Cleaning Up Trash Talk Shows

* It’s all well and good to ask that television programmers clean up “trash TV” (editorial, Nov. 19). Equally important, though, is to look at the reason for the proliferation of these appalling programs.

For decades, the FCC maintained basic standards by reviewing stations’ programming when they applied for license renewals. This process was not without flaws, but it attempted to square what stations broadcasted with the needs and interests of the communities they “served.” Stations played it safe to avoid issues of quality and content.

Broadcasters pushed for deregulation and the Reagan era gave it to them, ushering in “trash TV” and other programming horrors like sensationalistic news, unbalanced right-wing talk shows, irresponsible children’s programming and violent dramas. An irony in all this is that the same people who professed “family values” are the architects of a system that has stations airing programming at all hours that is unsuitable for family viewing.

Because the airwaves are a limited public resource, it is appropriate to expect that they are used responsibly. If broadcasters cannot demonstrate the capacity to regulate themselves and avoid trashy programming, others should step in and ensure that we are given the fare we deserve.

JOHN N. LEVIN

Los Angeles

* It is very discouraging to see free channels lower their standards year after year to pander to the “shamelessly prurient and voyeuristic nature” of the audience. At the same time, the better type of daytime programming is found on cable TV. If TV station managers are lacking in decent ideas for shows, then why not run old movies, which are, after all, part of our heritage here in Hollywood.

ALEXANDER WELLS

Hollywood

* I agree that some action needs to be taken in cleaning up the filthy talk shows.

I’m tired of the “in your face” talk shows that work toward shock value and ratings. The shows that aren’t 80% educational should not be played on daytime TV when children are also watching. We don’t need to promote a generation that’s desensitized from growing up watching smut.

SHANNON PORHOLA

Chatsworth

* As telecommunications reform legislation winds its way through Congress, the Federal Communications Commission faces an expanded role as protector of the public interest. But even under present authority, the FCC finds itself in a position to change fundamentally the way telecommunications policy serves America’s children.

With the public’s support, the commission could:

% Make sure every broadcast television station shows a certain minimum amount of children’s educational programming every week.

% Make sure that every classroom in the country has access to the Internet, electronic mail and distance learning.

% Make sure that broadcast television stations tell TV guides in local newspapers what shows are appropriate for children and what are too violent for children.

% Make sure that when, as Congress has asked, we give $400 billion of the public’s airwaves to broadcast television stations so they can have four times as many channels, some percentage of the new programming will be devoted to public-interest purposes such as educational programming and nonpartisan debate of political issues.

But if the public wants these results, it needs to speak out. The industry is telling us what it thinks; the public should let us know where it stands before these issues are decided. I ask that the public write to FCC, Consumer Assistance Branch, 1919 M St. N.W., Washington, D.C., 20554 or call us at (202) 418-0200 or e-mail me at “rhundt@fcc.gov.”

REED E. HUNDT

Chairman, FCC

Washington