Evening star., 1951-12-07
Broadcasters 10 Put
N Code Of Decency
Into Effect March |

INTO ERECT March
Faced with complaints about
television programs, the broad
casting industry today launched
its first code of practices for tele-
vision. apparently in an effort to
avoid a Government breakdown.
The National Association of
Radio and Television Broadcasters
announced the new code last
night. 1t is aimed at good pro-
gramming and advertising. Ef-
fective next March l. it sets up a
review board to consider COM
plants and obtain compliance.
Federal Communications Com
mission officials said they have
received a number of complaints
about TV programs. particularly
horror and gangster pictures. The
commission has announced it will
hold a public forum at some future
date to consider TV problems.
Although the FEC lacks censor
ship powers, it has some control
through licensing of broadcast
stations. Those that fail to live
up to the new code may find them
selves explaining to the commits
sion why they are unable to meas
ure up to standards set by the
industry itself.
Objectionable Words Listed.
The code contains a list of Spe-
cial words and phrases considered
unsuitable for TV, officials pointed
out.
Il think we have covered Dag
mar" said one official laughingly.
referring to the beauty who ap-
pears before TV cameras.
Under the heading "decency and
decorum in production" the code
says: THE costuming of all per-
formers shall be within the bounds
Of propriety and shall avoid such
exposure or such emphasis on
anatomical detail as would en-
barrass or offend home viewers.
The movements of dancers. actors
or other performers shall be kept
within the bounds of decency and
1ewdness and impropriety shall not
be suggested in the positions as
sumed by performers. Camera
angles shall avoid such views of
performers as to emphasize ana
tomical detailed indecency."
Crime Angle Reviewed.
Regarding crime and horror
pictures. the code has this to say:
"Criminality shall be presented
as undesirable and unsympathetic.
The condoning of crime and the
treatment of the commission of
crime in frivolous, cynical or
callous manner is unacceptable.
The presentation Of techniques of
crime In such detail as to invite
imitation shall be avoided. The
Use OF horror for its own sake
will be eliminated. The use of
visual or aural effects which would
shock or alarm the viewer and
the detailed presentation of bru-
tality or physical agony by sight
or by sound are not permissible.
Law enforcement shall be up-
held and the officers of the law
are to be portrayed with respect
and dignity. The presentation of
murder or revenge as motive for
murder shall not be presented as
1ust1rable. Suicide as a solution
OF human problems is prohibited.
The exposition of sex crimes is
avoided. The appearance or
dramatization of persons featured
In actual crime news will be per-
mltted only in such light as to aid
law enforcement or TO report the
news event."
Religious Sharks Banned.
Attacks on religion are not al
lowed; the name Of God, His at
tributes and powers are to be
marked by reverence; clergymen
are not to be held up to ridicule
and the use of liquor shall be de-
emphasized, the code declared.
drunkenness and narcotic ad-
olctlon are never to be presented
as desirable or prevalent, under
the code.
In the matter of good taste, the
code lays down no hard and fast
rules. but emphasizes that broad
casters are to use their best judg-
ment. Association officials said
they are inviting public criticism
Of TV programs.
The code is the result of a two
day meeting of the associations
Television Board at headquarters,
It'll N street NV. A press con-
ference last night at the Hotel
Statler with board members ex-
planned broad general provisions
OF the new code. authorized at
Chicago industry meeting in Oc-
tober. Both radio and motion
picture codes were drawn upon in
formulating the new code, officials
declared.
Voluntary Program.
The code. a voluntary program,
centers around special seal to
be shown on TV programs during
station breaks or periodically. Vio-
lators of the code, designed to
promote good public taste, moral
ity and culture, are liable to have
this seal withdrawn. A promo
ton campaign will be carried on
so that the public will become
familiar with this seal as the hall
mark of excellence in TV pro-
grams. Back of the sael will stand
moral suasion. officils said. To
have a breakdown. there must be
a gross, willful and continuing
violation. they explained. The
complaint and the whole admins
trative procedure will be conf
Dental, they said.