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kutulu · 11-18-2004, 11:58 AM

redlemon:
I'm glad you enjoyed it. The opinions on that blog show that his team (The Mavericks) is aptly named. There is even an entry (10/31, I think) that the NBA fined him for and a great response from him about it. If I was a basketball fan I'd totally switch allegiances to the Mavs.

Art:
I'm glad you know what trash is when you see it. However, can you tell me what I think is trash? Can we also trust you to make that decision for your neighbor?

The reality is that TV reflects what the audience wants to see. There are ratings systems in place and technology available to block programming by ratings. If people don't like it nobody is forcing them to watch it.

Do we want the standards to be set by a group of people that are out of touch with the majority or one that reflects the views of the majority? I'll take the latter. If people wanted broadcasting based on puritan decency standards that would be all the networks would show.

How about this for a different way to enforce decency:

Instead of designating time slots that are ok for this but not (based on vague standards) that we devise a strong rating system that is clear and definite. Production studios and parents know exactly what is acceptable and what is not. Every show rates themselves and may change the rating based on the content of that particular show (this way the govt doesn't need to step in). When a particular show recieves a complaint, the FCC reviews the show (not the complaint) and decides if that show was playing material appropriate for that specific rating. If the content is inappropriate, then HUGE fines are levied. The fines have to be large enough so that the show cannot use the media as a method of free advertising and they also have to cover the expenses incurred by the FCC during the investigation (billed at an hourly rate for all employees involved in the investigation). All people need to do is buy the technology needed to control the accesibility of programming, it would not be mandated for everyone to buy as people who don't care shouldn't have to buy it.

This way, everyone wins. Parents will know exactly what is to be expected on the show and people who want racier programming can get it without destroying our moral fiber. As a bonus, it would not be profitable for studios to use the FCC as a marketting tool.

11-18-2004, 11:58 AM	#32 (permalink)
kutulu Junkie	redlemon: I'm glad you enjoyed it. The opinions on that blog show that his team (The Mavericks) is aptly named. There is even an entry (10/31, I think) that the NBA fined him for and a great response from him about it. If I was a basketball fan I'd totally switch allegiances to the Mavs. Art: I'm glad you know what trash is when you see it. However, can you tell me what I think is trash? Can we also trust you to make that decision for your neighbor? The reality is that TV reflects what the audience wants to see. There are ratings systems in place and technology available to block programming by ratings. If people don't like it nobody is forcing them to watch it. Do we want the standards to be set by a group of people that are out of touch with the majority or one that reflects the views of the majority? I'll take the latter. If people wanted broadcasting based on puritan decency standards that would be all the networks would show. How about this for a different way to enforce decency: Instead of designating time slots that are ok for this but not (based on vague standards) that we devise a strong rating system that is clear and definite. Production studios and parents know exactly what is acceptable and what is not. Every show rates themselves and may change the rating based on the content of that particular show (this way the govt doesn't need to step in). When a particular show recieves a complaint, the FCC reviews the show (not the complaint) and decides if that show was playing material appropriate for that specific rating. If the content is inappropriate, then HUGE fines are levied. The fines have to be large enough so that the show cannot use the media as a method of free advertising and they also have to cover the expenses incurred by the FCC during the investigation (billed at an hourly rate for all employees involved in the investigation). All people need to do is buy the technology needed to control the accesibility of programming, it would not be mandated for everyone to buy as people who don't care shouldn't have to buy it. This way, everyone wins. Parents will know exactly what is to be expected on the show and people who want racier programming can get it without destroying our moral fiber. As a bonus, it would not be profitable for studios to use the FCC as a marketting tool.