MTV’s content much worse than broadcast shows

For years, parents have complained about the sexually explicit and vulgar content of programs on broadcast television. But a cable channel marketed to their children – MTV – may be even worse.

A study released Feb. 1 by the Parents Television Council found that MTV has considerably more sexual content and foul language than its counterparts on prime-time broadcast television (ABC, CBS, NBC, et al.).

The study – which surveyed 171 hours of MTV programming – found that the cable channel has an average of nine sexual scenes per hour and 8.9 “un-bleeped” uses of foul language per hour. By comparison, the 10 p.m. (Eastern) hour on the broadcast networks has 5.8 sexual scenes per hour and 6.5 uses of foul language per hour. That hour, the final one of the prime-time lineup, usually has more adult-themed programming- meaning round-the-clock MTV programming is more offensive than broadcast TV’s “adult hour.”

According to Nielsen Media Research, MTV is watched by 73 percent of boys and 78 percent of girls ages 12 to 19.

MTV’s reality programs contained the most sexual content, according to the study. Its music videos has the most foul language and violence.

Brent Bozell, president of the Parents Television Council, said the study underscores the need for “cable choice” – the ability of parents to choose which cable channels they want as part of their subscription. Some congressmen favor such a bill.

(BP)