Emphasis on Sex and Violence in Media Presentations

WHY IS SEX AND VIOLENCE TELEVISION PROGRAMS?
By Jennifer Fernandez

In 1993, Spain with its battle over eliminating sex and violence on TV. The government had a tremendous effect. There was so much pressure on state owned and private television companies, agreeing to not air shows with violence, explicit sex to improper language when children were watching. The media outlets had trouble adjusting to this demand because most programs have sex scenes or action violence. The problem with the society is that sex sells and people what to see the drama and the intense action in a program. This usually attracts people to a television show or TV movie. "It is estimated that over 90 percent of the population watches television daily. On average Spaniards watch more than three hours of television per day."


The New York Times states, "The accord forms part of a new ethics code negotiated by the Education Ministry and television companies with the specific aim of protecting minors. Adherence to the code is voluntary." This is the first attempt Spain tried toward liberalization after the end of Franco’s dictatorship in 1975.




In the Encyclopedia of Contemporary Spanish Culture it states, "Censorship was exercised and dissent was not tolerated. After the death of Franco, the press gained freedom and with it the ability to take on the role of a modern European democracy. In the early 2000s the press and other forms of the media have complete freedom to comment on all political, cultural, and social issues."

The association for Children’s Rights demanded two stations, that were ran by other governments, Telemadrid and Canal Sur, to take a cartoon called “Dragon Ball” off the air because they reported to the New York Times it was, "excessively violent, offensive to girls and stimulates selfish attitudes."

Many blame emphasis on sex and violence to the government when they allowed private televisions stations to operate in the late 1980's. When they were given the license they believed they could air what would sell and bring the most profit. To several companies, that was pretty women and action scenes. They knew that a man would watch a television show when they show a beautiful women half naked or women would see a sex man with no shirt. Television companies knew people wanted to watch fights and gun shots.

Other media sources , newspaper and radio, believe that several Japanese and American cartoons are unsuitable for children. Recently a study was done on Walt Disney movies and cartoons because they is believed to be sexual innuendo and discrimination. Many Disney movies are tales about violence and conflict. Other cultures believe that Disney tries to sugar coat the people with cute, fuzzy animals. The sex and violence is being played by an animated character, instead of real people. For example, the movie The Little Mermaid raise issues. Disney movies are seen all over the world and are translated in every language. In discussions I have seen and read, Ariel gives up everything she has to be with the prince. She leaves her family, home, and friends for romance. This is not a good example for girls because it is demonstrating to give up all your beliefs to get with the man you want. NOT GOOD! Even tho there is not a direct connect to sex, girls could give up themselves, in belief that someone will accept them, like Ariel was accepted. There is also said to be racial connections with Sebastian, the crab, and violence in the beginning of the movie when the ship explodes.

The problem continues in Spain because TV companies have bought several programs they have to play based on agreements and money.

Since these shows were purchased because the government issued this effect, they next time programs come in they will be examined before purchase. Spain continues to have a problem with Tele 5, in a recent interview with New York Times, Mr. Colom the head of Spanish State Television says, "The most frequent target of protests has been Tele 5, a private channel partly owned and operated by an Italian television entrepreneur, Silvio Berlusconi, which depends largely on imported programs. I think Tele 5 only signed the ethics code because it did not want to be singled out." The director of Tele 5 does not agree with this code because they are a paid private company.

The rules in Spain about sex and violence on television are now being implemented. Mr. Colom, the head of Spanish Television is taking legal action with programs and companies not following the rule. When a TV program is aired that has emphasis on sex and violence it hits the newspapers the next day and causes controversy and low ratings. TV programs with sex and violence are to be played at hours when children are not watching and are in bed.

Sources

Parrondo, Ramón. "Press." In Encyclopedia of Contemporary Spanish Culture. E. Rodgers, ed. New York: Routledge, 1999, pp. 418-419.

RIDING, ALAN. "THE MEDIA BUSINESS; TV in Spain Is Cutting Back on Prime-Time Sex and Violence." Business 10 May 1993 3 Apr 2009 http://www.nytimes.com/1993/05/10/business/the-media-business-tv-in-spain-is-cutting-back-on-prime-time-sex-and-violence.html.