Radio industry issues COVID-19 Safe Studio Principles

A set of COVID-19 Safe Studio Principles have been developed by The Australian Radio and Podcast Industry Sector Consultation Group in an effort to support the broadcast industry in safely producing live and pre-recorded content.

The guidelines have been developed by AFTRS, in consultation with the industry, to provide a resource for all stations to access even though many stations and studios have already developed their own safety measures.

The centralised document was created after consultation with the federal Chief Medical Officer team, and will evolve as the Government measures change and the sector develops its own best practices as its returns to production.

Whilst our industry did not shut down, it has been disrupted and coping admirably in such unusual times. There are challenges with working in studios . And the industry knows how incredibly important it is that we work in a way that ensures our community and teams ares not exposed to unnecessary risk,” said AFTRS Head of Radio Fyona Smith.

“I’d like to thank the members of the industry consultation group. It was a unique project across all sectors and the power of a collective effort is evident.”

Not only do the guidelines offer advice on general infection controls, but also specific advice for safe studio principles and for broadcasting in remote communities, as well as a risk assessment template and notes on developing a risk mitigation strategy.

“Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic takes a collective effort. First Nations Media Australia is happy to contribute the resources we have developed for the First Nations media sector with AFTRS,” added Catherine Liddle, CEO of First Nations Media Australia.

“We congratulate the school for drawing information together in this way to help keep all participants in the communications industry safe.”

The COVID-19 Safe Studio Principles are available to view and download here.