The Australian Radio and Podcast Industry Sector Consultation Group has issued a set of COVID-19 Safe Studio Principles to support the broadcast industry to safely produce live and pre-recorded content.
The Guidelines have been developed by AFTRS, the national screen and broadcast school, in consultation with industry, to provide a resource that can assist with safety while COVID-19 restrictions and containment measures are in place. Whilst many stations and studios are already working with safety measures in place, the Safe Studio Principles provides a centralised document all sectors are welcome to use.
These guidelines offer up-to-date, practicable advice, drawing on a range of resources and consultation with the federal Chief Medical Officer team. The guidelines will continue to evolve as Government measures change and the sector develops its own best practices as its returns to production.
The Radio and Podcast Industry Sector Consultation Group comprises the Chief Medical Officers Department Australian Department of Health, Commercial Radio Australia, The Australian Film Radio and Television School, The Australian Broadcasting Commission, First Nations Media Australia, SBS, TAFE NSW, Community Media Training Organisation and Community Broadcasting Association of Australia.
The guidelines offer advice on general infection controls as well as 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.
“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.” “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.”
Fyona Smith, AFTRS Head of Radio
“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. We congratulate the school for drawing information together in this way to help keep all participants in the communications industry safe.”
Catherine Liddle, CEO of First Nations Media Australi
The COVID-19 Safe Studio Principles are available to download here.