SBS is an independent national broadcaster operating under the Special Broadcasting Service Act 1991 (Cth) (SBS Act). SBS is required to develop codes of practice relating to programming matters and to notify those codes with the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
The SBS Codes of Practice set out the principles and policies SBS uses to guide its programming. They embrace the principal Charter function of SBS: '...to provide multilingual and multicultural radio, television and digital media services that inform, educate and entertain all Australians, and, in doing so, reflect Australia's multicultural society'.
Changes to the Television Classification Code SBS recently revised its Television Classification Code (Code 4) to bring it into line with industry practice. From 7 March 2016 programs classified 'M' may be broadcast from 7.30pm (previously 8.30pm) to 6.00am (previously 5.00am). 'M' classified content can also be broadcast from noon to 3.00pm on weekdays that are school days (this provision has not changed).
You can control how your household accesses television content by using the parental lock on your television, set-top box or personal video recorder.
How to obtain a copy of the SBS Codes of Practice The SBS Codes of Practice 2014 (as at 14 April 2016) are available as a PDF document - click here.
Copies of the SBS Codes of Practice can be obtained from SBS by: - telephoning 1800 500 727 (TTY via NRS - call 1800 555 677 and ask for 1800 500 727) - writing to SBS at comments@sbs.com.au or Locked Bag 028 Crows Nest NSW 1585
Superceded versions SBS Codes of Practice 2014 (as at 1 February 2015) - click here (PDF)
