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MultiChoice messed up with the mafia, admitting to the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA), following complaints, that shows about the mafia with wrong classification shouldn't have been broadcasting during the daytime on the National Geographic Channel (DStv 260).
Following a case at the BCCSA over mafia themed shows, The Mafia and The Mob's Bloody Valentine broadcast at 10:00 and 13:00 on the National Geographic Channel - earlier than the watershed timeslot according to regulations, MultiChoice admitted wrong classification.
The documentaries were incorrectly classified as "family viewing". According to the BCCSA it "should at least have been one of Parental Guidance (PG) with an age restriction of 10 or 13". The shows contained images of dead bodies but no blood and no graphic detail.
MultiChoice explained that the National Geographic Channel is a UK feed from Britain and that DStv has no control over what is shown and how the channel line-up is packaged, although all channels are advised about the South African classification and regulation requirements.
MultiChoice said it takes responsibility for the transgression of the broadcasting code. MultiChoice said mistakes are sometimes made, for instance when a new employee who has not been properly trained, makes the wrong classification for South African purposes. The BCCSA decided not to fine MultiChoice.
