Robert Peters, president of Morality in Media had the following comments:
“Perhaps I have misunderstood the network arguments, but it would seem they want the right to utter at least one ‘four letter word’ in each program. Of course, what the networks ultimately want is an unrestricted ‘right’ to curse, just like on HBO.
“The truth of the matter is that cursing on broadcast TV during the prime time hours is already pandemic, and to talk about ‘an isolated expletive during prime time hours’ is an oxymoron.
“I would add that the explosion of four letter words in broadcasting has not been without consequence, as Morality in Media pointed out in Comments submitted to the FCC last year.
“‘For example,’ we said then, ‘in 1993, more than 500 readers responded to a Daily News survey on TV violence. In response to the question, “Do you think language on prime time shows is damaging to your children,” 69.6% said yes. In response to the question, “Have you ever noticed your children’s language change after they have watched a show,” 54.8% said yes.’
“Of course, had the FCC been doing its job, the Imus incident might have been prevented because radio stations would have long ago curbed hardcore rap lyrics with sexual comments about African American women that Imus was apparently imitating at least in part.
“As the proverb goes, ‘Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware.’”
MORALITY IN MEDIA works through constitutional means to curb traffic in obscenity.