20 October 2010
ACMA accepts enforceable undertaking from Perth community radio station 6SON
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has accepted an enforceable undertaking from community radio broadcaster 6SON Perth. The ACMA found that 6SON had breached licence conditions requiring it to encourage community participation in the operations of the service and the selection and provision of programs.
The enforceable undertaking requires 6SON to improve its corporate governance and management practices, conduct appropriate training and develop a strategy to encourage community participation.
The ACMA findings followed an investigation into complaints from members of the community, alleging that 6SON provided inaccurate information to the ACMA in its 2006 licence renewal application. During the investigation, 6SON admitted that it had provided inaccurate information to the ACMA in its renewal application. The complainants also alleged that 6SON did not encourage participation in the operations of the service or the selection and provision of programs.
The undertaking seeks to address the concerns identified by the ACMA in its investigation. It includes a range of measures that, if implemented fully, should strengthen 6SON’s corporate governance and management practices and result in greater levels of community participation.
'The initial provision of inaccurate information by 6SON was a matter of particular concern during this investigation,' said ACMA Chairman Chris Chapman. ‘The undertaking given by 6SON should enable 6SON to more effectively verify the accuracy and completeness of the information it provides. Licensees should be aware that providing inaccurate information to the ACMA can understandably raise concerns about a licensee's continued suitability to hold a broadcasting licence.’
If 6SON fails to comply with the undertaking, the ACMA may put in place a number of enforcement measures, including instituting proceedings in the Federal Court seeking an order to enforce the undertaking.
The ACMA will continue to monitor 6SON and its operations. 6SON is to report to the ACMA on implementation of the measures by 28 February and 31 August 2011.
A copy of the investigation report and enforceable undertaking are available on the ACMA website.
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact: Donald Robertson, Media Manager, on (02) 9334 7980, 0418 86 1766 or media@acma.gov.au.
# # #
The ACMA is Australia’s regulator for broadcasting, the internet, radiocommunications and telecommunications. The ACMA’s strategic intent is to make communications and media work in Australia’s public interest. For more information: www.acma.gov.au.
Follow the ACMA online
ACMA - See www.acma.gov.au for updates and other social media activities
Twitter - Find us at acmadotgov
Facebook - Join in the discussion at acmadotgov
engage - Join the ACMA at www.engage.acma.gov.au|BETA
