I didn't watch mine 24 hours a day either. The TV was rarely on at my house. As for the media using common sense and responsibility, I don't think it's asking too much to expect that. But it is the leftist media, and as long as there is a market for trash trash will be on TV.
I'm curious? What kind of legislation would you propose that would not include some form of censorship?
They could clean up the language, stop glorifying sex among the unmarried and teens, etc. I would think as a parent you would know what isn't acceptable, but maybe not.