ACMA Media
Release
135 /2010
Page 1 of 2
26 October 2010
ACMA accepts enforceable undertakings from Nine
and WIN for incorrectly classifying Dante’s Cove
The Nine Network and WIN Corporation will be required to edit or reclassify all
future broadcasts of the television series Dante’s Cove to comply with the
provisions of the MA (Mature Audience) or AV (Adult Violence) classifications,
following enforceable undertakings accepted by the Australian Communications and
Media Authority.
An episode of the program broadcast by WIN licensee RTQ (GO!) in December
2009 and a different episode broadcast by Nine licensee GTV (GO!) in January
2010 were both incorrectly classified as AV. They contained scenes of sex and
nudity considered high in impact and not suitable for broadcast on commercial
television under the Commercial Television Industry Codes of Practice (the code).
Nine, which has a program supply deal with WIN, classified both episodes.
‘These incorrect classifications are of concern to the ACMA as they are particularly
obvious examples of breaches under the code for sex and nudity scenes, and
should have been easily identified and edited by Nine’s classifiers,’ said ACMA
Chairman, Chris Chapman. ‘These undertakings are aimed at creating an improved
classifications compliance culture at Nine and better oversighting at WIN, while
giving the ACMA an avenue to pursue further remedial action if necessary.’
In addition to editing or reclassifying future broadcasts of Dante’s Cove, the
undertakings offered by Nine and WIN include a range of training and reporting
activities. The Nine Network has also undertaken to ensure that all broadcast
material (other than films) that contain the classifiable element of sex that is strong
in impact, and therefore warrants a classification of MA or AV under the code, be
assessed by at least two classifiers.
ACMA has accepted the undertakings from both Nine and WIN licensees for a
period of two years.
The RTQ breach was the subject of a previous media release (MR60/2010) in May.
Remedial action on this breach was not finalised at the time as the investigation into
the later broadcast was already underway.
The undertakings can be viewed on the ACMA website [provide link].
Background material on broadcasting codes and how to make a complaint can be
found on the ACMA website.
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact: Donald
Robertson, Media Manager, on (02) 9334 7980, 0418 86 1766 or
media@acma.gov.au.
ACMA Media Release
135 /2010
Page 2 of 2
The ACMA is Australia’s regulator for broadcasting, the internet, radiocommunications and
telecommunications. The ACMA’s strategic intent is to make communications and media work in
Australia’s public interest. For more information: www.acma.gov.au.
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