Government to restrict access to 'violent' porn channel

A satellite television channel, which has been accused of broadcasting "violent pornography" is to face government restrictions, it was announced today.
Broadcasting Minister, Andrew McIntosh, announced that a proscription order had been laid to declare the Extasi TV channel as 'unacceptable' in the UK, under the 1990 Broadcasting Act. The order will mean that the publication of advertisements and listings about the Extasi TV, the placing of advertisements on the channel and the supply of dedicated equipment – such as decoding cards or programme material – will all be banned.
The government decided to impose the restrictions after broadcasting watchdog, Ofcom, notified the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, that it considers the service provided by Extasi TV to be 'unacceptable'. A government statement said that Extasi TV's programming contained "frequent episodes of violent pornography"
Commenting on the proposed restrictions, Mr McIntosh, said: "I was notified by Ofcom that the content of satellite channel Extasi TV is unacceptable and should be the subject of a proscription order. Under the requirements of the Act, I have viewed material from the channel and consider that a proscription order would be in the public interest, in particular to ensure that children are not exposed to such harmful material."
The restrictions will come into effect on February 21, if no objections are received from Parliament.
The proscription will come into effect 14 days after the Order is made.
(KMcA/SP)