Ann Arbor, Michigan – Comcast says an advertising program that prompted viewer complaints about scantily dressed women promoting strip bars and adult videos doesn’t violate the cable company’s indecency guidelines.
Some viewers recently complained about the late-night videos, which contain partial nudity and were shown during weekends on basic cable Channel 15 in the Ann Arbor area.
Those who complained said they were offended by the what they considered pornographic images of women dancing in strip clubs and simulating sex acts.
Comcast leases airtime on the channel to various businesses, including Novi-based Falcomm Communications.
Falcomm produces advertisements for a line of adult entertainment videos and metro area clubs.
“In looking at it, it doesn’t violate the indecency policy,” said Jerome Espy, spokesman for Comcast’s Michigan operations.
“We’ll continue to watch to make sure it doesn’t.”
Comcast said companies that lease airtime must follow decency standards established by the Federal Communications Commission.
The video segments were not broadcast last weekend and are not likely to air this weekend because Comcast has told Falcomm to edit out Comcast’s logo, which appears at the beginning of the programing, Espy said.
Falcomm’s president Dick Vitale, could not be reached for comment.
He has previously said his programming does not violate indecency laws.
Much of the airtime for Channel 15 is sold to the Ann Arbor-based Home Preview Channel.
The preview channel displays advertisements of homes for sale in southeast Michigan.
A Home Preview Channel manager has indicated disapproval of Falcomm’s content, which follows the real estate ads.
The Ann Arbor Cable Commission, which maintains the Community Television Network or CTN, has no control over Channel 15.