Carol Brown (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts. Is the minister aware of the announcement by SBS of its intention to introduce advertising during its programs? Can the minister indicate whether the government supports this policy change? Is the minister aware that the SBS Act only permits ads within programs if there is ‘a natural program break’, such as at half-time in the soccer? Does the minister believe that the act allows SBS to put ads in the middle of news, current affairs, documentaries and movies? Has the minister obtained any legal advice on this issue? What steps is the minister taking to ensure that SBS complies with its obligations under the law?