The subscription television industry has tightened its codes of practice and extended full classification obligations to reality TV and documentaries.

The new codes have also changed the industry’s approach to content that is likely to provoke contempt or ridicule of minorities. The broadcast of such content is now prohibited; previously such programs were blocked from ‘knowingly’ being broadcast.

Industry body ASTRA released the codes today after consultation with the Australian Communications and Media Authority and a period of public input last year.

Andrew Maiden, chief executive of ASTRA, said: “The new codes build on the already significant community safeguards contained in subscription broadcasting codes, while still allowing consumers the freedom to watch the programs they want.”

“Subscription television providers have a direction relationship with paying customers, so providers must constantly ensure their product meets the standards expected of the viewing public.”

Maiden said the STV industry receives roughly one content-related written complaint per 100,000 viewers each year.