The AMA's submission to the television code of practice highlights the need to curb the promotion of harmful products and misinformation.
Free TV Australia is undertaking a review of their Commercial television Industry Code of Practice, which is the code that regulates free-to-air commercial television in Australia. The AMA has lodged a submission highlighting the need to ensure loopholes are closed in the promotion of unhealthy products.
We note that while unhealthy advertising is regulated to some degree through program ratings, changes to these ratings that are suggested in this code review will lead to loopholes that will be exploited by industry.
Our submission also highlights the importance of sturdy regulation to protect viewers from health misinformation, and to stay up-to-date with policy developments regarding junk food and gambling advertising.
We also advise it is essential to dispel medical misinformation being perpetuated through broadcast media and urge Free TV Australia to acknowledge their public health responsibility and work actively to counter health misinformation on the commercial television under the code.
