TV3 rapped for showing sexually explicit drama

TV3 has been rapped by the broadcasting watchdog for showing a sexually explicit episode of hospital drama Chicago Hope in the middle of the day, it was revealed yesterday.

But RTÉ avoided any criticism over a controversial Late Late Show interview with American paedophile Jake Goldenflame despite complaints from viewers that host Pat Kenny acted unprofessionally.

Even though one viewer described it as a complete insult to all who had the misfortune to watch it, and claimed Kenny failed to ask the tough questions, the Broadcasting Complaints Commission said it was fair and impartial.

However the complaint against TV3 concerning the Chicago Hope show was upheld.

It aired at 2.35pm last September 20 and focussed on a teenage girl who contracted a sexually transmitted infection from her 31-year-old live-in boyfriend.

One viewer, Paul Bennett, contacted the Broadcasting Complaints Commission (BCC) claiming the episode condoned child abuse, gave out a message that it is acceptable and that sex offenders could take comfort from that.

The BCC upheld the complaint, and while it accepted a warning had been broadcast before the episode, the board added: “The content of this broadcast was sexually explicit, entirely adult in nature. It was not suitable for viewing by children.

“Therefore, the Commission was of the view that this particular episode should have been broadcast after the watershed.”

In its defence, TV3 said the programme material was neither graphic nor gratuitous.

Channel bosses told the BCC that the afternoon slot was used as children are at school and that the series is aimed squarely at stay-at-home adults — a common practice across western Europe.

TV3 said less than 5% of the audience at this time were under 18.

Management also said the programme does not send any message and that it deals with the issue of child abuse in a thoughtful manner.