ID :
44179
Wed, 02/04/2009 - 20:51
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/44179
The shortlink copeid
ACMA cracks down on Nine Network
The media watchdog has announced a crackdown on the Nine Network over the crime
series Underbelly and shows featuring celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) announced on Wednesday that
Nine would need to put in place more rigorous classification procedures for
Underbelly and reclassify Ramsay programs.
Under the crackdown, Nine is required to implement special training procedures for
all of the production team and producers of the upcoming series of Underbelly - A
Tale of Two Cities.
Nine must also develop detailed internal classification guidelines based on the
findings and ensure that classifiers assess scripts and each episode of the upcoming
series.
Nine will have to report to ACMA with the training requirements and will also have
to reclassify repeat broadcasts of a number of the first series of Underbelly, ACMA
said.
In a preview of the first four episodes of Underbelly - A Tale Of Two Cities, shown
on Wednesday, there was no shortage of graphic sex, nudity and violence.
The program will premiere next Monday night.
ACMA also said all Ramsay programs will be rated with the strict MA classification,
not suitable for people under 15 years of age.
"Nine will classify as MA all episodes of Kitchen Nightmares and other programs
substantially featuring Gordon Ramsay, subject to any material change in the content
of the programs," ACMA said in a statement.
ACMA chairman Chris Chapman said the remedial action was the product of extensive
discussions with Nine and WIN networks about action they will take over the next 24
months.
"It is a response to the unacceptably high number of incorrectly classified
Underbelly and Ramsay programs broadcast in 2008," Mr Chapman said in a statement.
"It aims to create an improved compliance culture, while giving ACMA an avenue to
pursue further remedial action if necessary."
If ACMA finds one of the licensees has breached its undertaking, it may apply to the
Federal Court for an order that the licensee pay ACMA an amount equivalent to the
financial benefit the licensee obtained by breaching the undertaking, ACMA said.
series Underbelly and shows featuring celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) announced on Wednesday that
Nine would need to put in place more rigorous classification procedures for
Underbelly and reclassify Ramsay programs.
Under the crackdown, Nine is required to implement special training procedures for
all of the production team and producers of the upcoming series of Underbelly - A
Tale of Two Cities.
Nine must also develop detailed internal classification guidelines based on the
findings and ensure that classifiers assess scripts and each episode of the upcoming
series.
Nine will have to report to ACMA with the training requirements and will also have
to reclassify repeat broadcasts of a number of the first series of Underbelly, ACMA
said.
In a preview of the first four episodes of Underbelly - A Tale Of Two Cities, shown
on Wednesday, there was no shortage of graphic sex, nudity and violence.
The program will premiere next Monday night.
ACMA also said all Ramsay programs will be rated with the strict MA classification,
not suitable for people under 15 years of age.
"Nine will classify as MA all episodes of Kitchen Nightmares and other programs
substantially featuring Gordon Ramsay, subject to any material change in the content
of the programs," ACMA said in a statement.
ACMA chairman Chris Chapman said the remedial action was the product of extensive
discussions with Nine and WIN networks about action they will take over the next 24
months.
"It is a response to the unacceptably high number of incorrectly classified
Underbelly and Ramsay programs broadcast in 2008," Mr Chapman said in a statement.
"It aims to create an improved compliance culture, while giving ACMA an avenue to
pursue further remedial action if necessary."
If ACMA finds one of the licensees has breached its undertaking, it may apply to the
Federal Court for an order that the licensee pay ACMA an amount equivalent to the
financial benefit the licensee obtained by breaching the undertaking, ACMA said.
