Less whoopeein prime time

Sexual content in the first hour of prime time has dropped across the broadcast networks compared with four years ago, based on a study released Tuesday by the Parents Television Council, a group lobbying to reinstate the so-called family hour. Every broadcast network except the WB witnessed a decrease in sexual content -- which, as defined by the study, includes innuendo as well as references to homosexuality and prostitution -- compared with corresponding windows in 2000 and 1998 during 8 to 9 p.m..

The PTC, which released its findings in Washington, D.C., plans similar surveys regarding language and violence. The group claimed the findings are proof networks are responding to a “groundswell of opposition” to raunchier programming.