Classifications

Classification systems

There are different classification systems, processes and symbols (or labels) for different media. For details go to one of the media below:

• free to air TV. This includes the ABC, SBS, all commercial television stations, and community TV.
• pay TV
• cinema films, home videos and DVDs
• video and computer games
• Internet
• publications

What is classification?

The process of classification provides useful information to consumers about the content of TV programs, movie films, home videos etc. Individual items are matched against the criteria for the different categories of content, and given a classification (or label) that signals whether the item is OK for kids, or suitable for more mature audiences. Most classifications are advisory. However, the classifications MA15+ and R18+ have legal status.

What has to be classified?

• all TV programs (except news and current affairs, and some sporting programs).
• cinema films.
• home videos for sale or hire.
• computer games for sale or hire or in arcades.

Who does the classification?

• all TV networks employ their own classification staff.
• all cinema films, home videos, and computer games are classified by the federal Classification Board This replaced the OFLC (Office of Film and Literature Classification) in 2007.
• Pay TV networks use the Board's classifications for movies.
• Internet content is not classified.