Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has welcomed some progress in her campaign to fully regulate adult TV channels.
In February, Caroline expressed concern at the evidence that Dutch channels broadcasting adult material on Freeview were contravening UK regulations. Now, UK regulator Ofcom have submitted a complaint to their Dutch equivalent Commissariaat voor de Media over the content of adult channels Babestation and Smile TV. As both channels are licensed in the Netherlands they can defy UK regulation, but still broadcast across the UK to millions of people including children.
Speaking after the announcement, Caroline said:
"I am glad that Ofcom has stepped up to the mark to tackle this regulation loophole. The shocking images we're talking about are being broadcast on terrestrial TV - available free to everyone, including children and teenagers. I know that a lot of parents would be outraged to find that this sort of content can be accessed, without being requested, on their children's TV sets."
The Gosport MP went on to stress that Ofcom's complaint may not be sufficient. She added:
"While I am pleased that Ofcom has now listened to the concerns I raised, along with many worried parents and responsible broadcasters, it may not be enough. A compelling case remains for Ofcom to withdraw licences altogether from any companies selling spectrum to porn channels without putting in place proper age-restrictive access controls."
Caroline will now meet later in March with Ofcom representatives to discuss what more can be done to prevent unregulated adult content on Freeview.
