingoodfaith.
4. [stationname]willensurethat:
(a) complaintswill be received by a respon-sible person in normal office hours andreceiptisacknowledgedinwriting,
(b) complaints will be conscientiously consid-ered, investigated if necessary and respond-ed to substantively as soon as possible,
(c). complaintswillberespondedtoinwritingwithin60daysofreceipt(asrequiredinthe
Act ,andtheresponsewillincludeacopyoftheCodes,
theyhavetherighttorefertheircomplaintaboutaCodemattertoACMAprovidedtheyhavefirst:
(i) formallylodgedtheircomplaintwiththelicensee,and
(ii) receivedasubstantiveresponsefromthelicenseeandaredissatisfiedwiththisresponseordidnotreceivearesponsefromthelicenseewithin60daysaftermakingthecomplaint.
5. Awrittencomplaintorresponsecanbealetter,faxoremail.
6. Aresponsibleofficerofthelicenseewillmaintainarecordofcomplaintsandresponsesforaperiodofatleasttwoyearsfromthedate
ofthecomplaint.
7. TherecordofcomplaintsandresponseswillbemadeavailabletoACMAonrequest.
Reporting and Record Keeping ToensurestationscanmakeafullresponsetoACMAifrequested,thestationisadvisedtoincludeintheirpro-ceduresthefollowingsteps:’
To keep a record of material relating to com-
plaints,includingloggingtapesoraudiocopiesofbroadcastmaterial,andwrittendocumenta-tionforoneyear,including:
1. thedateandtimethecomplaintwasreceived,
2. thenameandaddressofthecomplainant,
3. thesubstanceofthecomplaint,and
4. the substance and date of the licensee’s response.
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[station name] Complaints pro-forma
Remembertotreatallcomplaintsfromthepublicinaseriousandpolitemanner.Thepersonwouldnotbothertomakethecomplaintunlesstheyheldagenuineinterestinthestationandfelttheyhadlegitimateconcerns.Donotbedismissiveoftheirapproachtothestation.Assurethemthattheircomplaintwillbetakenseriouslyandwillbedealtwithprofessionallyandaccordingtoestablishedpolicy.
Nature of Complaint
AcomplaintshouldrelatetoaCodeofPractice.NB:Complaintsrelatingtopotentiallydefamatorymaterialmustberelayedtoyourinsurancecompanyimmediately.
Program associated with complaint:
Date and Time of Program Broadcast:
Contact Details of Complainant
Name of person making the complaint:
Address:
Telephone: B: H Mob:
Email:
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Complaints Process Thisprocessmustbecompletedwithin60daysfromthedateonwhichthecomplaintwasmade
The appropriate person at the station
Name:
Date:
Action Y N Date
Receives the verbal complaint
Notes:
Receives the formal complaint in writing
Notes:
Checks the logged program material (and keeps the log for 60 days from dateof complaint)
Notes:
Sends written station response to complainant
Notes:
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Action Y N Date
Organises follow-up with complainant (eg: meeting)
Notes:
Provides contact details for ACMA to complainant *
Notes:
All relevant documents in Complaints File
Notes:
*ContactDetailsforACMAareasfollows:
CommunityBroadcastingGroup
AustralianCommunicationsandMediaAuthorityPOBoxQ500,QueenVictoriaBuilding
SydneyNSW1230Fax:(02)93347799Email:[email protected]
Result
The complaint is ..... resolved unresolved
Name of station representative:
Position:
Signed:
ThisComplaintsSheetwasdevelopedbytheCBAA.
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AcknowledgementsThe review of the Codes of Practice for Community Radiowas conducted in 2008 by the Community Broadcasting
Association of Australia (CBAA)
The CBAA would like to thank all of the community radiostations, sector bodies and individuals who contributedsubmissions and suggestions to the review process.
The production of this booklet was made possible withthe financial assistance of the Community BroadcastingFoundation.
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