Fed: Radio stations get new code for emergency situations

AAP General News (Australia)
12-07-2001
Fed: Radio stations get new code for emergency situations

Radio stations will have to take more responsibility for broadcasting warnings about
bushfires, floods, cyclones and other emergencies under new rules announced today.

The new code of practice will make sure commercial radio stations have a plan of action
for broadcasting information supplied by police, fire, ambulance and other emergency services.

They'll have to nominate one staff member as the contact for emergency services, both
during business hours and after hours.

The code comes after a parliamentary inquiry into regional radio services heard evidence
that emergency organisations had trouble breaking into networked programming to get warnings
broadcast.

Inquiry chairman and National Party MP PAUL NEVILLE says he's concerned that the code
doesn't go far enough, and plans to raise his concerns with Communications Minister RICHARD
ALSTON on Monday.

AAP RTV kmh/daw/klw/jh

KEYWORD: RADIO (CANBERRA)

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