Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) Biography

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is a converged regulatory body governing telecommunications, broadcasting, radiocommunications and the internet. There are some specific regulatory and program responses that the ACMA can contribute to support or promote digital media literacy.

These aim to:

• prepare Australians to participate in a convergent communications environment where there is a choice of multiple devices and multiple distribution platforms;
• assist Australians to understand the nature and characteristics of material made available by electronic communications and media and an understanding of how such material is or can be regulated; and
• help Australians to make informed judgements about their digital communications practices and manage their online security and privacy.

The ACMA’s responsibilities pertaining to digital media literacy in Australia are set out in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992; Telecommunications Act 1997; and the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005.

The ACMA has specific expertise in developing digital media literacy in the following key areas: Conducting and commissioning research to increase knowledge about digital media literacy in Australia. Conducting public educational programs, and providing advice to the public, about communication matters. Protecting children from exposure to program material and internet content which may be harmful or unsuitable. Providing appropriate community safeguards in relation to communications services. Ensuring standard telecommunications services of social importance are reasonably accessible to all people in Australia on an equitable basis, and are supplied at performance standards that reasonably meet the needs of the Australian community. Facilitating co-operation between stakeholders.

In relation to the internet, the ACMA is one of the few converged regulators which regulate online content in a manner similar to traditional broadcasting content regulation. Through a co-regulatory scheme, established under Schedules 5 and 7 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, the ACMA handles complaints about online content which is believed to be prohibited by law. It is within its remit to take action and can direct Australian providers to remove access to the content concerned. For more serious breaches it refers investigations on to law enforcement agencies.

How do these affect the development of media literacy?

The ACMA’s media literacy research is designed to inform the provision of consumer advice and protection measures by the ACMA and to share with those organisations active in the promotion of media literacy across Australia. The issues listed above shape the types of research questions the ACMA asks, and the way the research is interpreted and used within Australia.

Research attention has been given to issues surrounding participation in the digital economy and understanding the needs of non-users, as digital media and communications continues to play an increasingly central role in the everyday lives of Australians.

Equally, other organisations and researchers in Australia in this space are affected by these forces, as well as by their specific agenda and objectives, and this should be kept in mind when considering Australian studies.