Relious organisations and civil society welcomed the Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) ruling on Friday that there would be no pornography on pay TV in SA.
The decision came after a lengthy process of public consultation after pay TV network TopTV’s application to launch three porn channels.
Icasa spokesman Jubie Matlou said it was decided that women’s right to dignity outweighed TopTV’s right to freedom of expression, and the rights of viewers to receive pornography on television.
“The authority will produce a reasons document within 30 days,” he said.
The Apostolic Faith Mission of SA said on Friday night it was both relieved and delighted that Icasa took the valid concerns of citizens into account.
Isak Burger, its president, said: “(The) government must act decisively to protect society’s most vital institutions – marriage and the family.”
He added that thousands of children were being exposed to sexually explicit images, and called on the government to introduce legislation to eradicate the proliferation of pornography on TV and the internet.
The SA Muslims Network also welcomed the ruling, with chairman Faisal Suleman confirming they had made a submission to Icasa opposing the application.
Childline’s national co-ordinator, Joan van Niekerk, said the ruling indicated Icasa’s awareness to protect children.
“This (the ruling) is good news,” said Van Niekerk.
TopTV applied for permission on July 27 to launch the three new channels.
Icasa subjected the application to a vigorous public consultation process, receiving 13 written submissions on the application and holding public hearings until January 16 for oral submissions.
TopTV was given an opportunity to respond to those opposing its application, which it did in writing on January 17.
Matlou said Icasa had weighed up all the submissions and had finally decided to turn down the network’s application.
The Family Policy Institute (FPI) described Icasa’s decision as “socially responsible”.
Institute director Errol Naidoo said it was a “bold decision” that placed the health and welfare of the family above the profit motives of irresponsible broadcasters.
“The South African public’s overwhelming opposition to pornography on national television is now a proven fact,” he said.
Most people had rejected Multichoice’s plans for a 24-hour porn channel in 2010 and e.tv’s late night broadcast of pornographic programmes during 2011, he added.
“The FPI calls on government to urgently amend legislation to prohibit the broadcast of pornographic programmes on South African television.” - Independent on Saturday