Why is that on Television?

By Roger Crigger

   Want to know why shows about producing and selling methamphetamine or a blood spatter pattern analyst who also leads a secret life as a serial killer or commercials advertising products of personal nature, lotteries, or hard liquor was not on television 30 years ago? Because 30 years ago there was a voluntary Code of Practices for Television Broadcasters that did not allow this type of programming or commercials to be on television.

   On December 6, 1951 a set of ethical standards was adopted by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) by which television stations should conduct themselves in the areas of programming and advertising? Compliance with the voluntary code was indicated by the "Seal of Good Practice" (see image to right), displayed during closing credits on most United States television programs from 1952 through the early 1980s. In 1983, it was ruled in that the Television Code violated the Sherman Anti-Trust Act and was responsible for keeping the cost of TV commercials artificially high and declared the code unlawful. Although the code was suspended in 1983, television still has some regulations about what can and cannot be said and seen on television but that varies between network  and cable/satellite programming.

within the "bounds of decency". Further, news reporting was to be "factual, fair and without bias" and commentary and analysis should be "clearly defined as such". Broadcasters were to make time available for religious broadcasting and were discouraged from charging religious bodies for access. Most importantly, it limited the commercial minutes per hour".
   In reading most of the actual code and seeing the detail that was put into writing it I believe the people writing the code was not trying to violate any acts or keep the cost of TV commercials artificially high. Back when this code was writing television was free (all you needed was a TV and antenna) and because of this I think they saw the power it could have in society in the years and decades before them and wanted to make sure that the programming provide was for all ages, races and religions and was fair and factual.