Television Decency
There is a
need to awaken the sleeping giant. When so much of the media around us reflects
poor values, we may begin to think that we are some miniscule minority fighting
a massive wave of prurient, popular taste. The numbers, however, don’t bear
that perception out. PG and PG-13 movies consistently outperform raunchy, rated
R movies. The recent and massive popularity of the The History Channel’s Bible
series also reveals the existence of a large audience thirsty for wholesome
entertainment.
Proposed Changes to TV Decency
Standards
You may have
read about the FCC proposing to lower its standards when punishing indecency on
broadcast television. As I read it, to reduce the backlog of indecency cases
they have to adjudicate, they would like to only review cases where there is
"deliberate and repetitive" use of indecent profanity and nudity as
opposed to isolated, infrequent instances. I would assume, then, if a potty
mouthed movie star decides to drop the F bomb during the Oscars, they won't
treat that incident as significant. Or if a TV show wants to show someone's
bare buttocks (as NYPD Blue did years ago), they don't want to deal with the
complaints.
What To Do?
The FCC is
looking for comments and you should give them. You and your family and your
neighbors have more power than you think -- and remember that there are a lot
of you. Communicate your displeasure over filthy TV and filthy movies by
withholding your money, clicking the change channel (or off) button, and giving
your opinion in whatever forum you can. Make your statement and spread the
word!
Here is a
link to submit your comments to the FCC. Today is the last day they are
accepting comments on their proposed changes
Brian Fuller
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