"The MPAA appears to tolerate increasingly more extreme content in any given age-based rating category over time. We find significant increases in violence in PG- and PG-13-rated films (but not for G- and R-rated films), significant increases in sex in PG-, PG-13-, and R-rated films (but not for G-rated films), and significant increases in profanity in PG-13- and R-rated films (but not for G- or PG-rated films)… These data suggest that the MPAA applied increasingly more lenient criteria for its age-based ratings as a function of time over the last decade." [Kimberly M. Thompson, ScD; Fumie Yokota, PhD. "Violence, Sex, and Profanity in Films: Correlation of Movie Ratings With Content" Medscape General Medicine 6(3), 2004.]
Media Quote of the Week
"Also consider that premium cable practically created the optimal conditions for its aftermarket by prompting basic cable and broadcast to get more risque in order to capture HBO-style sizzle. For example, FX may have well shot past HBO and Showtime on the edge-o-meter with its new drama Dirt, a seamy series featuring love scenes between star Courteney Cox and her [adult toy]… How quaint it now seems that the series that made Cox famous, NBC's Friends, was once considered among TV's raciest." [Andrew Wallenstien, "SNL getting dirty as Sopranos cleans up." The Hollywood Reporter. January 7, 2007]
Apology is Hypocritical to Fox Lawsuit Demanding Right to Air 'F-word'
The Parents Television Council responded to reports that Fox apologized for airing the "f-word," which was clearly displayed on a fan's t-shirt during the broadcast of the NFL playoff game between the New Orleans Saints and the Philadelphia Eagles.
"How can families take the Fox apology seriously when (1) they are suing in Federal Court demanding the 'right' to air the F-word when children are in the audience, (2) they could have taken simple steps to ensure such material does not air but they refuse to do so," asked Tim Winter, president of the PTC.
"With all the production crew eyes focused on television monitors, it would be impossible for such an explicit camera shot to hit the airwaves for such a lengthy period of time without an intent to do so. And Fox admitted that the indecent shot was not broadcast live. ► more
► To file a complaint with the FCC about this broadcast, Click Here.
A PG-13 rating isn't what it used to be. For years parents have sensed shifting standards for television and movie ratings. In 2004 a study by the Kids Risk Project of the Harvard University School of Public Health confirmed the phenomena of "Ratings Creep."
A PG-13 rating almost always guarantees bigger box office returns than an R-rating — putting financial pressure on movie studios to secure the lower rating. But America's families are paying the price with edgier fare creeping into the formerly teen-friendly ratings category.
Eddie Murphy's new film Norbit, which is opening February 9th, was originally given an R-rating by the MPAA for "some sex-related humor," but scored a PG-13 rating this week after it was resubmitted to the ratings board.
Neither the MPAA nor Paramount have disclosed what changes were made to the film to secure the lower rating. But parents should take caution. Just because this R-film now carries the MPAA's PG-13 endorsement, doesn't mean this film is suitable for your children. "From the trailer , you can tell the movie is bawdy — there's running gag in which Rasputia, in a variety of come-hither outfits, squishes Norbit as she vaults into bed next to him," says Ann Donahue of Premiere.
Release Date: January 19, 2007 MPAA RATING: PG for brief mild language Starring: Renee Zellweger, Ewan McGregor, Emily Watson, Perdita Weeks, Bill Paterson Genre: Drama and Biopic
The Tale of Peter Rabbit may be a familiar storybook now, but getting it printed was no easy feat. Miss Potter follows the challenges and heartaches faced by Beatrix Potter (Renee Zellweger ) as she tries to get her manuscript published in the male-dominated business world of Victorian England. Animation of her whimsical drawings and a budding romance make this dramatized biography almost as picture perfect as the work this author/artist is famous for.
Beyond the movie ratings: What Parents need to know about Miss Potter… Only a veiled sexual reference and a moment of tipsiness (after Norman resorts to spiking the housekeeper's coffee so he can get a moment of privacy to propose to Beatrix) constitute any content concerns in this film. ► more
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Wheel of Fortune, 7:00 p.m. (Eastern) ABC Contestants compete for prizes. Jeopardy!, 7:30 p.m. (Eastern) ABC Contestants supply questions for answers. Everybody Loves Raymond, 7:30 p.m. (Eastern) TBS Ray demands more say in household matters. Hannah Montana, 8:00 p.m. (Eastern) Disney Channel A tween balances life and a secret pop star identity. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, 8:00 p.m. (Eastern) GSN Contestants vie for escalating prizes with host Regis Philbin. The Andy Griffith Show, 8:30 p.m. (Eastern) TV Land A rent increase makes Floyd want to close his shop. Max Keeble's Big Move, 9:00 p.m. (Eastern) Disney Channel When his parents announce they are moving, a schoolboy decides to take revenge against his tormentors.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Wheel of Fortune, 7:00 p.m. (Eastern) ABC Contestants compete for prizes. Jeopardy!, 7:30 p.m. (Eastern) ABC Contestants supply questions for answers. Deal or No Deal, 8:00 p.m. (Eastern) NBC Contestants get a chance to win money, from a penny to $1 million. High School Musical, 8:00 p.m. (Eastern) Disney Channel Students conspire to prevent a basketball star and a shy newcomer from singing in a stage production.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Matlock, 7:00 p.m. (Eastern) Hallmark Channel Matlock investigates his predecessor's murder. Reba, 7:00 p.m. (Eastern) CW Reba and Van end their real-estate partnership. Barbra Jean auditions to be the new weathergirl at a local TV station. Deal or No Deal, 7:00 p.m. (Eastern) NBC A New York woman tries to overcome her superstitions to win $1 million. Reba, 7:30 p.m. (Eastern) CW Reba discovers that Brock has been living secretly in the garage for several days to spend time apart from Barbra Jean. 7th Heaven, 8:00 p.m. (Eastern) CW Ruthie tells her boyfriend that she is ready to take their relationship to the next level. Martin expresses an interest in dating Jane. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, 8:00 p.m. (Eastern) ABC The team rebuilds the Raleigh, NC, home of Linda Riggins and her visually impaired husband, William. Full House, 9:00 p.m. (Eastern) Nickelodeon D.J., smitten with Jesse's guitarist, joins the band on tour.
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Miss Potter 
Matlock investigates his predecessor's murder. 
