Media Release

25 November 2008

Thirty eight advertisers dump Californication

Thirty eight advertisers have instructed Channel 10 not to run their advertisements during the sleazy US cable television show Californication, which is two thirds the way though its second series of 12 episodes.  Channel 10 began screening Californication at 9.30 pm on Sundays but has pushed it back to 10.30 pm due to its failure to attract ratings and advertisers in the earlier timeslot.

The advertisers have responded to requests from community action groups Salt Shakers and FamilyVoice Australia.  Californication's lead actor David Duchovny was recently in rehab for sex addiction which therapists say may have been exacerbated by his role.  A NSW psychiatrist who treats people with sex addiction told FamilyVoice Australia that the increasing availability of pornography - including TV shows like Californication - is doing great damage to marriages and families.

A representative of a firm which pulled out recently said: "... the commercial that appeared in Californication was a bonus placement from the Australian Idol schedule we booked with 10.  I've spoken to the schedule clerk at 10 regards bonuses and she now knows not to place any in that show."  Several companies said that Channel 10 had run their advertisement during Californication despite being requested not to have ads broadcast during this or similar programs.

Channel 10 suffered some embarrassment when it screened several community service advertisements during the first episode of Californication broadcast in the later 10.30 pm timeslot. Community groups are grateful for Channel 10's support but some were appalled to have their work promoted during such a sleazy program. Channel 10 quickly guaranteed that no further community service advertisements would be screened during this program.

Richard Egan from FamilyVoice Australia has lodged a complaint with Channel 10 alleging that episode 5 of the series violated the classification code because it contained unrestrained verbal references and depictions to sexual violence. [The main character Hank Moody expressed his desire "to f---" a woman and "punch her in the face".]

The Australian Communications and Media Authority upheld a similar complaint from Mr Egan about an episode in the first series.

Mrs Jenny Stokes from Salt Shakers said: "We hope Channel 10 is getting the message that Californication is completely unsuitable for free-to-air TV. Responsible companies do not want their products or services associated with this type of program."

Further comment:

A list of advertisers who have pulled their advertisements from Californication is available on request from Jenny Stokes.