The response, from the Australian commercial radio industry to recommendations outlined in the final report of the House Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs into online gambling, is that they feel singled out and unfairly treated.

Ford Ennals, the CEO of Commercial Radio and Audio (CRA) says broadcasters support the need for action to reduce the harms from gambling, but measures needed to be applied consistently and fairly.

“We question why radio has been singled out for a ban on gambling ads during our peak listening times of 8.30-9.00 am and 3.30-4pm in the first phase when we are not a primary player in gambling advertising and radio has never been held up as one of the main problem areas.

The important breakfast and drive time sessions are critical to radio stations’ revenue. Children do not drive and when they are in the car, they have parental or adult supervision.

Measures that are introduced must be balanced against the impact of the loss of revenue on the sustainability of local radio services and the quality of news and local content services stations are able to provide.  Radio revenues are being hit by the economic downturn and if alternative revenue sources existed we would already be tapping into those.

We are committed to working constructively with the Government to support the objectives of reducing harms from gambling ads whilst ensuring commercial radio can continue to provide the live news, information and entertainment services that Australians depend on.”