Channel 4 Pulls MAFS Australia Episodes from Streaming but Keeps Them on Linear TV
UK broadcaster pulls streaming episodes following reports that several male contestants had prior convictions or allegations of violence, assault or drug use.
BBC NewsChannel 4 removed all UK episodes of Married at First Sight Australia from its streaming service All 4 after a BBC News investigation published Saturday reported that several male contestants had prior convictions or allegations of violence, assault or drug use.
The same episodes remain available on the main Channel 4 linear service. Channel 4 stated it is not involved in the production of MAFS Australia and has no editorial control or input into its making, but ensures any version it transmits adheres to the Ofcom Broadcasting Code.
Nine MAFS Australia stars told the BBC they wanted the show to improve its background checks and stop allowing individuals with previous convictions on the show. Ofcom called the allegations deeply concerning and said it would expect Channel 4 to take account of them in its ongoing reviews into contributor care.
The regulator added that it awaits the findings of Channel 4's review, which it will consider alongside all other evidence made available to it.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority acknowledged the serious and disturbing matters raised by former participants. ACMA said its jurisdiction is limited to investigating whether broadcast content complies with relevant industry codes of practice and noted there are no provisions about the treatment of programme participants in those codes.
Channel 4 has commissioned an external review into contributor welfare on MAFS UK, which is due back later this summer.
MAFS UK is made by a different production company from the Australian version. Channel 9 and Endemol Shine Australia, which produces MAFS Australia, stated there is a structured, multi-stage checking process that every participant must complete and clear, including police and criminal-history checks in each declared country of residence, independent clinical psychological assessment, medical screening, disclosure supported by a statutory declaration, and legal and digital due diligence.
