Top Model trailer too sexy for standards' watchdog

A TVB advert showing model wannabes covering their breasts with only their hands has been ruled unsuitable for broadcasting during family viewing time.

The Broadcasting Authority yesterday said the television trailer for America's Next Top Model featured nude women, and one of the voiceover expressions carried a strong sexual implication.

The serialised American reality show featuring a model contest hosted by supermodel Tyra Banks was broadcast on TVB Pearl but the advert was shown on TVB Jade on November 25 last year, between 7pm and 8pm. The authority ruled the portrayals were 'gratuitous and not contextually justified' for promoting a programme on a model contest.

It gave 'strong advice' to TVB to observe more closely the relevant code of practice on the family viewing policy, indecent materials, the depiction of sex and nudity and the protection of children.

A TVB spokeswoman said the broadcaster thought the portrayal was 'within the bounds of morality and was acceptable for broadcast within family viewing hours'. This was one of five broadcasts that sparked complaints mentioned in an authority statement yesterday.

In a separate case, TVB was advised to observe more closely the relevant codes on the treatment of animals. A man held a struggling rabbit by its ears in a scene in Virtues Of Harmony II, on Jade on November 9 between 9pm and 9.30pm.