AnalProbe

by George Buttwrinkle, Sydney.

Pornographic television channels are allegedly being illegally broadcast into Australia via satellite.

It is believed Australians are able to watch the channels by purchasing a so called "smart card" on the Internet that enables their satellite to pick up the broadcast.

Four shows are currently under investigation by the Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA).

Authority spokesman Jenny Brigg says any Australians caught selling the cards will find themselves in court.

"It's illegal to broadcast that content into Australia and if you're doing it with a smart card, well that, that's just the way that you're doing it," she said.

"It's actually illegal when they're being broadcast via satellite into Australia so the laws are quite clear about that.

"What is harder is if we find that it is someone from overseas what we can actually do to enforce those laws."