ICASA SAYS NO TO TOP TV P*RN

Answer to prayer

We can praise God that on Friday (27 January 2012) the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) denied TOP TV a license to broadcast three p*rn channels.

The decision came after a lengthy process of public consultation after pay TV network Top TV’s application to launch three p*rn channels.

Right to dignity

ICASA spokesman Jubie Matlou, said it was decided that women’s right to dignity outweighed Top TV’s right to freedom of expression, and the rights of viewers to receive p*rnography on television.

“The authority will produce a reasons document within 30 days,” he said.

It appears that ICASA may have taken into account points made in the Christian Action Network’s written and oral submission.

In our submission we had pointed out that not only does p*rnography infringe on the constitutional rights of children to be protected from harm, it also discriminates against the rights of women to dignity and protection from hate speech. P*rnography often depicts women in degrading, humiliating ways and as sex objects. Women are also often called derogatory names and subject to violent acts.

The Apostolic Faith Mission of SA said on Friday night it was both relieved and delighted that ICASA took the valid concerns of citizens into account.

Protect marriage and family

Dr Isak Burger, its president, said: “(The) government must act decisively to protect society’s most vital institutions – marriage and the family.”

He added that thousands of children were being exposed to sexually explicit images, and called on the government to introduce legislation to eradicate the proliferation of p*rnography on TV and the internet.

Top TV applied for permission in July 2011 to launch the three new channels.

ICASA subjected the application to a public consultation process, receiving 13 written submissions on the application and holding public hearings on 16 January.

Top TV was given an opportunity to respond to those opposing its application, which it did in writing on January 17.

Matlou said ICASA had weighed up all the submissions and had finally decided to turn down the network’s application.

Socially Responsible

The Family Policy Institute (FPI) described ICASA’s decision as “socially responsible”.

FPI director Errol Naidoo said it was a “bold decision” that placed the health and welfare of the family above the profit motives of irresponsible broadcasters.

“The South African public’s overwhelming opposition to p*rnography on national television is now a proven fact,” he said.

Most people had rejected Multichoice’s plans for a 24-hour porn channel in 2010 and E- TV late night broadcast of p*rnographic programmes during 2011, he added.

Clean the Screen

“The FPI calls on government to urgently amend legislation to prohibit the broadcast of p*rnographic programmes on South African television.”

Please thank ICASA for this ruling:

Write to: Ms Mpho Thulare: Secretary at the ICASA Licensing Department: MThulare@icasa.org.za or, call: (011) 566 3205.

"Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." Ephesians 5:11

Download the Freedom from P*rnography tract here or click here to read text only.

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