TV Industry Code of Practice Amendment

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Wesley Dart
Date: 2009/9/21
Subject: TV Industry Code of Practice Amendment
To: code@freetv.com.au


To Whom It May Concern

I am a parent with three children aged 10, 12 and 15. My wife and I are becoming increasingly concerned with the level of sexual themes and content, plus violence and inappropriate language being used on free to air TV.

I believe that:

1. The TV classification guidelines need to be strengthened, not diluted in any way. Guidelines should be drafted in such a way as to be as free from any ambiguity as possible so that TV networks cannot evade their implications with 'clever' manoeuvring.
2. The current G-rated programming periods on TV should continue to apply to free-to-air digital multi-channels, not just the traditional 'major' channels.
   
3. There should be greater – not fewer – restrictions on the promotion of M, MA and AV programs at times when children may be watching TV. MA and AV programs should only be promoted after 8.30 pm and M-rated programs only after 7.30 pm (or during M-rated time slots). There have been many awkward moments when watching an otherwise innocent TV program when we and our children have had to sit through inappropriate content during commercial breaks.
   
4. I am opposed to proposed changes to the guidelines for MA programs which would mean sex scenes no longer have to be "discreet" and they "may contain detail". This is just titillation and porn attempting to get in 'under the radar'; so many studies have shown the destructive nature of this material on individuals and society as a whole.
   
5. We should get rid of the word "highly" in the revised Code that says reality TV participants can't be presented in a "highly demeaning or highly exploitative manner". I believe that participants shouldn't be demeaned or exploited at all! Recall the latest controversy on the radio front with radio 'shock jock' Kyle Sandilands exploiting a young girl (who had apparently been raped) live on air with the co-operation of her misguided mother. I believe that the community is fed up with material that exploits and demeans the dignity of any individual, even if contestants are willing participants through their own ignorance or foolishness.
   
6. Complaints shouldn't be stifled. I reject any changes which would do this, for example the grouping of similar complaints so that they can be counted as one.
7. It should be possible to lodge complaints via email, instead of only fax or post. In fact, I would go even further and suggest that sending an SMS/TEXT via mobile phone would provide a real-time gauge of the level of objection to specific content. This form of real-time voting is often used by TV networks to decide the outcome of shows like Australian Idol. Surely this technology could be adapted for a new and more worthwhile purpose.
   
8. TV stations should be more accountable, not less. Section 1.5 of the Code should be changed so that there aren't so many grounds for a breach of the Code to be excused.

I would be happy to provide additional feedback if requested.

Yours faithfully,

Wesley Dart