We're told that sex, violence and profanity are the big problems with the shows that reach millions of viewers every day and night. But truth in labeling would require much clearer descriptions of what pours out of the tube into America's homes. From network suites to Capitol Hill to the White House, movers and shakers have been arguing for various types of TV ratings. But highly significant categories always seem to go unmentioned. Standard TV fare includes plenty of programming that's negative toward people who aren't among the heterosexual majority.
Modern television offers plenty of fluff, bolstered by laughtracks or background music.
Maybe a warning label would help. This rating has been earned by network news and politics shows. If the spectrum on television can't get any wider than ABC's George Will to Sam Donaldson, or PBS's Mark Shields to Paul Gigot, then a TV-N rating should be firmly affixed to routine broadcasts. The TV-RS tag applies to local newscasts around the country. Black males are commonly seen in handcuffs or on their way to prison.