DFL is delighted with the final outcome of the court case against On Digital Media t/a StarSat aka TopTV.
Firstly, the challenge by DFL and 2 other applicants (CFJ and JASA) against ICASA’s decision to allow the broadcast of pornography in SA on television was upheld by Judge Lee Bozalek in the Cape High Court.
Secondly, the leave to appeal by ODM was denied by Judge Bozalek on the 3 Nov 2014. This sent a strong message to those who wish to bring pornography into the public domain that there are many South Africans who strongly object to the spreading of pornography especially where there is a real danger that children will as a result be exposed to it with the resultant detrimental effects on society at large.
Thirdly, the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein, on the 17 March 2015, dismissed with costs the application of ODM to appeal against the Cape High Court decision.
Last but not least ODM has decided not to appeal this decision to the Constitutional Court.
On Digital Media ceased all broadcasts of pornographic material on 26 March 2015. All South Africans can at least know that our children will not have even more access to porn through TV.
Porn is already so easily available for free via cell phones and the internet; “PORN” is the 4th most searched word on the internet by children under the age of 15. This is a shocking statistic which proves to demonstrate that a lot more needs to be done to stop this epidemic that affects all corners of society and does not discriminate between anyone, rich or poor, male or female of all race groups. The sad thing is that it will always be our children that are affected the most whether directly or indirectly – Pornography is the fuel for abusive behaviors.]]>
