SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO : Cox Will Scramble Adult TV Programs

Cox Communications officials said Tuesday that they will begin scrambling adult cable TV shows for all customers except those who request the programming.

Hundreds of South County residents had protested the broadcast of “Out Late With Ricky D,” which appears on Saturdays at midnight and features scantily clad models and women doing stripteases.

Cox had argued that blocking out the syndicated program would have amounted to illegal censorship. A federal appeals court in Washington, however, ruled June 6 that cable companies can preview questionable programming and apply community standards to any adult content.

Beginning Aug. 31, customers who want to see “Out Late” and other adult programming may request in writing that the cable company unscramble their signals.

“This new court ruling has given us latitude, flexibility and control over this type of programming,” Cox spokesperson Carol Starcevic said. “It allows us to comply with the law.”

Officials of South County cities praised Cox’s decision.

“I’m very relieved,” said Cindy Greengold, a member of the Laguna Hills City Council.

Greengold, who has four children ranging in age from 8 to 15, said: “I have kept my kids from watching any TV past midnight because of that show. And no sleep-overs.”