Pretoria - The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) has authorised Top TV’s application to broadcast three adult content channels, it said on Wednesday.
On Digital Media (operating as Top TV) will broadcast three channels, namely Playboy TV, Desire TV and Private Spice, limited to the watershed period i.e. from 8pm to 5am.
The authorisation of this application follows an extensive public consultation process, which the Icasa undertook prior to granting the application by On Digital Media.
“The Authority upholds the view that there is no law of general application prohibiting the production and distribution of adult content in the Republic. Only the production and distribution of child pornography is expressly prohibited by law,” Icasa said.
Icasa added that the application was approved on the basis that the licensee must ensure that programming of the channels that contain sexually explicit scenes shall not be broadcast before the watershed period, and all the security measures - including the double pin code as outlined in the application - are in place to safeguard children’s rights.
Icasa considered all submissions made in respect from interested parties.
“It was found that most of the representations made were based on moral grounds. It is the Authority’s view that indeed there is no basis or law for the rejection of Top TV’s application,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za
