‘C word’ lands Ramsay in Classification breach
This moment on Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmare, which included “the C word,” has Nine and WIN Television in trouble.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found the episode was incorrectly classified. Although it screened in an MA timeslot, it was classified as M.
ACMA found that Channel Nine South Australia Pty Ltd breached the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice on 6 March 2008, by broadcasting Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares – Secret Garden with an incorrect M (Mature) classification.
ACMA found that the program contained both aggressive coarse language and very coarse language, neither of which is permitted in M-classified programs. While the code allows frequent coarse language in M-classified programs (where it is particularly important to the storyline or program context) ACMA determined it was not justified in this case.
ACMA says the program should have been classified MA (Mature Audience).
‘In this instance, while classified M, the program was actually aired in the later MA classification time zone, where more impactful coarse language is permitted. Nevertheless, licensees are required to correctly classify programs to ensure that viewers are aware of the level of material they are likely to encounter in a program, and that the program is promoted at appropriate times,’said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.
ACMA is investigating a number of complaints about other Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares programs. Once all of these investigations have been completed, ACMA will dish out its action.
WARNING: Coarse language.
Both WIN and the Nine Network conceded that the program contained very coarse language that is not permissible in M-classified programs, and have confirmed that the very coarse language contained in the program will not be broadcast in any future programs.
Source: ACMA
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