AUSTRALIA TIGHTENS UP ON TV VIOLENCE
By Adnews Staff
Australia is getting tougher on TV violence. The Federation of Commercial Television Stations has reviewed its code of practice and has added a more strict classification called AV (for Adult Violent). It will be introduced to cover programs and films that are too violent under the present highest rating which is MA (Mature Audiences). Films such as Pulp Fiction and Basic Instinct would be rated AV and could not be shown before 9:30 p.m. News and current affairs crews will have to take all possible steps to ensure victims are not identified before families have been notified by authorities. They will also have to show appropriate regard for the feelings of relatives and views when including images of dead or seriously wounded people. In addition, several children's TV programs have been banned from advertising products.