Talking Points (Broadcast Decency)

Every citizen plays a role in forming the standards of the local and national community.

Silence about broadcast indecency indicates approval – both to elected leaders and society at large. Therefore, Christian citizens should be equipped to effectively communicate the dangers of broadcast indecency to those who would defend it.

The following talking points can equip you to engage others on this issue:

• Broadcast indecency harms children, families and culture when it enters the home.
• The media affects our moods, attitudes, emotions and, ultimately, our actions.
• Violence on television frequently leads to later aggressive behavior by children and teenagers.
• Pornography damages and destroys individuals, families and society.
• Studies show that sexualized media not only influences attitudes but behaviors among teenagers and young adults who are exposed to it.
• Cleaning up the public airwaves requires the active and willing participation of concerned citizens, government agencies and officials and corporate entities. No one group can achieve this alone.
• Citizens have several options to help clean up the nation's airwaves. They can lodge complaints with:
• The Federal Communications Commission
• Cable and broadcast networks
• Elected officials
• The advertisers who sponsor programs
• Local broadcast affiliates. Contact your local stations to add a complaint to their public file.
• The government has a responsibility to protect its citizens and society from harm.
• Therefore, the state has a compelling interest in defending individuals and families from indecent material.
• The FCC must enforce current laws prohibiting indecency on TV and radio between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
• The government will enforce current laws when enough citizens demand enforcement.
• Broadcast and cable networks have a responsibility to serve the public interest by producing content that strengthens society rather weaken it.
• Parents are always the first line of defense for their children, but they shouldn't be forced to choose between TV and their children's safety.
• Broadcasters have a legal and moral obligation to avoid content that would harm children and families.
• Broadcasters depend on advertising revenue which, in turn, depends on the business of families. Advertisers shouldn't support programming that weakens families. Neither should families support corporations that fund programming detrimental to families.