Remaking the broadcasting services clarification notice

The following minor changes were put to consultation: 

• Updated drafting to bring the instrument in line with current conventions.
• Inclusion of a new definition of 'service'. This clarifies that the term refers to a radio broadcasting service transmitted in analog mode and not made available only on payment of subscription fees. It also removes the rule that such services be provided within the broadcasting services bands under the Broadcasting Services Clarification Notice 2016.
• Replacement of the outdated Australian Standard Geographical Classification (ASGC) 2001 with the current Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS) Edition 3 (July 2021).

After considering the submissions we received, we made no further changes to the draft instrument. You can access the submissions at the bottom of the page. 

On 19 February 2026, we made the Broadcasting Services (Criteria for Radio Narrowcasting Services) Clarification Notice 2026. This replaces the sunsetting Broadcasting Services Clarification Notice 2016.

We thank all those involved in the consultation process. 

The Broadcasting Services Clarification Notice 2016 is due to sunset on 1 April 2026. 

Open narrowcasting services make a vital contribution to the diversity of Australia’s broadcasting sector. They usually serve audiences with niche or local community interests. The clarification notice sets out that particular kinds of broadcasting services are open narrowcasting services. 

Our view is that the notice is operating effectively. We plan to remake it before the sunset date with minor changes to modernise and update the instrument. 

You can access details of our proposal in the consultation paper. The draft Broadcasting Services (Criteria for Radio Narrowcasting Services) Clarification Notice 2026 is also available above.