RESEARCH AND REPORTS NGĀ RANGAHAU ME NGĀ PŪRONGO

Review of the Pay Television Code of Broadcasting Practice, 1997

 


Download PDF:
Review of the Pay Television Code of Broadcasting Practice  PDF8.03 MB


Date published
:  October 1997

Researcher/Author:  Phillipa Ballard

Scope

  • Written and oral submission of views about the broadcast on pay television of R-classified materials

Methodology

  • Literature review
  • Qualitative research using focus groups
  • Nationwide public opinion survey – 1000 respondents aged over 18 years  

Results

  • Majority of people think that pay television subscribers should be able to see a wide range of programmes including R18
  • Express concern about access by children to adult material, and show a preference for it to be broadcast late at night
  • Respondents equivocal concerning same rules for pay and free-to-air television, although there is a slight preference for a single code of practice for all television broadcasters
  • Broadcasting Act does not distinguish between free-to-air and pay television broadcasters
  • Authority’s view that a single code of practice for all television broadcasters is consistent with the existing legislation  
  • Authority’s considered view:
    • Time band restrictions be standardized for pay and free-to-air television and R18 films should not be broadcast until 10:00pm
    • Pay television code uses the same classification symbols as films and videos, even though restrictions cannot be applied to a broadcast medium; confusion must be removed
    • Single code of practice for all television broadcasters is appropriate
  • Authority will develop a draft code as a basis for consultation with broadcasters, to incorporate:
    • One system of classification using symbols which are distinct from those used for the film and video industries
    • Time zone restrictions for adult material
    • Appropriate warnings for programmes advising viewers of the content
    • Classification of promos