Somebody stole television's family hour, and the Parents Television Council is demanding they give it back.
In the past six years, the PTC points out, the instances of foul language, violence and sexual content during the time slot have increased substantially from the first study they conducted seven years ago. Here's a rundown:
Foul Language
- More than two-thirds of Family Hour shows contained foul language
- Worst network: MyNetworkTV
- Worst show: My Name is Earl (NBC)
Sexual Content
- There are 3.76 instances per hour of sexual content, an increase of 22.1%.
- Worst network: ABC
- Worst show/series: The War at Home (Fox)
Violence
- There are 4.19 instances per hour of violence, an increase of 52.4%.
- Worst network: Fox
- Worst show/series: 24 (Fox).
According to PTC President Tim Winter, "Our study clearly demonstrates that corporate interests have hijacked the Family Hour from families. This early prime time block was once reserved for programs the whole family could enjoy but it is now flooded with shows that contain adult programming.
"The Family Hour needs to be restored. We are calling on the broadcast industry to return to the time-honored principle of airing mature-themed content only at later times of the evening; and to provide parents with a consistent, objective and meaningful content ratings system. We are calling on the advertising industry to underwrite only time-appropriate content with their media dollars. And we are calling on parents across the country -- and their public servants -- to speak out in defense of the Family Hour," Winter concluded.
Click here for the full study by the Parents Television Council.
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