Top TV looks to porn for rescue — faces possible boycott

Few days left for public to comment

TopTV is at it again: attempting to launch porn channels a year after its first bid failed.

And Christian family values organisation, Family Policy Institute (FPI) has called on the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) to deny TopTV’s latest application, saying it will call for a nationwide boycott of the pay broadcaster, as well as a boycott of all its advertisers and sponsors if its porn bid succeeds.

A year ago, amidst a storm of public opposition to the pay TV broadcaster’s plans, Icasa denied its application to introduce three porn channels.

On Digital media, which runs TopTV, has once again applied to Icasa for authorisation to launch three channels, Playboy TV, Desire TV and Private Spice as a standalone bouquet “to give TopTV a fighting chance of survival”, reports Channel 24. TopTV is currently under business rescue and is hoping that porn will solve its financial woes. Last year’s porn fiasco was strongly opposed by Christians, Muslims, Hindu groups, the Film and Publication Board (FPB), COSATU and Top TV investors and damaged the company’s image, brand and bottom line.

In November 2012 TopTV took the controversial step of airing an advertisement for AshleyMadison.com, a dating service promoting adulterous affairs.

The South African public and all interested parties have 21 working days from December 19, 2012 – making the deadline January 18, 2013 – to comment on TopTV’s porn channel plans.

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Correspondence has to be sent to Ndondo Dube, Broadcasting Licencing Unit, Licencing and Compliance Division, Block D, Pinmill Farm, 164 Katherine Street, Sandton Johannesburg or fax 011 566 3200 or e-mail pndube@icasa.org.za.