Networks slam ban on advertising for referendum

Advertising blackout laws which apply to radio and television broadcasters elections will also apply during the referendum on an Indigenous Voice to parliament.

The Australian Financial Review reports Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland wrote to broadcasters yesterday to advise the 3 day ban on political ads which applies to elections would also be extended to referendums.

But Free TV Australia has come out swinging at the news.

“These rules are irrelevant and totally out of date. The only place you won’t see advertising on election day will be on commercial television and radio,” said CEO Bridget Fair.

“The reality today is that people are exposed to viral information campaigns that specifically target election outcomes. It’s OK to have people exposed to messages originating in a Belorussian basement, but we are stopping legitimate advertisers from being able to counteract that information.”

A Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters is reviewing the role of the broadcasting blackout laws, and is due to report to the government with recommendations, but that will be too late for the referendum, which will be held later this year.