Free TV looks to show adult content earlier and reduce complaints with new code proposals
Proposed changes to TV advertising regulations could see advertising content such as alcohol ads shown an hour earlier and the removal of the AV (adult violence) category, under a draft new code released today by Free TV.
The proposed changes are designed to reflect the new digital landscape and “diversified media environment” according to Free TV Australia.
Under the plans the M (Mature) watershed time would move to 7.30pm, an hour earlier than it is currently permitted, allowing ads previously not shown such as alcohol advertising would now be shown an hour earlier from 7.30pm.
Changes would also mean people who did not view a show during broadcast from making complaints, whilst only those affected could make a complaint, stopping people from complaining on behalf of others.There were no changes to the amount of time that advertisements could be shown. This is despite complaints by the commercial TV sector over recent proposals changes to let SBS show more ads during prime time.
Free TV Chairman Harold Mitchell said: “This is a strong Code that continues to provide the most comprehensive community safeguards for viewers. It has been simplified and is much more user friendly.
“We are confident that the proposed Code catches up with the range of ways people now access content, while ensuring Free TV remains Australia’s safest place for viewers.”
Other changes include the dropping of the AV classification, and moving the MA15+ classification to allow programs with this rating to appear from 8.30pm.
Robert Burton-Bradley
What is going on!
seriously I ask myself what is wrong with people in general & especially those who have the grave responsibility of censorship yet act as if exposing youth to programmes or advertising that only plays with their head & removes every opportunity for them to gradually & as safely as possible, be nurtured & grow through the various stages of life, without be exposed or ‘shoved’ into those things etc that parents already battle, to keep them away from.
Society doesnt change on it’s own…it appears to change because often those who just don’t care, shout the longest & hardest & appear to be the voice of many..WRONG!
well it’s time to take a real, long & hard look at what we are becoming & question yourself if these changes are necessary & will they truly benefit those young minds or do we owe it to our children, to allow them to revel in a ‘childhood’ & consequently explore in their own time, the reality of adulthood that appeals to innocent minds yet often loses it’s appeal, if entered into, too soon.
No to such changes & let the advertisers find other ways of making money at that time- I’m sure they will-after all, it’s about filling their pockets! A disgrace!
Vicky
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I don’t understand why some people become a little emotional over changing the code when all Free TV is trying to do is align themselves on a equal or similar footing to the Foxtels, Stans, Netflix,Presto,FetchTV, Apple Tv, BBC Iplayer, Youtube, ABC Iview and the other catch-up Tv shows with little restrictions and besides SBS already shows MA15+ content at 8:30pm. I mean Australia’s viewing choices are already starting to become very fragmented as is the platform of choice with eyeballs steadily shifting towards IP delivered content none of which is regulated like Free to Air. I think Free TV can see the writing on the wall and if things don’t change to stay relevant with the onslaught of new content providers coming, they will probably be struggling to survive within ten years.
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Gosh I’d hate to see ther reaction when she gets the Internet connected.
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It will only drive parents away from leaving the TV on.
I will just find a way for my kids to watch there shows without watching ads – on another platform.
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