30 January 2008

HILVERSUM – Public broadcasters BNN and the VPRO will air the film Deep Throat on Saturday 23 February despite protest from Minister André Rouvoet. They will not give in to the Youth and Family Affairs minister's "moral appeal" against airing the porn film. BNN told press agency ANP this on Tuesday.

Rouvoet said on RTL Nieuws that he wanted to investigate whether he can block the film from being broadcast. He also made a "moral appeal" to the broadcasters' "responsibility to society."

BNN thinks the fuss about the film is "exaggerated and unnecessary." The public broadcasters say they are aware of their responsibility as broadcast media. The companies have reiterated that the film will be preceded by a special edition of Spuiten & Slikken (a controversial programme on drugs, sex and other ‘taboo' topics) and the documentary Inside Deep Throat.

Minister for Media Ronald Plasterk says the broadcasters are at liberty to air the film. Liberal VVD MP Johan Remkes says he doesn't understand Rouvoet's attitude and points out that the television does have an on/off switch.

[Copyright Expatica News + ANP 2008]

Subject: Dutch news