Study Says TV Has Few Father Role Models

Major U.S. television networks portray few positive paternal role models for children, according to a study released Tuesday by a group that promotes responsible fatherhood.

The National Fatherhood Initiative study found that only 15 of the 102 shows on network prime-time television feature a father as a “recurring, central character.” The group gave a “positive” portrayal rating to four of these 15 shows.

The study, based on a simple point system, focused on shows excluding news, sports and local programming on ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and WB. It rated WB’s “7th Heaven” and CBS’ “Promised Land” the best shows because each portrays a father as being involved with family activities, directly engaged with his children, a moral role model, capable and competent.

Two shows that fared poorly in the study were “The Nanny” of CBS and “Brother’s Keeper” of ABC because they “portray otherwise very competent men who are terribly uninvolved with their children,” said Wade Horn, president of the organization.