“Today I received a letter from Damien Power of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA – see attachment),” said Mrs Ros Phillips, FamilyVoice Australia national research officer.  “Mr Power said ACMA has upheld my complaint against Network Ten, which breached the TV Code of Practice during two episodes of the sleazy Californication series last year.

“But there was no penalty – even though I had previously complained about a similar Code breach by the Ten network,” she said.

Mrs Phillips said many parents are concerned that TV stations have been pushing the Code boundaries at a time when more and more studies are showing the negative effects of scenes of explicit sex, violence and even cigarette smoking on teenage minds.

"That is why FamilyVoice Australia and Salt Shakers campaigned against Californication last year. This program normalises promiscuity and illicit drug use.  It was produced for US cable, not mainstream TV,” Mrs Phillips said. 

“We told advertisers about Californication’s content, and over 60 withdrew their support for the program.  Some advertisers were angered that Network Ten had ignored standing instructions not to place their ads during programs with inappropriate content.

“This loss of advertising would not have helped Network Ten's total revenue, which is down 13 per cent for the nine months to May 2009 compared with the same period the year before.  The company has recently advised shareholders not to expect any further paid dividends for the 2009 financial year.  Our campaign also succeeded in pushing Californication to a much later time slot (after 11 pm) when far fewer teens were watching,” Mrs Phillips said. 

"I am pleased that ACMA has ruled that Network Ten twice breached the TV Code, but am concerned about the lack of any sanctions.  A significant penalty would ensure that TV networks take their obligations much more seriously,” Mrs Phillips said.

For further information, contact:

Mrs Roslyn Phillips
National Research Officer
FamilyVoice Australia
www.fava.org.au

Phone 1300 365 965                              Mobile 0400 284 024