If You See The Power Rangers on the TV, Kill Them![*]
From the AP via Wash Times:
A new draft report from the Federal Communications Commission says the government may be able to limit violence on TV in a way that does not violate the U.S. Constitution.
The long-overdue report suggests Congress could craft a law that would let the agency regulate violent programming much like it regulates sexual content and profanity—by barring it from being aired during hours when children may be watching, for example….
Citing studies, the draft report says there is evidence that violent programming can lead to "short-term aggressive behavior in children," according to an agency source, who asked not to be identified because the commission has not approved the report.
The report also suggests that cable and satellite TV could be subjected to an "a la carte" regime that would let viewers choose their channels.
Fascinating that the dread menance of TV violence and a la carte pricing would be so tightly connected. Less fascinating that the mangy data of "short-term aggressive behavior in children" (e.g., punching Bobo dolls after a particularly disappointing episode of The Suite Life of Zach and Cody) is still be trotted out a holy relic.
Tim Cavanaugh made the case for prix fixe cable packages.
[*] Barely connected headline allusion here.