Shortland Street sex okay but Akon not

Steamy sex on Shortland Street is allowed but American rapper Akon's fully clothed romp on stage with a 14-year-old girl was too racy for Kiwi couch potatoes, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has ruled.

The Shortland Street scene, which featured Maia (Anna Jullienne) and Mark (Tim Foley) semi-clothed and making "loud sexual noises" under bed covers, lasted eight seconds till Maia awoke to realise it was a dream.

Viewer Michelle Denley complained about the scene broadcast in May, saying the sexual content was inappropriate for the 7pm soap.

TVNZ responded that the programme was built around human relationships – including sexual relationships – and argued that no explicit sex was shown.

The authority did not uphold the complaint, saying the scene was relevant to the storyline and in good taste.

Simulated sex on the C4 music channel also attracted a complaint after a clothed Akon gyrated over a 14-year- old girl at a concert.

Broadcaster CanWest TV Works received a complaint from a viewer who said the warning which preceded the item "did not suggest it would be so disturbing ... a man raping a 14-year-old girl as entertainment".

The complaint said standards relating to the protection of children, portrayal of violence, fairness and accuracy had been breached.

The authority upheld the children's interest and violence complaints and said the 8.25pm timeslot was normally accepted as children's viewing time and the item lacked an appropriate introduction and warning.

- © Fairfax NZ News