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AFA JournalENTERTAINMENTNetwork TV to break more taboos this fallAFA Journal, October 2001 Edition Viewers who have become weary of the excessive profanity and sexual content on network television should prepare to batten down the hatches: the verbal storm is set to become a hurricane. That’s according to a recent article in The New York Times, which uncovered plans at ABC, CBS and NBC to push against the restrictions on a number of profanities during this fall television season. For example, The Times said Aaron Sorkin, executive producer of The West Wing, NBC’s popular drama about a fictional president in the White House, will attempt to do what few network television shows have ever done: use new ways to take God’s name in vain. For pro-family groups, one of the arch villains of taboo-busting television is Steven Bochco. He has drawn criticism in the past for language and rear nudity on his NYPD Blue series (ABC) and ground-breaking violence of his short-lived CBS cop drama Brooklyn South. For the new fall season, Bochco will be executive producer of ABC’s legal drama, Philly, which TV Guide said is expected to show a character exposing her breasts. According to The New York Times, Bochco also wants ABC to allow a character on Philly to use the one scatological profanity the network has never before allowed. CBS, which in years past was considered the most conservative of the four major networks, also may join the TV parade into the sewer. The Times article said, “CBS executives say that writers are submitting scripts for programs that include every crude word imaginable.” AFA President Donald E. Wildmon said viewers who abhor the filth on network television cannot be passive about their concerns. “The place to start is locally – first with the local network affiliate. The local ABC station, for example, has the authority to refuse to air a program that originates from the national network,” he said. “People should call them and complain, and let them know they will be contacting the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with a formal complaint.” Wildmon then suggested that people contact local advertisers, whose spots generally run during the commercial break after the network promotes its own programming. “Usually, after NBC promotes an upcoming episode of, say, Friends or Just Shoot Me, that’s when local sponsors buy their time for ads,” he said. “So call your local auto dealer, for example, and ask him why he sponsored a show with so much foul language.” A third step would be to file a complaint with the FCC after a show has aired, Wildmon said. According to the FCC website, contacting the agency with a complaint is a fairly simple procedure. Along with a letter specifying the objection towards a broadcast, the complaint should include:
Complaints should be directed to: Federal Communications Commission Enforcement Bureau Investigations and Hearings Division 445 12th St. SW, Room 3-B443 Washington, DC 20554 |
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