Networks seeking earlier M, MA timezones.
Networks propose allowing M rated shows from 7:30pm and MA from 8:30pm.
- Published by David Knox
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- Filed under News, Top Stories
Commercial Free to Air networks have proposed a raft of changes to the Commercial Television Code of Practice which would see M classified material airing from 7:30pm -an hour earlier than current rules allow- and MA15+programmes from 8:30pm.
This would mean content including earlier and moderate broadcasts of violence, sex and nudity, language, drugs, suicide, adult themes, from 8:30pm to 7:30pm. Increased levels of these would be allowed from 8:30pm.
PG rated content would also be allowed across the day, currently this applies only on multichannels.
The separate AV classification, currently at a 9:30pm watershed, would be removed, subsumed by MA15+. Classification symbols will continue to be shown at the beginning of each program, and after each break, however displaying additional consumer advice will be discretionary for some programs.
But while the changes do not increase advertising, if implemented they would mean alcohol advertising could air from 7:30pm, or as an accompaniment to a sports broadcast on a Weekend or Public Holiday.
In changes proposed for News and Current Affairs, accuracy will be required only in relation to material facts, while networks would have the option to make corrections on their website only.
A major change to the Complaints process would require that complainants must have viewed the broadcast on terrestrial television in order to make a formal complaint. Complaints about privacy and vilification can only be made by those directly affected. Broadcasters would be also no longer required to respond regarding issues that may be the subject of legal proceedings or to obscene or offensive submissions.
Other changes are detailed in the proposal on Free TV’s website, designed to be simplified, more concise and consumer-friendly. There are no changes to local content, covered by different rules.
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.”
The Code of Practice, which was last reviewed in 2009, will now be subjected to a 6 week public consultation period before being submitted to the Australian Communications and Media Authority for approval.
Submissions may be sent to Free TV Australia via post to
44 Avenue Road, Mosman NSW 2088
or via email to [email protected]
More information is at FreeTV website.
Corrected.
54 Responses
As stated by someone else earlier in this thread, the earlier start times are a furphy. There are some more important (and disturbing) changes in this so-called “code” that we should be far more concerned about 🙁
After watching tonight’s #qanda on domestic violence, I’m honestly leaning towards a no on this. The reality is that television has a large role/presence at home and can have an influence on society. Do we really need to encourage those who might have mental issues that it’s ok to normalise bad language and violence? I think it’s best that the heavy content remain on later – not everything can be dismissed as just nanny state or thinking of the children, violence is real and has an enormous cost to the community at large
Surprise by how many Helen Lovejoys we have.
All TV’s these days have child locks.
Pay TV runs M rated content anytime, including daytime.- how is this any different.
People focus on the language and sex for M but most M content is adult themes – there’s not really much language is current US/UK or Australian main channel Drama.
I’d like to see content like Marvel, Gothan, Downton Abbey in a 7.30 slot without cuts.
The proposed code of practice clearly states that films classified M will still be shown after 8:30 and that films classified MA still shown after 9:00, as the broadcast timeslots for those films is governed by legislation. The proposed code states that M and MA films will only be shown earlier if the relevant legislation is changed by parliament.
What are Americas? I think they have PG14 ( correct me if I’m wrong ) once upon a time, devious maids are rated that, but here they are M. Once upon a time starts at 8 over there. I think 8 is ok but 7:30 a bit too early
if this actually happens, they can air MA movies uncut at 8:30, so movies channels like Ten, Eleven and One wI’ll be able to show them uncut. in the past they have aired Collateral, Tropic Thunder and others at 8:30 with an M rating cutting stuff out.
I agree the M rating should be 8:00. but if they can air PG shows/movies at 6:30 then they should be able to show M stuff earlier. but I think it should all depend on how violent/bloody M shows are. like Supernatural can be quite violent, surprised it gets an M at 8:30. but if shows with lots of swearing should be shown from 8:30 anyway, like Underbelly.
I think it would be ok to show crime TV shows like NCIS at 7:30, or 8.
Most kids now…and even when mine were growing up….use swear words every other word …when with their peers…and away from ‘oldies’…it is just part of the vernacular…..they also discuss sex without any qualms….think Mylie Cyruss….
I personally don’t care for it all….but I suspect it is us….that have the problem with classifications….not those coming after us.
If you think I am wrong…travel on public transport when kids are coming home from school…go where they gather…and just listen…then argue with me…and it does not just apply to any given area.
About tme.Movies will still be held back to 830 M-9pm MA,These days all programs are encoded with classifications on Digital.How much longer are we suppose to protect the children,simply what I did with mine,spend some time with them,read a book together,play a board game,if you don’t like a program turn the tv off.the kids of today have a few channels for themselves,abc3 4 kids abc 2 during the day.
Chaos, dysfunction and now lunacy, aussie commercial tv networks have it all. “When will it end?”
The first paragraph is factually incorrect. “both an hour earlier than current rules allow” is not completely right.
The M classification zone would move an hour earlier under the proposal.
The MA classification currently starts at 9pm and is proposed to start at 8.30pm, only 30minx earlier.
AV would be scrapped altogether.