What's the difference between commercial TV and the ABC, and who decides what they show?

In Plain English

Commercial TV channels are run by companies that make money from advertising. The ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) is a national broadcaster, meaning it's funded by the government to provide TV and other services to the Australian public.

Commercial TV channels decide what to show based on what will attract viewers and advertisers. The ABC has a charter that says it should show programs that reflect Australian culture, inform and entertain, and be educational. The ABC Board is responsible for ensuring the ABC performs those functions.

Detailed explanation

Commercial television broadcasting licensees are governed by standards set by the ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) under section 122 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992. These standards relate to programs for children and Australian content. The content is influenced by the need to attract viewers and advertisers.

The ABC, established by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983, has a specific charter outlined in section 6 of the Act. This charter requires the ABC to provide innovative and comprehensive broadcasting services of a high standard, including programs that:

• Contribute to a sense of national identity
• Inform and entertain
• Reflect the cultural diversity of the Australian community
• Are of an educational nature
• Encourage and promote the musical, dramatic, and other performing arts in Australia

Section 8 of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 states that the ABC Board is responsible for ensuring that the gathering and presentation of news and information is accurate and impartial.