Federal election advertising blackout period should be changed or abolished, inquiry hears

As number of prepoll votes rise, rule has become redundant and may also encourage misinformation, TV broadcasters and social media groups say

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Groups representing TV broadcasters and social media companies have called to change or abolish the advertising blackout period" before federal elections, claiming the measure is outdated and could even allow for harmful political misinformation to flourish.

Free TV Australia, the peak body for commercial free-to-air-broadcasters, told a parliamentary inquiry into the May election on Tuesday that the blackout period, which prevents radio and TV stations from broadcasting election ads from the Wednesday night before the election, was outdated.

Sign up for our free morning newsletter and afternoon email to get your daily news roundup