The Australian Government has introduced a prominence framework to help Australians easily find local TV services on connected TV devices.
The Australian broadcasting landscape has changed dramatically over the last two decades. Audiences can now access a range of local and international TV services through internet-connected devices. While these changes offer significant benefits for Australian audiences, they also make it harder for local TV services to reach audiences.
The prominence framework sets rules for how local TV applications and content appear on connected TV devices. It helps ensure local free-to-air TV services remain easy to find and continue contributing to Australia's public and cultural life.
Legislated prominence framework
The prominence framework commenced on 10 July 2024, after the Communications Legislation Amendment (Prominence and Anti-siphoning) Act 2024 (the Act) received Royal Assent. The Act inserted the new prominence framework into Part 9E of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.
On 17 December 2024, delegated legislation commenced to support access to local free-to-air TV services on new smart TVs.
The Broadcasting Services (Minimum Prominence Requirements) Regulations 2024 set minimum requirements for the prominence framework, including:
- ensuring applications providing access to regulated TV services are installed and are able to be updated
- requiring the applications to be visible on the main screen or home screen of the device without the user needing to take extra steps
- providing that the applications are of a similar size and shape as other applications that provide access to subscription TV services and international streaming services.
The regulations also prohibit manufacturers of internet-connected televisions from supplying non-compliant devices in Australia.
The regulations also set out requirements relating to the display of terrestrially broadcast free-to-air TV services, where a device is capable of receiving those services.
Channel 44 Adelaide is included as a regulated TV service under the Broadcasting Services (Regulated Television Services) Determination 2024. This helps ensure that Adelaide viewers can access Channel 44, along with other free-to-air TV services.
The obligation to comply with minimum prominence requirements applies to regulated TV devices that are manufactured and supplied after 9 January 2026.
More information
- Bill and Explanatory Memorandum
- Prominence Framework for Connected Television Devices—Proposals Paper
- Broadcasting Services Act 1992
- Broadcasting Services (Minimum Prominence Requirements) Regulations 2024
- Broadcasting Services (Regulated Television Services) Determination 2024
Last reviewed: 30 September 2026