Prominence Requirements for the Primary User Interface and ACMA Briefing
We would like to bring to your attention the upcoming Broadcasting Services (Minimum Prominence Requirements) Regulations 2024, which will come into effect on 10 January 2026. These regulations apply to regulated television devices supplied in Australia, including Smart TVs, Smart Monitors, and Smart Projectors. Can we please make sure any smart projectors supplied to us meet these requirements. More information on these are given below.
To ensure compliance, please review the following key requirements related to the Primary User Interface (PUI):
🔹 Minimum Prominence Requirements for PUI
Visibility of Australian BVOD Apps
Apps such as ABC iview, SBS On Demand, 7plus, 9Now, and 10Play must be clearly visible on the home screen without requiring scrolling, folder access, or additional clicks.
These apps must appear above the fold when the interface loads.
Equal Treatment of App Icons
BVOD apps must be similar in size and shape to other streaming apps (e.g., Netflix, YouTube).
They must be placed in the same area of the interface as other streaming apps, not separated by banners or folders.
Access to Broadcast TV
If the device supports terrestrial broadcast TV, there must be a single, clearly visible icon on the home screen to access these services.
This icon must be of equal prominence to other app icons.
Pre-installation of BVOD Apps
BVOD apps must be pre-installed or automatically downloaded when the device first connects to the internet.
⚠️ Examples of Non-Compliance
BVOD apps hidden in folders or requiring scrolling.
BVOD apps smaller or differently shaped than other apps.
BVOD apps placed in less prominent sections of the interface.
📅 Timeline
Now – Dec 2025: Preparation and implementation.
10 Jan 2026: Regulations come into force.
2026 onwards: ACMA will monitor and enforce compliance.
BVOD stands for Broadcast Video On Demand.
In the Australian context, BVOD refers to the catch-up and on-demand streaming services provided by free-to-air broadcasters. These include:
ABC iview (ABC)
SBS On Demand (SBS)
7plus (Seven Network)
9Now (Nine Network)
10Play (Network Ten)
These services allow viewers to watch live and previously aired content online, similar to how Netflix or YouTube works, but they are tied to traditional broadcast networks.
For further details, please refer to the attached guidance and official ACMA guidance link given below:
🔗 Australia’s TV Prominence Framework – ACMA