Parents Television Council letter to the networks

Bring Back the Family Hour

An Open Letter to the Presidents of ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, UPN, and the WB

Over the past few years, we have grown increasingly concerned about the coarsening of popular culture and network programming, and the potential harms it poses to our country’s children.We have met with you both publicly and privately to express our concerns; many of us have also convened or participated in hearings on this matter.We appeal to you again to consider taking a small step towards restoring parental confidence in prime-time network programming by simply reinstating what was a long-honored custom: the family hour.

Setting aside an hour for programming suitable for the entire family demonstrated corporate concern for family life and acknowledged the unique public interest responsibilities incumbent upon broadcasters. Allowing one hour – historically between eight and nine p.m. – for family-friendly programming enables families to spend quality time together enjoying entertainment that will neither embarrass parents nor confuse or disturb children.

Safeguarding the family hour cannot be compelled; rather, we appeal to your corporate conscience to reconsider the decision to allow this important public trust to disintegrate. Bringing back the family hour would show parents that their concerns are understood, and that the welfare of families will, if for just an hour, be promoted and protected. We therefore ask you to reinstate this voluntary covenant with American families.