TV body kept abreast of boob

ATV'S accidental broadcast of a topless darts match during lunchtime news was referred to the Broadcasting Authority yesterday.

The station is blaming sabotage for an item on a fire in Germany which switched to a clip of two women on an Australian beach.

After receiving 35 complaints from stunned viewers, the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority sent the case to the Broadcasting Authority Complaints Committee.

The authority has written to ATV and invited it to make representations before any recommendation is made to the Broadcasting Authority which has the power to fine, issue warnings or advice.

ATV news controller Leung Yu-shing said: 'It's not a technical error, it must be sabotage.' Every tape used for broadcast was blank and editing errors could not have lasted for the six seconds the topless women were on air on Friday.

The station had not yet decided whether to report it to police. Staff who had handled the tape have been on leave without pay.