Australia’s TV prominence framework

The minimum prominence requirements are set out in regulations.

The rules require manufacturers of eligible devices to pre-install the following Australian free-to-air broadcast TV apps and to make them clearly visible on the device home screen without any user interaction (for example, scrolling or clicking):

• ABC iview
• SBS On Demand
• 7plus
• 9Now
• 10.

The apps must be a similar size and shape and appear in the same location as other pre-installed streaming apps.

Devices that can receive a TV signal must also have a live TV icon visible on the device home screen, and free-to-air channels must appear in logical channel number.

View our guidance for manufacturers on requirements relating to devices’ primary user interface.

The minimum prominence requirements apply to regulated television devices. 

The legislation defines these as domestic reception equipment that is:

• designed for viewing audiovisual content
• capable of connecting to the internet and providing access to broadcasting video-on-demand services.

These include:

• smart TVs
• media streaming devices (sticks and boxes)
• certain smart projectors and smart monitors. 

We will continue to monitor regulated TV devices as technology evolves. 

View our device guidelines for manufacturers for help with understanding and applying the definition of regulated television device, and the considerations we may use when assessing a device’s eligibility.

The rules only apply to device manufacturers. Retailers and wholesalers will not be penalised for selling non-compliant devices in Australia. 

Under chapter 1, section 7 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2001, an importer of goods may be deemed to be the manufacturer in some situations. Please seek independent advice if you are unsure of your status or obligations under the framework.

We have an online portal for complaints about potential breaches of the rules. Manufacturers are encouraged to self-report potential breaches of the prominence requirements or other issues to the ACMA.

We may also undertake audits or other activities to monitor compliance with the minimum prominence requirements. The ACMA also has powers to request information through statutory notices.

Manufacturers are not permitted to supply non-compliant devices that are manufactured on or after 10 January 2026. 

We expect manufacturers to understand and apply the minimum prominence requirements and co-operate with the ACMA in its administration of the prominence framework. 

We may investigate manufacturers that supply non-compliant devices, which could result in enforcement action.

Breach of the minimum prominence requirements is a civil penalty provision under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, which can attract penalties of up to 10,000 penalty units or 2% of annual turnover.

The prominence framework imposes obligations on the manufacturer of the device, irrespective of the use of any third-party arrangements or licenced software.

Manufacturers should engage with software providers or relevant third parties to ensure the software will comply with minimum prominence requirements.

The TV prominence framework establishes a ‘must carry’ obligation. A regulated television service provider (broadcaster) may develop apps for the platforms and devices they want their regulated television service (broadcasting video-on-demand app) to appear on. The app must meet conditions for the successful integration into the operating system. Manufacturers are required to carry all apps that have been offered for the device by broadcasters.

If there are disputes, the ACMA can intervene and make rules about what an ‘offer’ must include. 

Manufacturers must take reasonable steps to ensure that the device continues to comply with minimum prominence requirements from the time it is supplied, until either:

• a user customises the device home screen to delete, remove or reorder the broadcasting video-on-demand app(s)
• the device software is no longer provided, supported or updated
• a broadcasting video-on-demand app is no longer provided.