3 TV Networks Agree to Limiting Use of Violence

The three major television networks have agreed on joint standards on limiting use of violence in entertainment programming, Sen. Paul Simon (D-Ill.) said Friday.

The voluntary statement of principles was adopted by ABC, CBS and NBC. The networks did not make separate public announcements, although officials confirmed the action.

Simon, whose TV violence legislation enacted two years ago permitted the networks to collaborate on standards without violating anti-trust laws, hailed them as “a significant first step” and said they should be evident in the networks’ 1993 fall programming.

But Julie Hoover, vice president for corporate communications at ABC said the rules were culled from standards already in place.

“I don’t think viewers will see a tremendous shift,” she said.

Critics have frequently charged that TV violence has been a factor in the rising number of crimes of violence in America’s streets.

The standards limit gratuitous or excessive depictions of violence, bar showing violence as glamorous and say violence should not be used to shock or stimulate the audience.

They also say scenes showing excessive gore, pain of physical suffering are not acceptable.

Also limited are scenes depicting use of force that “on the whole” are inappropriate for home viewing; replicative, unique or “ingenious” methods of inflicting pain or injury; portrayals of dangerous behavior or weapons that invite imitation by children and gratuitous showing of animal abuse.

In children’s programs, realistic portrayals of violence that are unduly frightening to children are also barred.

The standards encourage portrayal of the consequences of violence and the scheduling of programs depicting violence with regard for the likely composition of the intended audience.

Caution is urged in showing stories and scenes in which children are victims and in themes, plots or scenes that mix sex and violence. The standards note that rape and other sexual assaults are violent, not erotic behavior.

A statement by the three networks released by Simon said the joint standards were consistent with each network’s long standing preeexisting policies on violence.