One of the MultiChoice channels screened a promotion for a programme about sex tourism in Thailand at 06:50. They also screened a promotion for a programme about “deviant” sexual behaviour, which included images of people in bondage attire (a “dog muzzle mask”), striptease and highly sexualised positions. DSTV informed the channel that the promotional material was inappropriate and the channel withdrew the material immediately.
The Code for Subscription Broadcasters prohibits the broadcast of material which is “unsuitable” for children.
The BCCSA Tribunal upheld the complaint. The following was stated:
“When deciding whether material is “unsuitable” for children, the latter term should, firstly, be given a restricted meaning. Material which only leads to discomfort from an adult perspective should not be regarded as “unsuitable”. The value of the material should also be weighed. Had the insert in the present matter merely promoted a programme on the Second World War and not provided disturbing details of the programme content, that would not have been “unsuitable”. The promotion of a programme on sex education, without providing further disturbing details, would also not have been unsuitable. In the present matter, the promotional material provides a fleeting general image of semi-nudity and various forms of sexuality. Sex is generally regarded as a topic where adult guidance is required. To simply thrust upon the viewer, including younger children, promotional material relating to a programme where there is no age limit, and at that time of the morning, is unsuitable.