The blackout period
You cannot broadcast any election ads from the end of the Wednesday before polling day until the close of the poll on polling day. This rule applies to general elections and by-elections for the state, territory and federal Parliaments. It does not apply to local government elections.
The blackout period only applies to broadcasters. Online services and print media can still publish election ads during the blackout period.
Current blackout periods
We will only list information here on blackout periods for these elections:
- federal, including by-elections
- state
- territory
Northern Territory general election
From 12 am Thursday 20 August 2020, radio and TV broadcasters are prohibited by the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 from showing any election advertisements ahead of the general election in the Northern Territory, to be held on Saturday 22 August 2020. The blackout lasts until the polls close at 6 pm that Saturday.
The election advertising blackout applies to broadcasters whose services broadcast into the radio and TV licence areas which cover the Northern Territory, including:
- commercial television broadcasting licensees
- commercial radio broadcasting licensees
- community broadcasting licensees
- subscription television broadcasting licensees
- providers of broadcasting services under class licences.
The election advertising blackout only applies to broadcasters. It does not include online services and print media.
Maps of radio and television licence areas that cover the Northern Territory can be accessed here.
See your state or territory electoral commission for information on:
- state by-elections
- local government elections