TopTV porn and sport channels fight
TopTV is still looking at bringing new channels to its pay-TV service, though no reportable progress has been made since late May.
The broadcaster’s stance regarding the planned adult-content channels has not changed since the controversy surrounding the channels came to a head in front of ICASA in March 2012.
“TopTV is still considering its options and is engaging with all its stakeholders on the issue,” TopTV said, echoing statements made on 27 May.
TopTV had initally planned on launching three new channels focused around providing adult content to viewers who opted in for the service. The application to bring the channels to the broadcast services was met with strong resistance, which subsequently lead to TopTV’s submission being denied by the regulator.
ICASA denied TopTV the channels on the basis that they impede the rights of women to equality and human dignity, and that those rights override TopTV’s right to freedom of expression, as well as the rights of viewers to receive pornography on television in the home.
Sport channels
Another area where TopTV is trying to address viewers’ needs is in the broadcaster’s sports offering. Or rather, lack, thereof. Currently, TopTV offers no active sporting channels (though the pay-TV operator offers a sports news channel in the form of EuroSports News).
However, despite understanding the need for sports offerings, TopTV had no concrete news regarding its plans for such as yet.
“TopTV recognizes that its subscribers want a sports offering and we are working to deliver this. Various negotiations and planning activities are currently under-way but there is nothing concrete that we wish to report at this stage,” TopTV said.
Related articles
TopTV still considering Playboy TV options
TopTV porn channel denial reasons delayed
TopTV mistakes and improvements
Loading ...