Press release from ACMA
All free to air broadcasting networks are reliably providing electronic program guides (EPGs) that meet the benchmark set by the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s EPG principles, monitoring by the ACMA has shown.
EPGs are a value-adding feature made possible by the transition to digital broadcasting and are potentially an important factor in promoting the take-up of digital television in Australia.
Chris Chapman, the ACMA Chairman, commended the free to air television industry for its commitment to an improved EPG rating.
‘Results of monitoring over the past six months have shown the industry is serious about providing high-quality EPG information,’ Mr Chapman said.
Mr Chapman says that EPGs provide value to viewers as a convenient guide to program scheduled information over the next seven days.
‘Accurate timing and classification information for shows currently on the air is also critical for other features, such as parental lock, to work properly.’
The ACMA ceased its formal reporting on EPG performance in March this year but has continued to conduct random ‘spot checks’ of EPGs. Recent monitoring has shown that all commercial and national broadcasters have now implemented stable system for EPG delivery.
Mr Chapman said it was encouraging to see the broadcasters’ willingness to respond to issues of public concern.
‘The development and implementation of EPG principles shows how cooperation between the ACMA and the industry toward an agreed goal can lead to improved television services without the need for regulatory intervention,’ said Mr Chapman.
On 2 June 2009, following consultation with industry, the ACMA published its EPG principles to provide broadcasters with a performance benchmark for the supply of EPG services.
From that time until March 2011, the ACMA monitored performance against the EPG principles and reported publicly on the results. Copies of past reports are available at www.acma.gov.au