Viewers 'reject' TV censorship

Banned horror movie The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was recently broadcast on C4

A new poll on film censorship suggests four out of five viewers would rather censor their own viewing, rather than watch poorly cut films.

The study, Making Sense of Censorhip, found that three quarters of those surveyed thought cuts in movies shown on television were the least appropriate methods of controlling content.

The new poll, based on 900 interviews, was commissioned by Film Four to tie in with a conference on attitudes to censorship at London's Institute of Contemporary Arts on Friday.

It shows middle-England is more informed and wants to make it's own choices about what they watch

Nick Jones, Channel 4

Eighty two percent of those polled believed they should be able to make up their own mind what their household watches.

But most stressed that clear information should be given regarding the film's content and suitability.

Particular concern was paid to children, with 98% of adult respondents saying it was their responsiblity to monitor family viewing.

Eyes Wide Shut was cut after Kubrick's death

Significantly, 65% of those polled were more concerned about effective censorship on the internet, rather than on television and in films.

"This puts the emphasis on facts rather than pre-conceived myths," said Nick Jones, head of film programming for Channel 4 and FilmFour.

"It shows middle England is more informed and wants to make its own choices about what they watch - based on information and not the intervention of a 'nanny state'.

"It is now time to take a hard look at confused legislation that assumes there is such a thing as 'the moral majority'," he added.

Channel 4 recently showed the controversial film Lars Von Trier film The Idiots without cuts.

The film included footage of real sex, but the screen was pixillated to prevent viewers from seeing what was going on.