Scandal Tests Bounds of Taste for TV News
³If I had my choice between a three pound bass and a girl I¹d take the three pound bass.² - Theodore ³Beaver² Cleaver (aka Jerry Mathers) from LEAVE IT TO BEAVER
Life would be much easier if our president was more like Beaver Cleaver. It just goes to prove that times have certainly changed from the time Jerry Mathers first uttered that line from the classic LEAVE IT TO BEAVER television series. Events this week have forced television news organizations to make almost instant decisions on what is and is not acceptable language for the television air waves.
The graphic and explicit language contained in Kenneth Starr¹s report regarding possible perjury and other wrong doing by the President has raised many questions about which portions of the report are and are not appropriate for reading over the air. Almost all news organizations stressed the fact that the report contains language that some might consider offensive.
Parents have an even greater concern. It is virtually impossible to monitor a child¹s access to the media 24 hours a day. Despite their best efforts, many children are hearing about the graphic descriptions contained in the report from the radio or television. Still others are hearing their friends talk about it.
Some parents have already complained to news organizations. They report thattheir children are asking questions regarding the graphic terminology used in the report. Many times they are asking questions the parents do not feel their child is ready to hear the answers to.
It is a difficult decision for any news outlet to decide just how explicit they should be in reporting this case. In years gone past news organizations had the luxury of time to decipher what is and is not appropriate. Technology, including the internet, has erased that luxury. Events are turning even the most reputable and solemn of newscasts into an episode of THE JERRY SPRINGER SHOW.
How do you feel about the media¹s handling of the current scandal engulfing the Clinton Administration? Have they gone too far? Have they not gone far enough? How are you dealing with it in respect to your kids? Please share your views in our discussion session. Perhaps your advice can help a parent in a similar situation.
EMMY AWARD COVERAGE The deadline for this week¹s column is before the 50th Annual Emmy Awards. We will feature comments and a listing of some of the winners in our column next week.
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