South Africa's Film and Publication Board (FPB) tells TV with Thinus that the body will ''strongly oppose'' TopTV's plans to launch a separate porn package of 3 Playboy channels as part of a separate subscription in 2012, saying that TopTV's porno plan is not in the interest of children.
TopTV has already signed a carriage agreement with Playboy TV for 3 porn or so-called ''adult channels''.
TopTV has applied to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa), submitting an ''application for authorisation of channels''. Icasa told TV with Thinus earlier this week that the application is under review and that ''the authority has not taken a decision yet''.
TopTV plans to offer the 3 Playboy channels together as a separate subscription to subscribers, who will pay R199 for the 3 channels together that will each run as 24 hour channels and need a separate PIN to be accessed.
''We did note the proposed pornographic channels by TopTV. We are going to strongly oppose the channels and the pornography plans and we will be engaging Icasa about TopTV plan,'' says Mlimandlela Ndamase, the Film and Publication Board spokesperson.
''We do respoect the law which allows people to have access to pornography should they so wish. The law allows for people seeking pornography to get it via shops and specific outlets where strict regulations apply, but on television the Film and Publication Board's view is that it is most inappropriate and not in the general interest of children or society,'' he said. ''In the interest of children we believe it not wise to offer this kind of content on television. If people want it there are places where they can go to to access it.''
''TopTV has indicated that it's decided to go ahead with the submission. The Film and Publication Board will oppose it and we have noted the strong reaction from South Africa's civil society. We will definitely engage with Icasa on the matter, similar to when MultiChoice had similar plans previously to broadcast 24 hour pornography in the country,'' says Mlimandlela Ndamase.
TopTV CEO Vino Govender previously agreed, saying before launch of the pay TV operator that ''we are running our business with strong Christian ethical codes and we are not planning to introduce a porn channel. Besides, we don't want to poison the minds of millions of SA children out there.''
In a statement to TV with Thinus earlier this week TopTV now says that ''stagnating to past statements will not serve changed needs from our clients or assist our growth.''
''We have looked into this from all possible angles and as people with families were are very mindful of our subscribers. We are approaching this in a very responsible way and will ensure that our current and future subscribers' values are in no way compromised.''
TopTV says the pay TV operator is ''aware that adult content is a very sensitive subject and as a result we have structured the channels as an additional stand-alone package such that those who do not subscribe to the channels will in no way be exposed to the content.''
