Cosatu unhappy over TopTV porn plans

Published Jan 20, 2012

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TopTV's board has decided to let broadcasting regulator Icasa rule on whether it could show adult entertainment on its services, and has resolved not to appeal the decision if it is refused.

Collin Matjila, executive director of one of TopTV's shareholders Kopano ke Matla Investment Company, said this in a letter to labour movement Cosatu after the digital TV broadcaster's board held a special meeting on Thursday.

Kopano ke Matla is one of TopTV's major shareholders and the investment company's primary beneficiary is Cosatu, which has strongly voiced its opposition to the planned adult broadcasts.

A letter sent by Cosatu to Kopano ke Matla indicated that the labour movement was worried that, should the broadcasts begin, it would appear it was condoning them.

“Such programmes will contribute to a lowering of moral standards in the country and further erode the revolutionary morality of our struggle movement. We are very concerned that, since Kopano ke Matla is a shareholder in TopTV, the federation could be seen to be condoning and indeed funding these pornographic channels, and call upon you to demand that TopTV scrap these channels, and, if they refuse, to disinvest from the company,” the Cosatu letter said.

Matjila told Cosatu in his letter that the majority of TopTV's board, including his company, was the same as Cosatu's but that the issue was about financial and contractual consequences with content suppliers.

“However due to potential financial/contractual consequences with the content suppliers it was agreed that we let Icasa complete the process and make a final decision. The decision is expected on or before January 31, 2012. In addition the board also agreed unanimously not to appeal the Icasa decision,” Matjila wrote.

He said the investment company would comply with Cosatu's directive. - I-Net Bridge

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