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Online Only: Rape scenes in recent TV dramas within guidelines, says MDA
by Ginny Goh, Head (Broadcast and New Media), Media Content and Standards Division, Media Development Authority
Updated 12:04 AM Jul 01, 2009

We refer to Ang Eng Hwa's letter "Too Many Rape scenes?" (TODAY Online, 29 June 2009) regarding rape scenes on TV and whether the regulator would consider censoring such scenes before they are broadcast on TV.

We would like to take this opportunity to clarify that the Media Development Authority (MDA) does not pre-censor programmes broadcast on TV.  Broadcasters are guided by the programme codes issued by MDA which outline content standards that have to be observed for television broadcast. These codes are drawn up in consultation with the community and the industry in order to reflect social and community values and expectations, and are updated on a regular basis to take into account evolving community standards.  
With regard to the recent rape scenes on local dramas "Fighting Spiders" and "Red Thread", MDA has assessed the scenes and found them to be brief, non-explicit and relevant to the development of the dramas' storylines. As such, they are within the guidelines for programmes shown on free-to-air channels during family viewing hours. We however recognise that the back--back scheduling of two dramas on the same evening containing scenes of such a nature would increase their impact on viewers, and will reiterate to the broadcaster to be more mindful when scheduling such programmes.

We thank the writer for the feedback.


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