Tuesday 21 February 2006
South Park Episode To Screen Immediately
In response to high levels of debate surrounding South Park’s “Bloody Mary” episode, C4 has decided to screen the
episode tomorrow night (Wednesday 22 February at 9.30pm).
“Given that by far the majority of those involved in the debate have not had the opportunity to view the episode, we
feel it is important to give the public of New Zealand that chance,” said TVWorks Chief Operating Officer, Rick Friesen.
“I strongly believe once people see this programme in the context of the entire episode, many New Zealanders will wonder
what all the fuss was about.
South Park is a US produced satirical, adult cartoon. It uses satirical humour to challenge society standards and
values. It is satire directed at various groups in society including: teachers, police, drunks, Alcoholics Anonymous,
Canadians, Americans and vegetarians.
“We screen this episode confident it meets the requirements of the Television Code approved by the Broadcasting
Standards Authority,” said Mr Friesen.
“We also acknowledge some viewers may not enjoy this episode of South Park. I would encourage any viewers who feel they
may not appreciate its style of humour to act with their remote, and not watch the programme. We would not expect
viewers who feel this way to be typical C4 viewers, or South Park viewers in the first place,” he said.
“As a broadcaster we acknowledge the responsibilities we have to show good judgement. We also acknowledge the importance
of the right for the public to choose whether they view something or not.
“Watching, or not watching this episode of South Park is a democratic choice and New Zealanders now have the right to
decide for themselves,” Mr Friesen said.
ENDS