Ten says sorry for airing film showing close-up of man defecating
Network Ten has apologised to viewers after broadcasting a film on its digital channel that showed close up images of a man, not an actor, defecating.
The gross-out film Jackass Number Two, based on the MTV reality series, aired on Eleven from 9.30pm to 11.30pm.
The network has so far received five complaints from viewers.
In an email to Mumbrella, one viewer wrote: “The faeces are shown coming out of his backside and there are close-ups of the faeces. The man in the segment is apparently known for being able to defecate ‘on command’. Is this acceptable on Australian FTA TV? Did the network make a mistake in failing to remove this scene? Is it a breach of the TV networks’ Code of Practise?”
A clip of the scene has been removed by YouTube.
Ten sent the following statement to Mumbrella:
Under the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice, films are required to be classified according to the National Classification Board Guidelines. The Classification Board, which is an independent statutory body, makes decisions that broadcasters are obliged to follow. The Board deemed Jackass II appropriate for MA 15+. Our classification and consumer advice reflected that.
The Jackass films are known for “pushing the boundaries”. Network Ten apologies to any viewers who were offended by the content of Jackass II.
According to the broadcasting code of practice, “A program segment will not be acceptable where the subject matter serves largely or wholly as a vehicle for gratuitous, exploitative or demeaning portrayal of sexual activity or nudity.”
It also states, “Be aware that some behaviour in a ‘real’ context has more impact than in a fictional setting. For example, sexual behaviour in a reality context may be ‘R’ or ‘X’ rated because it is real activity not actors simulating in a drama. It is always considered that non-simulated material will be more impactful.”
Jackass Number Two launched in 2006. It was the sequel to the 2002 release, Jackass: The Movie.
I was personally amazed that they managed to air Puppetry of the Penis, uncut, on One HD at about 8:30 on a Friday night.
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Everybody poops. So what?
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“Puppetry of the Penis” wasn’t on at about 8:30pm, Dominic; it screened at 11:30pm.
(Alright, yes, I watched it!)
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Great publicity for Eleven. They want to be seen as a cheeky rebel, although it might upset some of the more conservative audience it will probably impress their core demo, albiet grossing them out…
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Oh, I thought it was on much earlier. I’m not complaining, I just thought it was odd. Even at that time of night it seems something that you wouldn’t think of being on free to air
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Jackass – lord, who cares? A show by, about and for fuckwits. As for ‘pushing the boundaries’, how about all concerned just go push their heads up their arses, or alternatively push their photogenic faeces back into them – and then, just go away?
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Gentleman, last nights episode received 5 complaints, and as you know one complaint equals 1 million people which means 5 million people were offended by last nights episode.
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Come On! What do people expect from a Jackass film. It’s called choice people. It’s your choice to watch or not. Don’t like the programme that’s on? Simple, watch something else. Why do we have to pander to people who like complaining for the sake of it. The film is rated MA, and it was scheduled in a slot which is approved to run MA content (post 2130).
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I’m glad Ten apologised for screening this pathetic excuse of a film. I sat down to watch Nurse Jackie, which is the usual scheduled show at that time – only to be confronted with multiple close-ups of people’s backsides and appendages.
I then set the timer to record Nurse Jackie, which had been pushed back two hours. Naturally, the Jackass film ran overrtime, so I had to fast forward through yet more gross images before I could watch the show I set out to record.
Ugh!
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So what? A few years back The Footy Show on the main Channel Nine channel spent 15 minutes on a segment featuring UK “comic” Mr Methane whose claim to fame was that he could fart on cue for extended periods. At one stage talcum powder was sprinkled on his behind while he was farting.
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PR stunt and its worked
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I’d bet my $10 that out those people who complained, were either looking for a reason to complain or too stupid to know what they were in for watching Jackass to qualify for making a complaint worth listening too.
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