I agree that the smut on TV these days (including commercials) has gotten out of hand. And there must be a stopping place.
Better if the industry, itself, monitored and sets standards. But obviously the TV industry is not going to take a stopping.
The FCC could be useful and probably would do more -- IF the public demanded it.
What's wrong with the industry displaying big XXX on the screen if their program is going to involve nudity or explicit sexual activity? Why can't they be forced to put a "rating" next their the title of every TV program?
The movie industry was forced to grade its movies, so that parents would know the content. I think TV programs should do likewise.
If TV shows were graded, PG, PG-13, X, XX, XXX, the next logical step could be that individual TV sets could be programmed to show only PG or PG-13.
That would be a big help to parents.
This is an important issue. I'm glad to see so much interest generated on this topic.
You have some good ideas. But I think something needs to be done.
This technology exists. My tv shows a rating for every program and I have everything blocked from PG-13 and up. That blocks a huge portion of my channels. If I started the block at PG, I'd have 6 channels. It's preposterous.
It has been suggested here that I throw out my TV but, that's not practical. Besides, I homeschool my daughters and some programs on Discovery Channel, History Channel, Science Channel, etc. are invaluable teaching tools.
Yes, the industry needs to keep itself in check. If they don't, we need to speak up and complain.
My main point is that a line has to be drawn somewhere and soon. If we don't, before you know it we'll be seeing live rape shows and snuff films on the adult channels. Will we still be saying, "Just turn it off" then?
"If TV shows were graded, PG, PG-13, X, XX, XXX, the next logical step could be that individual TV sets could be programmed to show only PG or PG-13."
They've been doing that for almost 10 years now. The TV industry figures viewers are smart enough to know the difference between a program rated "Y7" and "TV-PG". Obviously most aren't, and they are the ones raising a ruckus.