The Italian Communication Authority has banned softcore porn from the nation's airwaves. Effective in two weeks time, the decision will force about 500 stations from Italian TV, with a 50,000 Euro fine for those who violate the new law.
Variety estimated the viewing audience for soft-porn in Italy at an average of one million viewers nightly. According to the Variety report, Italy's permissive TV porn policy has been famed since the 1980s when Silvio Berlusconi-owned channels began airing the topless quiz show "Tutti Frutti."
The Rupert Murdoch-owned Sky Italia will be the only channel permitted to airing adult content with the network's "Hot" pay-channels.