AO campaign

Let's move the watershed!

Research shows how children are being harmed by violence on television.

How does NZ compare with other countries?

New Zealand has the most liberal rules in the world. . In the UK and Canada, adult material is not allowed till 9.00pm. In the USA, it's even later - 10.00pm. The watershed in Australia is the same as New Zealand, but the restrictions are tighter, not allowing AO material at all.

The BBC rules are particularly worth noting, and would be a good model for New Zealand.

"The earlier in the evening a programme is placed, the more suitable it is likely to be for children to watch on their own. The Watershed reminds broadcasters that particular care should be taken over inclusion of explicit scenes of sex and violence, and the use of strong language. Particular care should also be taken in the period immediately after the Watershed. There should be a gradual transition towards more adult material and sudden changes in tone should be avoided but, where unavoidable, they must be clearly signposted. Adult material should never be positioned close to the Watershed simply to attract audiences in a sensationalist way. Material which is particularly adult in tone should be scheduled at an appropriate time, where necessary sometime after the Watershed. The post Watershed period runs from 2100 until 05:30 the following morning. No trail for a post-Watershed programme should be scheduled next to a programme specifically targeted at children. Particular care needs to be taken when editing pictures for news bulletins and factual programmes likely to be seen by vulnerable groups such as children. Care is also needed in deciding the frequency of scenes of violence in news bulletins on mainstream channels, particularly during the daytime when children could be watching."

MPs views on television

MEDIA MATTERS invited the Minister of Broadcasting and the broadcasting spokespeople for each party to address its annual meeting in June. Our MP's were quizzed at a recent MEDIA MATTERS Forum about the Watershed and representatives of the two major parties appeared to have liitle concern at all with the way the present system is being adminsitered."

Resources

We encourage you to tell others about this campaign. To help you:

Email or write to MEDIA MATTERS for a copy of our promotional video (7min 30sec long). This is ideal to show small groups, friends, etc. Currently it is only available on CD, but it will play on most computers. When you write, let us know what computer operating system you will most likely be using, and whether it has a DVD or CD player. A donation to cover copying and postage costs would be appreciated.

Order copies of the promotional A4 poster. Prices on request.

To order, contact MEDIA MATTERS at:

PO Box 12054
Christchurch
New Zealand
Email: vote-nz@paradise.net.nz

Make your voice heard!

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