State Steps In Against Satellite Porn Channel

Following a recommendation from the ITC in October last year (subscribers see ITC Brands Pornography Channel Unacceptable), Chris Smith, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has announced that he intends to take action against the hard-core pornography channel, Eurotica Rendez Vous.

Chris Smith confirmed that he is considering a proscription Order which will prevent the satellite channel from being broadcast in this country. It will then become a criminal offence to provide equipment for the channel, to advertise on or for it, or provide any service in support of it.

Mr Smith says that, “hard-core pornography is not acceptable in this country. The Government will always put the welfare of children first … I have received notification from the ITC of a pornographic service, Eurotica Rendez Vous, which the Commission considers to be unacceptable and should be the subject of proscription ban. I have viewed the channel and consider that a proscription order would be in the public interest.”

The service, he says, has “manifestly, seriously and gravely infringed” the EU Broadcasting Directive’s provisions on the protection of children.

If a proscription did take place it would become effective 21 days after it was laid.

Department for Media, Culture and Sport: 0171 211 6272