[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 66 (Monday, May 19, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E957]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    THE LOSS OF THE ``FAMILY HOUR''

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 1997

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, where has the ``family hour'' gone? What 
happened to the wholesome series such as ``The Cosby Show'' and ``Happy 
Days?'' Vulgar language and sexual material have invaded the time slot 
between 8 and 9 pm in unprecedented volume, rendering the ``family 
hour'' nearly obsolete. A February 1997 study which analyzed television 
shows during a 4-week period found one-third of the programs to contain 
obscene language and another third to contain sexual references.
  I am appalled by the subject material which has become acceptable 
during the ``family hour.'' But even more than that, I am outraged that 
the networks have become so concerned with ratings that family values 
have gone by the wayside in favor of programs focusing on premarital 
sex, violence, and homosexuality. The fact is that the networks may be 
misguided thinking that this is what an American audience wants to 
watch. One of the highest rated shows, Touched by an Angel, focuses on 
heart-felt themes and teaching good values.
  Mr. Speaker, more than 90 percent of Americans believe in God. But 
when was the last time we saw a television character go to a priest or 
a rabbi to seek counsel in making one of life's difficult decisions? I 
can't say that I've ever seen this on prime-time television.
  We are inundated by sex and violence on television. I don't feel 
comfortable sitting down to watch television with my grandchildren 
anymore. Even with the new television ratings system, programs rated G 
and PG contain sex and obscenities unsuitable for our children and 
grandchildren.
  The family hour picture is bleaker than ever before. The ratings 
system is poorly applied and the networks appear to have little desire 
to clean up their act. The anything goes mentality has come to replace 
one in which core family values are of central importance. I urge the 
networks to reevaluate their priorities. A return to the family hour 
might be just the ticket to both higher ratings and more well-grounded 
American values.

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