People may ask, what's the big deal about one dirty word on TV? After all, real people often talk that way. Shouldn't TV shows be able to accurately reflect life? It's a good question. I might also ask, what's the big deal if a six-year-old uses foul language when talking to her friends, parents, or teachers? What's the harm if every public institution is brought down to the most crass level of society? Is that really the type of culture we want?
This nation has laws banning foul language and offensive sexuality on the broadcast airwaves for very good reason. Thousands of studies show that children are negatively impacted by what they see and hear on TV. The Supreme Court allowed some content restrictions on TV between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. when children are most likely to be in the audience. But even these protections are in jeopardy. The major TV networks have filed a lawsuit seeking to end these restrictions permanently. A win could mean an explosion of four-letter words on TV, even on children's shows.
Broadcasters are granted licenses to use the public's airwaves on the condition that they serve the public interest. Suing for the right to channel foul language to children clearly does not do that. It's time to see greater corporate accountability and frankly, basic human decency.
