The Authority has upheld a complaint an episode of TV drama series Half Man, which follows stepbrothers with a difficult history and fractious relationship, breached the offensive and disturbing content standard.
The programme was aired on TVNZ1 at 8.30pm, and classified 16-VLSC (advisories for violence, language, sexual content, and content that may offend). The BSA found the strong content and themes went beyond a 16 rating, and required a rating of 18, meaning it should have aired in a later timeslot. It was therefore more likely to disproportionately offend or disturb viewers, who were not properly warned of the strength of content.
The children’s interests standard was not breached as the programme was clearly signposted as unsuitable for children and aired outside children’s viewing times. Any depictions of criminal or serious antisocial activity were dramatic elements of the plot and did not ‘promote’ illegal or antisocial behaviour. The discrimination and denigration standard did not apply.
This and other recent decisions can be seen here.