ABC incorrectly classifies Aussie movie
The ABC has breached its code of practice by incorrectly classifying Aussie movie The Proposition as M instead of MA.
- Published by David Knox
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The ABC has breached its Code of Practice by incorrectly classifying Aussie movie The Proposition as M instead of MA.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority ruled the 2006 film starring Guy Pearce contained frequent, realistic treatments of detailed violence. It also included a high impact and prolonged scene of violence at the film’s climax.
The film aired in January.
“Correct classification of films on television meaningfully guides the audience in deciding what is appropriate for them and their families,” said ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman.
“In this instance, the ABC did not go far enough to modify The Proposition (2006) from its cinematic release—classified MA 15+— so as to be suitable for classification and broadcast as M.”
The ABC code determines that ‘the degree of explicitness and intensity of treatment will determine what can be accommodated in the M category—the less explicit or less intense material will be included in the M classification and the more explicit or more intense material, especially violent material, will be included in the MA15+ classification.’
The ABC has indicated it will ensure any future broadcasts of the film will be televised with an MA15+ classification and report findings to its classification staff for training purposes.
ACMA says ABC has a very sound record in classification matters over recent years and is satisfied with this response.
5 Responses
No worries, Shelley. Thanks for the info. I agree, it’s a great movie.
Stan, I can’t find anything in the production credits to substantiate that. In fact, I understand the majority of the movie’s budget came from the UK Film Council and that only minor support came from several companies in Australia.
Shelley, I’m just guessing here, but you might find ABC had a hand in producing this movie like they did with Samson & Delilah, etc, etc.
What a waste of time. ACMA has no power to do anything to the ABC beyond saying they breached the code.
The worst of the violence was edited out – a fact which I was rather annoyed about. Personally, I say good on you ABC for airing a movie the other networks wouldn’t touch.