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The Problems with Prime Time TV The 60 minutes between 8 and 9 P.M. are supposed to be the "family viewing hour." But most shows broadcast during this time slot are totally inappropriate for kids. Prime-time could be a lot more family-friendly. With shows like Friends, That 70's Show, Will and Grace, and others, you may be optioned to answer such questions as "Daddy, what is a thong?" or "Mommy, what does she mean by co-ed sleep-over?" Of course, one option is to turn off the tube altogether...but why should we have too? There's nothing inherently wrong with television, and watching a high-quality show together can be a terrific way for family members to reconnect after a busy day. The first step to getting better prime-time shows is to educate yourself about the current choices. Check out a program in advance before allowing your children to view it. (This process should be as automatic as reading the nutritional labels on food packaging). If a show doesn't meet your standards, stop watching it--and let the networks know. Granted, networks make their decisions on programming venues based on profitability, but they have been known to produce family-quality shows, that also retain profitability. For example, WB's dramatic series 7th Heaven garners top ratings from viewers and high praise from parents. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire is another alternative (ABC). Malcolm in the Middle is proof that it is possible to create a sitcom with wholesome entertainment. Or, enjoy The Crocodile Hunter for chilling and educational explorations and discoveries about wildlife. Believe it or not, advertisers are starting to listen. Last year, a group of major corporations--including Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, Kraft Nabisco, and Pfizer--formed the Family Friendly Programming Forum. It's working with the entertainment industry to promote and develop a wider range of family options. You can contact the group through its website, www.familyprogramawards.com. What do we do until we have more options for better
family-viewing? You can turn off the tube, stick together with other
parents and let the networks know what you like and don't like, and or you
can always pull out that long-neglected board game.
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