Multichoice is assuring that its programming complies with the law in all Jurisdictions that it operates.
“In tandem with our internal quality control measures, we also ensure all third party suppliers are adequately briefed on country-specific regulatory requirements and provisions,” Multichoice said in a statement.
This comes on the back of the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) on Thursday morning banned several children programs on the pay television, DSTV and GOTV that are said to promote homosexuality.
The banned programs include Loud House, the Legend of Korra and Hey Arnold, which are animation TV shows aired on the Nickelodeon channels. Others are Steven Universe and Adventure Time on Cartoon Network, another channel available on DSTV and GOTV.
Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa, responding on Nickelodeon and Nicktoons channels acknowledged the concerns expressed by customers and said it will suspend the shows in question in Africa.
Find below the full statement
CHILDREN’S TV PROGRAMMES ON NICKELODEON, NICKTOONS AND CARTOON NETWORK
Multichoice takes pride in ensuring that we comply with the law in all Jurisdictions that we operate in and are mindful that culture is the foundation of the nation as family values underpin the society.
In tandem with our internal quality control measures, we also ensure all third party suppliers are adequately briefed on country specific regulatory requirements and provisions. MultiChoice has therefore contacted the Channel Suppliers on the various recent complaints made against the Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and Nicktoons channels with regards to their programming and wish to clarify as below:
Turner with regards to the Cartoon Network channel:
“With respect to the issues raised by customers, we ensure our channels and programming are suitable for children and do not contain the content and messages unsuitable. In Africa, as in all markets, we always seek to be respectful of local laws, cultures and sensitivities and, in some instances, this means we do show amended versions of US original series. We constantly review feedback from our audiences to ensure that this is the case and this is a responsibility that we take extremely seriously.”
Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa response on Nickelodeon and Nicktoons channels:
“We acknowledge the concerns expressed by customers. While we explore a variety of options, we will suspend the shows in question in Africa. Although, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa and Nickelodeon Africa are committed to diversity and inclusiveness, VIMN also respects the varied cultures and regulatory codes of the markets in which we operate.”
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Source: Multichoice