FCC Scrutinizing Violent TV Shows

The Federal Communications Commission has asked Congress to grant the government power over the violence on television shows.

The FCC has concluded that regulating TV violence is for the public's best interest especially during the time of 6am to 10pm when children are most likely to watch TV.

The FCC for years has had jurisdiction over what broadcaster's air on their shows and many on air personalities have come under the gun for airing sexually and indecent speech however this will be the first time that the FCC has had say so over TV programming.

Things may heat up between television stations and Washington should this recommendation be taken into consideration.

According to a report by Congress in 2004 which was the result of thousands of comments and complaints from parents to academic experts states that Congress has authority to deem what is considered "excessive violence" and could extend the authority to cable television. To do so Congress could be interfering with the First Amendment since consumers buy their cable TV programming.

In order to curb TV violence, the FCC would have to clearly state what is considered violent. As of to date what the FCC considers violent is a very broad guideline but it does leave the final decision up to Congress.

Lawmakers as well as regulators agree that TV violence has escalated severely in the last few years. According to Kevin Martin, Chairman of the FCC, "I think it would be better if the industry addressed this on its own, but we can also give parents help through regulation".

Wendy Morigi, spokesperson for Senator Jay Rockefeller D-W.Va, said that the FCC's conclusions will form the foundation of legislation that is being drafted. Senator Rockefeller is also a Commerce Committee member.

TV can be either a hindrance or a help to children. Research has indicated that children at times react to watching violent TV shows by exhibiting high levels of anxiety and being aggressive towards other children. However there are times when children are taught a lesson through violence such as showing them through television the outcome of violent acts against others.