As mentioned by TV-Expert in the SBS Operations thread, there are some interesting Classification-related changes coming to the multicultral broadcaster next Friday.
The first of those will be the main channel and SBS VICELAND being allowed to air M classification programs between 12pm and 3pm all week, all year round just as the ABC have been able to since 2016.
The second is that “traditional” program Classification Warnings will no longer air, instead being replaced by the type of start of program graphic the commercial networks have been running since Late 2015/Early 2016. Personally I think it’ll be interesting to see whether any effort is made with the new graphics (customised style for each channel) or if it’s just a generic style/layout across all of SBS, SBS VICELAND, SBS FOOD & NITV which is I think what the commercial networks have done for the most part.
If I’m not mistaken, this change will leave the ABC as being the only major FTA TV broadcaster to still run full Classification Warnings which leads to the inevitable question, will our national broadcaster eventually dump Classification Warnings in favour of superimposed graphics on programs? At the moment, I’d be willing to predict that the ABC will just wait and see what the reaction is like to SBS making the move before deciding whether or not to change the guidelines/presentation of Classification Advice for each program. Unlike SBS, the ABC likely has a lot more families/children watching their suite of channels so they’d have to take that into consideration when making changes to the classification guidelines.