WASHINGTON
- U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback today held a news conference to discuss the
positive findings of a recently-released analysis of the television industry
by the Parents Television Council.
"Today, the
children of our country have great access to many different forms of
entertainment media - exposing them to a lot of sex and violence at an age
when their values are still being formed. Very young children watch a
stunning amount of television - averaging upwards of 3-4 hours per day,"
Brownback said.
"After
participating in a number of press conferences like this one to announce the
findings of new studies that have shown declining standards and rising
levels of violence and vulgarity on television, it can be very discouraging.
The media plays a significant role in shaping our attitudes and assumptions,
especially among the young. Children today are being fed a steady diet of
vulgar and obscene television programming that is systematically robbing
them of their innocence.
"Fortunately today we have some very good news - the entertainment industry
seems to finally be heeding the call of dedicated individuals and
organizations, such as the Parents Television Council. This study shows
measurably less sex on television on every major broadcast network -
particularly during the first two hours of prime time.
"The
results of this survey finally offer hope to all those who have long been
concerned with the content on our television screens. Not only that, it
shatters conventional wisdom about the entertainment industry. Sex does not
necessarily sell after all.
"Clearly,
there is still room for improvement, but the results of this study are
encouraging, and we need to give credit where credit is due. Those networks
that have taken the high road by choosing to better serve family audiences -
notably ABC - should be applauded. ABC was the only network to show
improvement in all three hours of prime time.
"I must
congratulate first and foremost the Parents Television Council - Brent
Bozell and his hard-working staff - as well as all the parents who have made
sure their voices were heard. Reducing the amount of sex on television is a
wonderful achievement that will have lasting repercussions for our children
and their mental and physical health," Brownback said.
"Finally, I
thank the television industry for taking responsibility for its product, and
for paying attention to the health of our children and our society. I
encourage the other entertainment industries to follow their lead. It is a
matter of putting the public interest ahead of self interest."
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