A new commercial television Code of Practice has been formalised, and will take effect on December 1. Among the key changes in the code are a relaxation of classification guidelines, in part due to the ubiquity of parental lock software on modern televisions. Programs classified PG can now be screened at any time, programs classified M are now permitted from 7.30pm and MA15+ from 8.30pm (see page 7 for full details).

Life for the undead

The ABC's high concept drama series Glitch will be screened at the Roma Fiction Fest. The film and television festival, held annually in Rome, attracts a robust Hollywood guest list. Among this year's attendees are actor Steven Van Zandt​ (Lilyhammer) and producers Frank Spotnitz​ (The X Files) and Peter Carlton (This is England). The festival will also screen two specially dubbed episodes of The Muppets.

New Nine boss

The Nine Network has confirmed Hugh Marks will replace David Gyngell​ as chief executive officer of the network. Gyngell, the son of television pioneer Bruce Gyngell, will remain a non-executive director on Nine's board. Marks has served previously as head of Nine Films, the production company Southern Star and is a co-owner of the talent agency RGM Artists. He takes up the appointment immediately.

Dallas gets Real

Given the pioneering hair and shoulder pad work done by Dallas' Sue Ellen Ewing and Pamela Barnes Ewing in the 1980s, it feels like The Real Housewives of Dallas has been a long time coming. The US cable channel Bravo has confirmed a Dallas franchise is launching, joining similar shows set in cities such as Miami, Atlanta, New York, Beverly Hills, Orange County and Melbourne.

Hey Presto

Subscribers to the top-tier "platinum" Foxtel service will get an early Christmas gift: a free subscription to the Foxtel and Seven Network joint venture streaming service Presto. Foxtel will add access to the Presto service to its platinum "bundle", at least until January 31, 2017. Presto's on-demand content includes The Walking Dead, Mr Robot, Entourage, Veep and The Big Bang Theory.

Let's go, Euro!

Nine Network entertainment journalist Richard Wilkins will chair the Australian jury for Junior Eurovision. Australia's Bella Paige, 13, is an entrant in the competition, which is held annually. The jury also includes former Red Wiggle Murray Cook and former Playschool presenter Monica Trapaga. The final will be held in Bulgaria and aired on SBS One on November 28. The telecast will be hosted by Ash London and Toby Truslove.