The ABA has indefinitely extended the application of the three commercial radio standards placed on stations after the ‘cash-for-comment’ enquiry.

The three compulsory standards covering Commercial Radio Current Affairs Disclosure, Commercial Radio Advertisingand Commercial Radio Compliance were placed on all commercial radio licensees in November 2000 as a result of the ABA’s Commercial Radio Inquiry.

The three commercial radio standards were due to cease operation on 2 April 2003, but because some investigations are still current, they been extended indefinitely.

ABA Chairman David Flint said: “The ABA has taken the view that the standards should continue in operation until current investigations into matters in relation to compliance with the commercial radio standards have concluded, and their implications (if any) for the standards determined. The ABA will then consult with Commercial Radio Australia on the future of the standards. The ABA’s intention is that the standards should be replaced by codes of practice that provide the same level of community safeguards at the appropriate time and after wide community consultation.”

The three standards relate to disclosure of commercial agreements by presenters of current affairs programs, the need to distinguish advertisements from other programs and the establishment of compliance programs by commercial radio licensees. Unlike codes of practice, compliance with standards is a condition of a broadcaster’s licence.