TV2 Right To Cancel Cringeworthy ‘Sex Box’

Media Release 30 June 2016
Family First NZ is welcoming the decision by state broadcaster TV2 to cancel the screening of the live sex show ‘Sex Box’ in New Zealand.
“It should never have been considered in the first place. Suggestions by the state broadcaster that it is not the ‘right fit’ is the understatement of the year. Basically they have been forced to accept that the show is cringeworthy, toxic and a continuation in the downslide of broadcasting standards” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.
“This is the type of show you would expect to see on a porn channel – not on mainstream television when families are watching. And that is what is so concerning – that the state broadcaster would even consider the programme in the first place. The slippery slope is well greased, and the cameras will eventually move from outside the box to inside the box,” says Mr McCoskrie.
NZ’ers are concerned about the level of sexual content, foul language and violence during family viewing times. In a poll of 1,000 NZ’ers, respondents were asked, “Television broadcasters are obliged to protect children from sexual content, violent material, and language that exceeds current norms of good taste and decency. Are you concerned about the type of language used, or the level of violence and sex shown on TV before 8.30 pm when children are likely to be watching?”, 65% said they were concerned, 29% said they weren’t, and 6% didn’t know or refused to answer. Women and over 60 year olds were most concerned.
“It is quite clear that as broadcasters and advertisers push the boundaries, the standards are lowered by default, offensive material becomes more mainstream, and is then used far more in the media. But we know that NZ’ers are hugely concerned by this trend,” says Mr McCoskrie.
Family First is calling for the development and enforcing of higher standards for TV, film, radio and advertising content including levels of violence, sexual content and objectionable language, and a complete overhaul of the BSA, ASA and Censorship Board with pre-vetting, a greater community representation, and regular changing of board members after limited terms of office to avoid desensitisation or lack of accountability.
ENDS