Although no evidence has been presented to the Australian Broadcasting Authority that details specific breaches of its commercial radio standards, the ABA has sought further information from radio station 2GB Sydney on “matters recently raised in the media” about the Farmhand appeal (see Olle lecture story).

The ABA has sought and obtained assurances from 2GB in relation to the Telstra sponsorship of the Alan Jones Breakfast Program. 2GB has advised the ABA that:

· there is no contractual benefit to Mr Jones from the arrangement between radio station 2GB and Telstra;

· the contract between Mr Jones and 2GB is not affected as a result of the arrangement between 2GB and Telstra; and

· the arrangement between radio station 2GB and Telstra does not place any restriction on Mr Jones’ editorial comment.

The ABA has also examined (in confidence) the agreement between 2GB and Telstra, and is satisfied that the agreement is consistent with the assurances provided to it by 2GB, and that the agreement meets the commercial radio standards.

On previous occasions when it has raised 2GB’s statutory obligations to report changes in ownership and control affecting the licensee, the ABA has been reassured by 2GB that there is nothing to report in relation to Mr Jones.

ABA Chairman David Flint said: “In all matters where allegations of code or licence condition breaches or other improprieties are made, and on its own initiative, the ABA continues to monitor developments and to assess its position in the light of those developments.”

“This is particularly the case in relation to the disclosure of agreements that have the potential to affect on-air conduct, and in relation to advertisements remaining clearly distinguishable from other program matter.”

The ABA previously made three standards to ensure an appropriate level of disclosure as a result of the cash-for-comment investigation.

In establishing the commercial radio standards, the ABA has taken the view that the most important element to achieve is the disclosure of commercial arrangements that may give rise to the perception of a conflict of interest in commercial dealings. “This is what the ABA will continue to act to protect.”