Margo, UPDATED: Here’s the latest Government attempt to make this issue go away, thanks to Fairfax Media Press Gallery journalist Jonathan Swan (@jonathanvswan). It is a minimalist position the gambling and TV industry will love to support to get them out of jail without pain. Note there is no ad ban, even in childrens’ viewing time. Looks like @StephenJonesMP has dropped his pledge to seek Caucus approval for his private members bill for a ban – text of his facebook statement below, followed by the PM’s statement.
All promotions of odds by gambling companies and commentators will be banned during the broadcast of live sports matches, under new rules.
The Gillard Government has demanded that Australia’s broadcasters amend their broadcasting codes in the following ways to ensure a reduction in the promotion and advertising of gambling during sport:
• All promotion of betting odds on broadcast media will be prohibited during live sports matches. This includes by gambling companies and commentators.
• All generic gambling broadcast advertisements will be banned during play. Advertisements of this sort would only be allowed before or after a game; or during a scheduled break in play, such as quarter-time and half-time or the end of a set.
• Banner adverts, sponsorship logos, and other broadcast promotions must not appear during play.
• When crossed to, representatives of gambling companies must not be at or around the venue. They also must not appear with the commentary team at any time and must be clearly identified as a gambling representative.
• The Government will monitor the intensity of generic gambling advertisements within the allowed periods. If it is found to go beyond reasonable levels, the Government will impose a total advertising ban.
The Government expects that the broadcasting industry will submit a revised code to the Australian Communications and Media Authority that reflects this position as soon as possible.
The Government expects the ACMA to consider these revised codes promptly.
Should the industry elect not to do this, the Government will fast-track legislation to enshrine these standards in this term of Parliament.
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Stephen Jones for Throsby
I welcome today’s announcement by the Prime Minister and Minister for Communications which puts new limits on sports betting advertising during TV Broadcasts.
It is a big step in the right direction which sends a clear message to the broadcasters, the sporting codes and corporate bookmakers.
From whistle to whistle, promoting live odds during the game are canned. The TV spruikers of betting odds have been kicked out of the stadium. The banners and logos and other promotions can’t be flashed up during play.
Some of these measures go further than my Private Member’s Bill which was focused on advertising during children’s viewing times – this is welcome.
I want to see today’s measures in place before next Fridays game.
Government should always tread cautiously when it comes to regulation of broadcast content but the corporate bookmakers and the broadcasters are now on notice.
They must make these changes happen or Parliament will step in.
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SUN 26 MAY 2013
Prime Minister, Minister for Communications
Sydney
All promotions of odds by gambling companies and commentators will be banned during the broadcast of live sports matches, under new rules.
The Gillard Government has demanded that Australia’s broadcasters amend their broadcasting codes in the following ways to ensure a reduction in the promotion and advertising of gambling during sport:
All promotion of betting odds on broadcast media will be prohibited during live sports matches. This includes by gambling companies and commentators.
All generic gambling broadcast advertisements will be banned during play. Advertisements of this sort would only be allowed before or after a game; or during a scheduled break in play, such as quarter-time and half-time.
Banner adverts, sponsorship logos, and other broadcast promotions must not appear during play.
When crossed to, representatives of gambling companies must not be at or around the venue. They also must not appear with the commentary team at any time and must be clearly identified as a gambling representative.
The Government will monitor the intensity of generic gambling advertisements within the allowed periods. If it is found to go beyond reasonable levels, the Government will impose a total advertising ban.
The public have had enough of odds and betting promotions being shoved down their throats while listening to and watching sport.
Younger Australians, in particular, should continue to talk about which is the best football team, best netball team, or best rugby team, not which team is at the shortest odds to win a game.
These measures ensure that the watching of sport and the promotion of gambling is kept separate.
The Government expects that the broadcasting industry will submit a revised code to the Australian Communications and Media Authority that reflects this position as soon as possible.
The Government expects the ACMA to consider these revised codes promptly.
Should the industry elect not to do this, the Government will fast-track legislation to enshrine these standards in this term of Parliament.
Not before time. Self-regulation has been sadly amiss on this issue. Federal government would not have had to crack the whip if the industry had done its job properly in regulating this serious lack of standards. It seems as though Ch 9, in particular, has been allowed to make up its own rules & regs.
Yeah yeah no It’s a start but way too many holes left in that to annoy us.
Now how about some serious action on ending alcohol advertising?
About bloody time too. Fox Footy is appalling with non stop adverts for gambling, all aimed at young men and all with the subtext that you will win. Horseshit! The only winner is the bookie. Gambling should be treated as any other addictive drug by limiting or completely banning any advertising. If advertising is to be allowed then I think that the Conservatives bellow for balance should be followed here as well with scenes of the destroyed families and lives due to gambling and these scenes to be aired within the advertisements extolling gambling..
Reblogged this on lmrh5.