The Facts of the Case
The CITY-TV program Fashion Television broadcast December 18, 1994, included several segments. The first and longest, (about 11 minutes), related to the New York designer Isaac Mizrahi. The second, considerably shorter (about 3 minutes), dealt with the launching of a book entitled Snaps by a former model, Ellen von Unworth. The third and fourth segments featured designer Anna Molinari and make-up artist Kenneth Aucoin.
A viewer, who had previously complained about Fashion Television was particularly troubled by the second segment. In her letter, she referred to her previous complaint and the fact that it had not been upheld by the CBSC. Her letter continued:
Since then I have watched Fashion TV on occasion and upon careful reflection I have come to the conclusion that I cannot let the issue rest. During the year of 1994 I viewed a story on Fashion TV which featured a model who also engaged in pornographic activities. Naked pornographic female images where shown. The nakedness was not restricted to showing the breasts and buttocks, but it included the exposure of the model's vagina. I realize that I cannot write a formal complaint regarding that particular show since the time limit has expired, however, I do wish to write a formal letter of complaint against a recent episode.
On Sunday December 18,1994 at 6:30 p.m. CITY TV aired a story on "Fashion" which featured a discussion with a photographer whose work was shown on television. Several of the photographer's pictures were presented including:
1. Two women standing side by side whose top garments were pulled up to expose their breasts.
2. A woman who wore an outfit whose straps were positioned between her bare breasts. The camera moved slowly from her face down to her chest and focused on her breasts for a few seconds.
3. A woman sprawled in a chair exposing her bare breasts.
4. Two women engaged in a passionate kiss, their bare breasts pressed against one another as they held in an embrace.
5. A topless female.
6. A naked woman whose vagina was shown as well.
These photographic images are out of context since they are related to the photographer's work rather than what women today are wearing. As well, Fashion TV is shown each Saturday and Sunday on CITY TV at 6:30 p.m. These are prime time family viewing hours and it is highly inappropriate for such sexually explicit material to be shown on television.
CITY-TV's Program Director responded on February 3, 1995 in the following terms:
We cannot agree with your assessment of Fashion Television. FT is one of Canada's most successful syndicated shows appearing all over the world and nominated for numerous awards. It may be your perception that it exploits women but it is certainly not its intent. We report on fashion shows as they happen and we do not equate nudity with pornography. Fashion and photography to our mind are art and we would no more condemn designers and photographers and their stylists than we would any other artist who chooses to represent the human form. FT has never suggested nor do we believe that we should be obsessed by, or controlled by, fashion. We often even make fun of how the fashion world can sometimes take itself too seriously.
FT has run many stories on the power of being a woman and the power that comes from believing in yourself, not just in your physical being. It never has purported that the outside image of clothes and makeup is the most important part of anyone's self worth. We have had on feminists such as Gloria Steinem and Naomi Wolfe discussing this and other topics. Their views on feminism did not seem to clash with their concept of fashion ? as confident women who are cognizant of their self worth despite fashion and because of it. We have run stories, for example, on super model Gabrielle Reese who discussed her feelings on being a model, the part it plays in her psyche and the importance of self esteem based on intelligence, education etc. We recently aired a story about photographer and former model Matouchka and how she dealt with her breast cancer and the fashion industry's reaction to her after a mastectomy.
FT is not just about fashion, as you suggest. It is also about style and art and so we report on photography and architecture as part of the show. We believe our audience to be an intelligent one who wants to see more than just fashion as defined by clothing. It would be a disservice to the models and photographers to assume that they are not aware of their roles both in society and on the runway. In the case of the show you cited, the photographer is a woman who used to be a model herself ? and by the model's own admission during the story, is someone who makes them feel comfortable and spontaneous. They felt there was a sense of fun as opposed to vulgarity in her work which makes them feel free and feminine. These are artistic expressions of the human form, sexy with a sense of humour, not sexist and may we suggest that most of our urban viewing adult audience believes the same. FT has been on at the same time for 9 years and we have had only a handful of complaints.
The viewer was unsatisfied with this response and requested, on February 23, that the CBSC refer the matter to the appropriate Regional Council for adjudication.
You Be the Judge - How will the CBSC Resolve This Matter?
