Section 81 of the Broadcasting Act 1989

The Ministry for Culture and Heritage is responsible for the administration of parts of the Broadcasting Act, 1989, including responsibility for monitoring compliance with section 81 of the Act that proscribes television and radio advertising at certain times and on certain days of the year.

Under section 81(1) of the Act, television advertising must not be broadcast between 6am and noon on Sundays and on Anzac Day, or at any time on Christmas Day, Good Friday or Easter Sunday.

Under section 81(2) of the Act, sound radio advertising must not be broadcast on Christmas Day, Good Friday or Easter Sunday.

Broadcasters who are found to have breached this provision will be liable to prosecution and could, if convicted, face a fine of up to $100,000.

Please contact the Ministry if you wish to make a complaint about advertising on radio or television that may contravene section 81 of the Act.