Australia’s TV prominence framework is due to begin on 10 January 2026, requiring new connected TV devices sold in the country to make local free-to-air services easier to find.
The rules are aimed at improving the visibility of broadcasters in interfaces increasingly dominated by global streaming services.
Under the minimum prominence requirements, manufacturers of regulated TV devices must pre-install and prominently display the main free-to-air broadcaster apps on the home screen, including ABC iview, SBS On Demand, 7plus, 9Now and 10. Devices that can receive a TV signal must also include a “live TV” icon on the home screen.
The framework applies to devices manufactured and supplied on or after 10 January 2026, with the scope covering smart TVs, streaming sticks and boxes, and certain smart projectors and monitors. Oversight and enforcement sits with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which has published guidance for manufacturers on compliance and user interface expectations.
The prominence regime was legislated via amendments to the Broadcasting Services Act, alongside anti-siphoning reforms, after the Communications Legislation Amendment (Prominence and Anti-siphoning) Bill was introduced to Parliament in late 2023. Detailed minimum requirements were set through delegated legislation in the Broadcasting Services (Minimum Prominence Requirements) Regulations 2024.
