Prime-tv Lesbian Porn Ban (Press, 24 October 1988)

On 24 October 1988, France’s legal oversight body, the Council of State, issued a ban on a lesbian pornographic film from being broadcast during prime-time hours, specifically threatening a fine of one million francs (approximately $263,247) if the film was aired before 10.30 p.m. The private television channel, La Cinq, had intended to air "Joy and Joan," directed by Jacques Saurel, at 8.30 p.m. This film was the third in a series of adult films scheduled to be shown in prime time. However, a reviewing committee deemed that showing the film would "show disrespect for childhood and adolescence," leading La Cinq to announce a rescheduling. The controversy followed a previous broadcast of the American film "Joy," which had aired a week earlier and successfully attracted 20 per cent of all French television viewers, setting a record for La Cinq, which had been in operation for three years. This surge in viewership, however, drew criticism from television watchdogs, who accused the channel of exploiting sexual content to boost its audience ratings. Despite the backlash, La Cinq's managing director noted that only seven viewers out of the seven million who watched "Joy" had lodged complaints about its content. Furthermore, it was reported that nearly all of the five major French television channels provide weekly "sexy" programming during late-night hours.

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