Major television networks are in part accountable for the current wave of permissiveness in the treatment and use of sex, violence, abusive or vulgar language, and the like in many programs.
We strongly protest the attitude on the part of writers, producers and net work programming personnel that such aspects of life also common as to be treated on television as normal or excusable behavior. On the one hand, net works have provided an increased number of wholesome programs for those desiring family viewing. On the other hand, we see more open portrayal of those characteristics in human nature which are destructive – apparently with the clear motive to sensationalize and attract greater viewing audiences. We believe this practice to be wholly irresponsible.
Thus we urge the National Association of Broadcasters to adopt a self-imposed code of decency which would uplift what is best in man and eliminate needless portrayal of those characteristics which debase him.