When the Media Cross the ‘Blue’ Line

The Times ridiculously contributes to the notion that kids don’t read but are inextricably glued to the tube: Accompanying “ ‘NYPD Blue’: The Debate Goes to the Viewers” (Sept. 21), about the sex/violence controversy surrounding the new TV series “NYPD Blue,” The Times printed photos of the very lovemaking and crude gesture that critics of Steven Bochco’s show think merit it a viewer-discretion warning.

Why worry about what kids may see or hear after 10 p.m. when you spell it out before breakfast? I applaud Bochco’s honest creative efforts and resent the presumption by your publication that newspapers are not for children.

CYNTHIA MACE

Los Angeles

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Regarding the Calendar front-page “NYPD Blue” picture, can I assume that your newspaper will now come wrapped in plain brown paper?

To put these obscene, filthy photos on the front page of a section that my 10-year-old reads for channel listings and as a theater guide is irresponsible.

Shame on Times editors for selling out what my family once considered a fine paper and now no longer subscribes to.

PATRICIA LOPEZ

Hacienda Heights

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“NYPD Blue” has an excellent story line and is a very realistic police show. I’m troubled, however, that ABC and Bochco feel it is necessary to show nudity and have vulgar language throughout this program. If this had been left out, it would not have changed the story line. We as parents/adults depend on TV networks to offer programs that are done in good taste.

Bochco has crossed over the line of decent television. At what point do we say enough is enough? Because of our indifference, we have allowed the networks to lower the quality of TV programming. I feel that our society has become too apathetic to the sex, violence and language that we see on TV and in the movies.

By not complaining to networks, we give the writers permission to become more brazen. Simply turning off the TV does not solve the problem. Anyone interested in protecting the quality of TV programs should write to ABC.

CHERYL ALEXANDER

Murrieta