Kenilo, I've been mulling this whole situation over for some time now. I too was wondering about the length of these slips and flashes and what 'harm' or 'offence' a half-second fanny flash MIGHT 'cause' (esp. to an audience that tunes-in to see glamour/porn models with their kit off). I think any sane and rational babe channel viewer would believe the odd fleeting fanny flash is most certainly justified by context.
I've also been considering Scirocco's post re PIN protected shows
http://www.babeshows.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=17075. I'm going to post on that thread but what struck me is that during the original CONsultation in 2004, Ofcom's 'preferred option' was to "maintain the status quo". Well, the 'status quo' in 2003/4/5 allowed the girls to FTG and POP just before midnight when these 'hardcore channel' babeshows went encrypted (there are many examples of the good old days on this site). Sexstation, which wasn't a hardcore show, also used to have regular slots throughout the night when the girls would perform a full stiptease. Babestar was famed for all-nude girls talking dirty and flashing throughout the night. So, as Ofcom certainly did decide to maintain the 'status quo', one wonders where the fuck has all the stuff we used to have gone?
Ofcom have set UK TV broadcasting back at least 20 years - and for no good reason at all.
As I recall, Babestar received ONE complaint from a mother who, at around 9pm, discovered her 13-year-old son and his mates hearing Sammi asking folks to call-in if they wanted to fuck Ariel up the arse or cum on her tits. Now, we might think that the 'strongest language' shoudln't go out until after the watershed but, THIS WAS after the 9pm watershed and, indeed, that mother (probably for the first time in her stupid life) was monitoring what her under 18 was actually watching on TV AFTER 9pm when TV is ALLOWED to cater to ADULT audiences. The LESSON here is that parents are more likely to NEGLECT their kids IF they believe there's nothing 'unsuitable' on TV until much later (IF EVER...). Ofcom's idea of 'protection' is actually leaving kids more vulnerable and neglected than ever before. Parents need to be ENCOURAGED to monitor their children's viewing rather than rely on a bunch of faceless censorial dickwads in Rverside House to 'magically' do it for them. Ofcom have undermined the very NOTION and PURPOSE of the watershed, spreading it out like some vague mist. Why is it $ky Movies can start showing mature films from 8pm while the rest of the adult TV world can't put on ANY adult material until after 10pm (or indeed, never show true adult material at anytime)? Some favouritism maybe? Some backhand dealings perhaps? Wouldn't surprise me to discover Ofcom are on $ky's payroll.
The "generally accepted standards" (according to LAW) applied to TV regulation across most of Europe follows the guidelines set out in the TVFW/AVMS Directives such that:
a) the time of broadcast, coupled with
b) an audio warning prior to broadcast, and
c) an on-screen symbol (detailing the type of material or suitable age-rating)
are deemed MORE THAN SUFFICIENT to guard against any 'harm or offence'. Ofcom have implemented NO such MANDATORY protection, which, CAN by applied to ALL and ANY channels without the capabilities for PIN protection.
Films such as Romance, Baise Moi, 9 Songs and many others are NOT considered 'adult-sex' works by the BBFC BECAUSE the explicit hardcore sex scenes they all contain are not "intended to turn people on" (although why that's an issue I do not know!) and are "justified by context". Now, these films can and have been broadcast by the likes of $ky Movies and Film Four. But anyone flicking through the channels who stumbles into one of the hardcore sex scenes isn't going to see that on-screen sysmbol or hear the audio warning - and if they are one of the under 18s or one of the immature, 'vulnerable', religiously-brainwashed British wankers that are offended by explicit sex then, they could be forgiven for believing they were watching an R18-rated movie because they will not have the benefit of experience of those scenes in the full context of the movie. Ofcom have done absolutely NOTHING to protect the very people they claim need to be protected by banning R18-type 'adult-sex (works)' material from our screens and, consequently, unjustly discriminating against the broad-minded, adult-channel viewing, porn loving members of society - i.e. US!
According to the TVWF/AVMS, "Other technical means" like PIN codes are an OPTION only (and rightly so, because not all platforms can provide such a function!), and come AFTER all 3 'non-technical' measures above have been implemented (on all platforms!). In short, Ofcom cannot 'demand' what they themselves claim is an INADEQUATE means of PIN code protection until EVERY channel is required to put a content/age-rating symbol on-screen throughout the duration of a programme, and thus, allow EVERY viewer in Britain to KNOW what they might be exposing themselves to while flicking through the channels (and self-censor accordingly).
Unjustified censorship protects no one. It is in fact a fundamental abuse of our rights. Censorship is not in the public interest as it constitutes a lie by ommission - as proven by the MPs expenses scandal.
As I think we are all people who have no issues with explicit sex or nudity, I suggest we are all being unfairly discriminated against by Ofcom. We have every right to watch on TV the type of material that is LEGAL to possess in this country. Indeed, it is illegal for Ofcom to restrict any legally available material on the basis of mythological claptrap from those who have self-imposed mental issues with human sexuality and pornography. In fact the Human Rights Act does not permit the beliefs (i.e. opinions) of the easily offended to infringe or curtail the legal rights of anyone who does not share those beliefs (or opinons). Any 'offence' a person feels is purely subjective and, indeed, dealing with 'offensive' material in a sensible fashion is what defines a mature adult from an immature cretin. It seems to me that Ofcom have made a career out of pampering to the unsubstantiated whims of completely immature cretins - they should all be told to grow up instead of having their 'unhealthy fantasies' reinforced and catered-to by Ofcom's illegal, dictatorial and authoritarian brand of censorship.