CASE NUMBER: 17/2003 -IBIYA, VAN ECK, BEMATH VS etv – SCENES OF SEX

Complaints about scenes of nudity and homosexual sex and about the use of profanities and strong language in two episodes of a series called “Six feet under” broadcast after the watershed.  These complaints have to be judged in the light of the Broadcasting code and the freedom of expression clause in the Constitution of South Africa. The Constitution allows for certain limitations to the freedom of expression and the Code also puts limitations on certain material. Scenes of nudity and language complained of not falling under limitations. No contravention of Code found. However, PG advisory in the one episode found to be not sufficient but 18 SNL warning in other episode found to be sufficient warning to viewers who are sensitive to this kind of material. The complaints were dismissed.