*Note: This space will often focus on how issues of popular culture will play a role in shaping the upcoming GOP '12 presidential primary.
The Parents Telvision Council (PTC) "condemned Comcast/NBC Universal for its blatant attempt to obliterate any remaining standards of broadcast decency with its pilot 'The Playboy Club.'" At issue was the nudity clause that actors of the television show were required to sign.
While such clauses are often common in shows that air on channels such as Showtime at night, they are often unheard of for shows that air on broadcoast television in primetime, which is where "The Playboy Club" would air if NBC picks up a full season.
“During last year’s public comment period for the Comcast/NBC merger, the PTC called on the FCC to force Comcast to stipulate that it absolutely will not use the public airwaves to distribute pornographic material…the public interest demands no less.’ NBC now says it will air a pilot with ‘Playboy’ in its name and the production company is requiring performers to sign a nudity clause - something virtually unheard of for broadcast TV. The ink isn’t even dry yet on the company merger and we’re already saying ‘we told you so,’” said PTC president Tim Winter in a press release.
Winter added: “Not only did the Commission fail miserably in its oversight role for the merger, but now we see just how flippant the company’s executives were with their public interest promises. Either they cannot distinguish the difference between Showtime and broadcast television, or they are choosing to ignore those differences. Every parent in America should be concerned, and every regulator involved in the oversight process should be ashamed.
According to Variety, the nudity clause stipulates that "nudity as defined above and/or simulated sex acts may be required in connection with player's services in the pilot and/or series." Such a clause, according to Variety, would give producers "leeway to shoot graphic scenes that may not get past NBC's standards and practices."
While such scenes would have to be edited and cut to air on broadcast television, they could be profitable in the future if added to DVDs or sold to international audiences.
HUMAN EVENTS has confirmed from an entertainment lawyer who works within the industry that such a clause is indeed rare for any show that is expected to air on broadcast television.
The Playboy Club, which will center around a Chicago lawyer who has access to the exclusive club, will presumably start airing in the fall of 2011, right when the the 2012 presidential campaign on the GOP side will be in full swing.
This is an issue that campaigns will monitor.
