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TV with Thinus can exclusively reveal that On Digital Media (ODM) running the TopTV pay platform in South Africa concluded an agreement with Playboy TV (owned by Playboy Enterprises) to add three adult TV channels from Playboy with carriage agreements already signed with the iconic bunny purveyor of porn.
That is why TopTV has applied to broadcast 3 adult TV channels as part of a special porn package which TopTV wants to make available from 2012 as a separate subscription service.
''We weighed the pros and cons of adding these to our bouquet,'' TopTV tells TV with Thinus exclusively. ''As a pay TV broadcaster, TopTV is in the business of distributing content which includes TopTV aggregated channels as well as 3rd party channels via carriage agreements. In mid 2011, we were approached by Playboy TV who had 3 adult video channels on offer.''
''TopTV has recently concluded an agreement with Playboy TV whereby TopTV will provide carriage for 3 Playboy channels in the near future. We also considered past requests for adult content onto our bouquet.''
TopTV says the pay TV operator commissioned research ''over and above results that we had from research conducted elsewhere'' and that ''all these inputs were considered in our decision to add the channels''.
TopTV says that the pay TV service is ''well 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, the EPG or anything associated with the channels as these channels are fully encrypted. Those who do choose to subscribe will be required to enter a separate unique pin to unblock the channels each time they view. At all times, the channels will remain blocked.''
TopTV says ''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. We are not altering our focus to adult content only as it remains but one of the genres that we incorporate into our bouquet.''
TopTV says the pay TV platform is ''not seeking to distance itself from its positioning as a family values orientated service provider''.
''As a business we need to be alive to the desires of our existing and future client base and we always aim to balance all competing interests. Stagnating to past statements will not serve changed needs from our clients or assist our growth.'' TopTV tells TV with Thinus that ''we do not see the provision of adult content as a compromise of our company image. Rather, it is a bold move fundamentally based on our constitution in a society which enshrines freedom of expression in its bill of rights.''
TopTV says the operator is aware that there will be people ''opposed to such content''. ''However, as a subscription broadcaster catering for various niche audiences, we need to accommodate as many interests as possible.''
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