A Federal Trade Commission report last year found that the entertainment industry is targeting violent films, music and video games to young people. In a Newsweek survey last fall, more than nine in 10 parents of children ages 5-17 said limiting the amount of violence children are exposed to in the media is an important factor in reducing crime. A Gallup poll taken after the Columbine High School shootings found that 81 percent of American adults believe violent entertainment contributes to violence in society. Network executives closely watch the number of viewers they can attract because it determines how much they can charge advertisers. In recent years, network ratings and market share have declined.
Many people say they've stopped watching because of violent and sexual content.
Increasing numbers are finding other forms of entertainment and some people have even decided to get rid of their TVs, treating them like the other garbage they remove from their homes. TV executives prove how far out of touch they are by concluding that what people want is not less sex and violence, but more. When ratings decline even further, they refuse to get the message, but increase the sleaze. At least when it comes to pollution, Wright is consistent. Network executives don't have the moral fiber to stop pollution on their own, any more than some corporate executives would clean up the air and water if they were not forced to do so.