Satellite TV provider TopTV has denied media reports that it will be running the PSat.TV adult channel on its bouquet.
In a statement, the channel denies any association with PSat.TV, saying: "TopTV would like it placed on record that it is not currently nor has it been in the past, in any discussions with PSat.TV regarding an adult content channel to be carried via the TopTV platform, nor is it in any way associated with PSat.TV.
"TopTV is not aware of, and neither has it approved, the channel referred to... nor has such a service been discussed with or condoned by TopTV."
PSat.TV is due to launch on South African television screens in January 2012 and John Solomon of African Satellite Installations (ASI), which works with PSat, was quoted in one report as saying viewers would have to unplug their TopTV decoders, replacing it with PSat decoders.
Said Marius Liebenberg, TopTV's senior sales and marketing VP: "PSat.TV is misusing and misrepresenting the TopTV brand in the market place. We have already made urgent submissions to the relevant industry bodies and regulators and will be launching legal proceedings against PSat.TV."
Despite no association with PSat, Top TV says it will be adding adult content channels to its service.
TopTV says: "They will carry a strictly enforced R18 age restriction, and will only be accessible as a secure, encrypted and separate subscription package on the pay-TV platform."
On-Digital Media, TopTV's holding company, has applied for authorisation from Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) to add three new video channels to their bouquet, which will be available as a separate subscription. Potential subscribers would need to provide proof that they are over the age of 18.
Liebenberg says: "Television viewers have the right to choose what content they view in the privacy of their own homes... We have established that there is a niche market for such a service and are ensuring that we offer it to potential subscribers in a responsible and secure environment."
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