Who’s watching out for what we watch on TV?
When television first came on the scene there was little problem with violence, profanity and sexual content in the programs beamed into our living rooms, because most of the regulations were holdovers from the days of radio. Today, the rules are loose and the envelope is be pushed in the name of first amendment rights. Cable TV has fewer restrictions, and when it comes to rules for Internet content, well, there are none. Will this situation worse in the years ahead? This depends on were you stand on the issue.
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is responsible for overseeing the content of what’s aired on radio and television. It works within the law of the land and establishes broadcast standards. Since stations and networks are licensed by the government, fines can be levied and the licenses not renewed if serious and/or ongoing infractions are not rectified by the broadcaster. The FCC also works in concert with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to substantiate claims made in the commercials.
In addition, an industry watchdog, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) was once more active in policing both the media and advertising agencies but has become more of a lobbying arm in recent years. Today’s fast pace conditions results in most programs and ads being aired as planned and wait for the FCC to intervene before the shows or spots are pulled. The exception to this is content directed specifically at children, but this does not mean the kids won’t be watching adult TV or listening to shock jocks on radio. If youngsters have access to a computer, there is an unlimited supply of totally uncensored content available.
Views of the public vary significantly. Those who watch more TV, according to Rasmussen research, tend to be older. While 82% of adults 65+ watch TV daily, the number declines by about 10 points for each 10 year age group to where only 42% 0f those 18-29 are daily TV watchers. Half of later demographic believes the FCC should regulate TV content compared to 18% of the older audience. Only 44% of younger adults say there is too much violence, profanity and sexual content on TV, but 72% of those 65+ think there is too much.
Half or more of those between 30 and 64 think the content is objectionable, particularly for children. Protecting children is more important than freedom of speech to 70% of those 65+, 58% of those 50-64, 45% of those 40-49, 47% of those 30-39 and 42% of those 18-29. The overall trend is shifting in favor of fewer restricts.
There difference may be growing up in different eras, acceptance of the wild-west rules on the Internet or a shift in values. Whatever it may be, New Seniors are not pleased with the roles played by government agencies, broadcasters or advertisers. If you believe it’s time for the networks, NAB and marketers to become more involved and more discerning contact the general manager local network affiliates or radio stations. Don’t like the response, write the FCC. Remember, the airwaves belong to the people.
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