No porn shown on local cable

Thursday, Nov. 30, 2000 | 11:15 a.m.

Cox Communications Las Vegas isn't offering hard-core pornography on any of its channels, local spokesman Steve Schorr says.

What adult programming is available -- on Playboy and Spice channels -- is offered on a pay-per-view basis to ensure that the content has been invited into the household. Schorr said new digital technology has even more safeguards than the old analog system, like password-protected reception, to prevent adult programming from being viewed by minors.

The adult programming offered in Las Vegas are cable-edited versions of films, which are sanctioned by the National Cable Television Association, which advocates against the programming of X-rated films.

Asked if Cox is missing a profitable venture in not offering X-rated shows, Schorr said Las Vegas is no different than any other major market around the country, but that the local cable outlet has made a business decision not to offer that programming.

The Greenspun family, owner of the Sun, is a minority investor in the Las Vegas Cox system.