TV programme "Californication"

There has been considerable comment on the programme “Californication”, the first episode of which screened last Thursday on TV3.

The broadcaster's PR spin describes this programme, euphemistically, as ‘edgy’. Once again they appear to be pushing the boundaries to test how far they can go in disregarding broadcasting codes that require standards of decency and good taste to be upheld.

This is not surprising. There are several recent examples of our statutory bodies failing to enforce these standards. This has encouraged belief that broadcasting codes can be breached with impunity. The Christian faith in particular has been seen as an easy target.The opening scene in “Californication” where a sex act takes place before a crucifix in a Catholic Church, by a woman dressed as a nun, is an example of this.

“Californication” raises two significant questions, among others:

Would TV3 broadcast a similarly plotted scene set in a mosque, involving a burqa-clad woman?

Does our society, concerned about our declining moral standards which encourage violence, drug and alcohol addiction, sexual promiscuity, the degrading of women and disrespect for authority, need to see it all dished up so explicitly on mainstream television?

It is encouraging to learn that at the time of writing six advertisers have withdrawn their advertising from this programme.

ENDS

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