ABSTRACT
The Australian media environment is one of self-regulation, though the broadcast media are subject to a level of official scrutiny in a way that the press and digital media are not. The following three organisations are media watchdogs, though each carries out its role in a different way. Publications are accountable to the Australian Press Council (APC) and broadcasters to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), while individual journalists are accountable to their union/professional association, the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance. Respect for truth and the public's right to information are fundamental principles of journalism. The APC aims to preserve freedom from interference for the Australian press by monitoring developments that lead to restrictions on press freedom and by encouraging press responsibility and ethical behaviour. While the ACMA is the final arbiter on complaints about broadcasting standards (including complaints about news and current affairs programs), in the first instance, complaints are handled by the radio or television station concerned.
