The f-word is used 80 times in one 45-minute episode of ‘Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares’ screened at 8.30 pm on Channel Nine (March 2008); a woman is anally raped during an episode of Channel Nine’s ‘Underbelly’ also screened at 8.30 pm (March 2008); Channel Ten’s ‘Californication’, billed as the ‘filthiest show on television’ is screened at 9.45 pm but promoted to children watching ‘Australian Idol’ in an earlier timeslot (late 2007); PG programs frequently include couples in bed together and increasing levels of violence . . .

This is the state of our television screens. TV networks are continually pushing the boundaries of acceptable programming as part of their insatiable quest for ratings. It probably comes as little surprise that now they want to make things even worse.

Their representative body, Free TV Australia, is doing a review of the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice and surprise, surprise, most of their proposals aren’t good. Not only do they want to make it easier to promote and broadcast programs full of smut and violence, but they want to stifle complaints from people who don’t like it.

But can we do anything about it? Yes, we can and we need to. We have a rare opportunity to have a say – but only up until September 25. So please let Free TV Australia know that, when it comes to sex, violence and demeaning behaviour on the box, it’s time for a break in transmission!

What are the issues?

Free TV Australia has invited the public to comment on the new draft of the Code of Practice they have put together. We’ve had a close look at the proposed Code and believe there are seven main issues we need to voice our concerns on if we want the standards displayed on our television screens to get better, not worse. Please click here to go to our 'Get Informed' section to find out about the seven issues and what can be done about them. This section also provides links to the draft Code and other information.

Please scroll down and send off a submission to Free TV Australia about their proposed Code of Practice.

In your words/consider these points:

• The TV classification guidelines need to be strengthened so that they set clear and specific limits and don’t give TV networks so much leeway.
• The current G-rated programming periods on TV should continue to apply to free-to-air digital multi-channels.
• There should be greater – not less – restrictions on the promotion of M, MA and AV programs at times when children may be watching TV. MA and AV programs should only be promoted after 8.30 pm and M-rated programs only after 7.30 pm (or during M-rated time slots).
• Reject proposed changes to the guidelines for MA programs which would mean sex scenes no longer have to be “discreet” and they “may contain detail”.
• The revised Code says reality TV participants can’t be presented in a “highly demeaning or highly exploitative manner”. Get rid of the word “highly” as participants shouldn’t be demeaned or exploited at all!
• Complaints shouldn’t be stifled. Reject the changes which would do this and say it should be possible to lodge complaints via email instead of only fax or post.
• TV stations should be more accountable. Section 1.5 of the Code should be changed so that there aren’t so many grounds for a breach of the Code to be excused.