Cignal TV’s appeal on “Private Convos With Doc Rica” suspension rejected by MTRCB
PRIVATE CONVOS WITH DOC RICA – The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) rejected Cignal TV Inc.’s appeal regarding the suspension of its show.
This decision, announced on March 14, confirms the MTRCB’s previous ruling to stop the program from airing. The board emphasized that the show “solely caters to ‘sensational interests'” and aims to protect children from inappropriate content that could affect the quality of television and influence children’s moral development.
Private Convos with Doc Rica, hosted by therapist Dr. Rica Cruz, explores topics related to closeness and personal well-being. Despite airing on One News since May 2023, the MTRCB deemed it unsuitable for broadcast due to its failure to comply with rating guidelines and its detailed discussions on personal experiences and fantasies.
The MTRCB’s Monitoring and Inspection Unit (MIU) identified specific episodes, including one from September 6, 2023, for their detailed content, which included discussions on “self-care, personal closeness, and oral intimacy.” Complaints from concerned parents further prompted the MTRCB’s action, leading to hearings where program representatives defended their content.
After careful consideration, the MTRCB maintained its view that Private Convos with Doc Rica lacked educational or social value and was unsuitable for its medium and time slot. Despite claims that the show aimed to normalize discussions around closeness, the MTRCB remained firm in its decision, emphasizing the need to protect young viewers from exposure to such content during times when children are likely to be watching.
The MTRCB criticized the program for failing to implement appropriate ratings despite knowing that it was unsuitable for young audiences. In contrast, Cruz argued in February that censorship could reinforce societal shame and stigma surrounding discussions on personal topics.
Meanwhile, the MTRCB is a government agency in the Philippines responsible for reviewing and classifying movies, television programs, and other audio-visual materials to ensure they adhere to established content standards and regulations. The MTRCB aims to protect viewers, especially children, from potentially harmful or inappropriate content and to promote responsible media broadcasting in the country.
Related Post: Private Convos with Doc Rica Suspended by MTRCB for Mature Content
