The Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) has refused the application by pay-television provider TopTV to broadcast three 24-hour pornographic channels.
The decision, submitted in writing to TopTV's holding company, On Digital Media (ODM), this week, states that “after careful consideration” the council of the authority is refusing ODM's application for the authorisation of the adult channels Playboy Europe, Private Spice and Adult XXX.
“The authority will furnish ODM with the reasons for the decision within 30 working days from 20 January 2012,” the letter states.
This follows ongoing debate and controversy that emerged with news of the pay-TV provider's agreement with UK-based Playboy TV/Benelux in September, to offer pornographic channels as a standalone package, initially planned for launch at the end of last year.
Vehement opposition from various organisations and individuals stonewalled the launch and resulted in a public hearing process last week. At the time, ICASA said it would make its decision by the end of the month.
TopTV was not available for comment by the time of publication.
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