Complaints about the explicit portrayal of an attempted suicide during an episode of a popular soap opera broadcast during family time. Alleged that the threatening actions of the character to shoot himself were disturbing and harmful to children at a time when large numbers of children could be expected to be part of the audience. Tribunal held that the actions of the character (who was under the influence of alcohol) were indeed too repetitive and graphic for the timeslot; that the suicide helpline number screened afterwards was of no or little use to traumatised children; and that the displayed 13V advisory was not sufficient. The scenario portrayed was likely to be disturbing and harmful to young viewers, since younger children possess neither the cognitive nor the emotional faculties to process such content. Tribunal found that the broadcaster crossed over the ‘family content’ line notwithstanding the age restriction and advisory. Although the positive outcome of the storyline served as a mitigating factor, the complaints were upheld and the broadcaster was issued with a reprimand and cautioned to be even more careful with material that is broadcast during family time.
CLICK TO VIEW FULL JUDGMENT Case-No-24-2012