Australian TV must retrain, review processes - iMediaEthics

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Australia’s Channel Seven must review its processes and retrain staff after last year’s program about Indigenous children.

The Australian broadcasting regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority, issued a statement June 14 explaining Channel Seven’s actions are a “court-enforceable undertaking.” ACMA noted that Channel Seven initially wanted to appeal the ruling judicially but dropped that appeal.

“Under the court-enforceable undertaking, Channel Seven must conduct an independent review of how and the extent to which relevant production processes on Sunrise ensure code compliance in relation to sensitive and complex matters,” ACMA said. “A report of the review must be provided to Channel Seven’s Board and Audit and Risk Committee within six months. The ACMA will verify the independence of, and terms of reference for, the review.”

iMediaEthics has written to Channel Seven.

Further, ACMA said,

“Channel Seven has also undertaken that Sunrise editorial staff will be trained to identify and deal with sensitive matters within six months and notify the ACMA within five business days that the training is complete.

“If Channel Seven breaches the court-enforceable undertaking, the ACMA can apply to the Federal Court for a number of orders, including directing Channel Seven to comply with the undertaking, and any other order the court considers appropriate.”

Hat Tip: Guardian

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Australian TV must retrain, review processes

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