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ITC unveils proposals for pyschic practices

Following last May's decision to revise its ban on the portrayal of occult and psychic practices on TV, triggered by two shows on LivingTV, UK watchdog ITC has unveiled its new proposals.

The proposed revisions to the Programming Code would enable some demonstrations of clairvoyance, clairaudience and similar practices in an entertainment context, as well as in investigative programmes.

The ITC proposes to draw a line between occult practices, such as exorcisms and invocations of spirits, and less 'Satanic' psychic phenomena like palmistry and mind-reading.

Under the new proposals, the former category should not be included in non-investigative shows, unless in a fictional setting, or in pre-watershed slots. The latter can be included if clearly marked as entertainment.

{When presented for entertainment purposes, measures should include announcements before and at the end of programmes to indicate their nature as entertainment, and appropriate acknowledgement of the existence of differing opinions as to the true nature of clairaudience and clairvoyance,{ said the ITC proposals.

Shows with psychic elements shouldn't offer specific advice to members of the public, said the ITC, not should they air when too many kids are watching, {although a fantasy setting may justify such a [pre-watershed] scheduling.{

With the burgeoning paranormal genre expanding into gameshows and reality formats on cabsat and terrestrial channels, the proposals are an attempt to clarify this murky area to protect children from upsetting or troubling material. Respondents have until 19 September to submit their views to the ITC.

In May, the ITC ruled that two programmes on the Living TV, Crossing Over and 6ixth Sense, were in breach of the Programme Code, but allowed them to continue so long as they were clearly marked as entertainment.

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