Why Not Burn Some Books While We Are at It?

Thirty three years ago I moved to Los Angeles with one wife, two kids and a dog. I was happily engaged at that time selling Screen Gems Television content as well as Columbia Pictures movies to television stations outside of the United States.

Several of our neighbors taking pity on the new arrivals would ask my wife and me to small dinner parties attended by Mommies, Daddies, Doctors, Lawyers, Teachers, and people with many other occupations.

During the course of dinner, as soon as I mentioned that I worked in television, I would be attacked by almost everyone because of what they considered the deplorable content that was delivered on television to them and their families. Of course they watched much of it even though they complained about it all the time.

I defended this content thirty three years ago, as I do today, but details about that will be given later.

If a politician wants to garner press attention, all he or she need do is stand up and berate TV content for one reason or another. That is what this is all about.

It was in the early seventies that Australian Senator Lionel Murphy had a series of press conferences attacking the quality of Australian television, particularly the American content that they carried. Lionel and I had become friendly during the sixties, and when I went to Australia a few weeks later, I brought the press clippings with me to discuss them with Lionel.

When he and his wife Ingrid and I had dinner in Sydney, I brought the clippings and asked Lionel about them. He broke out laughing as he explained.

"Norman, if I had a press conference and discussed poverty, hunger, disease, education and such I would get no press coverage in that this is old and predictable stuff and has been around forever, but if I attack Television, you can see the coverage that I get."

Lionel was a wonderful man and he was a politician and a good one.

Last week Senators pressured the FCC commissioners to set programming requirements for broadcasters as part of the industry's mandate to operate in the public interest. (Will someone please tell me exactly what that means?)

We are involved in wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, with one looming with Iran and the Senators are worrying about what is on Television. I wish that they were not serious, but as Lionel would say, they want the press coverage.

Senator John Rockefeller, called television a menu filled with "junk, sex and scandals." Senator, where have you been hiding? There are now more outlets including cable that provide more opportunities for the presentation of content that you do not approve of. Too bad! And yes it is filled with content that you describe.

It is difficult for me to suggest to Senator Rockefeller that he read our constitution and point out to us where it says that he or anyone else has to approve of, or like what is on broadcast television, or in newspapers or books.

Senators Rockefeller, Dorgan, and Lautenberg complained that the FCC was abdicating its obligation to police the airwaves. "I think TV is in the worst state it's ever been in," Rockefeller said. "I'm convinced the FCC has abandoned its core responsibility."

"Police the airwaves? Is he serious? Iran, and many other countries "police the airways," not our country.

Senator Dorgan went on to say; "It seems to me (that) the public-interest standards have been completely emasculated and I'm hoping you will start a notice of proposed rulemaking on public-interest standards."

Good grief! What are today's public interest standards?

To his credit, which is not easy for me to give, FCC Chairman Martin said "I'm not convinced yet that we need to have the kind of requirement some people have urged us to announce, which is that broadcasters would have an obligation to put on certain kinds of programming."

As though he could not countenance a well spoken word without spoiling it, he told the lawmakers that he did not object to a requirement that broadcasters prove they are operating in the public interest. He went on to say (oh, how I hate the thought of this,) "I do think it's important, and I have supported more extensive reporting requirements." "Reporting requirements?" That is exactly what we don't need.

It has long been understood that broadcasters are required to operate in the "public interest, convenience and necessity," yet find me some Solomon like person to say what that means.

KEEP THE GOVERNMENT OUT OF THE CONTENT BUSINESS!

And then came Senator Dorgan's words that I hate coming from a Democrat or a Republican; "This commission is about regulation, I always worry a little when I hear regulators shy away from regulation. The market from time to time needs a referee. That's the job of the FCC, in my opinion."

In my not to humble opinion, the FCC should stay out of the entire business of "regulating" content in any way. All regulations should be content neutral. Content is created for an audience, and not the Congress, Church, FCC or any other potentially regulatory group.

It is now time for "later".

We as a nation are "gifted" by the availability of a broad range of content aimed at entertaining, informing, educating and even annoying the audience. Do I like or "approve" of everything that is on television? Of course I don't. Having said that, I am free to watch what I wish, and ignore what I choose not to watch. There is content to please almost everyone.

I wish that I could ask these Senators if they like all of the books that are available in a public library. We are free to read what we choose to read, and we should be free to watch what we choose to watch on television.

All of this content should not be influenced or restricted by the Senate or the FCC. All sets have on and off switches, channel selectors and the newer ones V-chips.

On the other hand, I do believe that broadcasters should operate in the public interest, convenience, and necessity. Among the problems is that no one knows exactly what that means.

If I were ever to become the King, I would assemble a group of media professionals to come up with at least an outline of what is expected of broadcasters serving in areas like children's programming, news, local events etcetera.

Television outlets have since the beginning of their existence concerned themselves with profitability first, and then they pay lip service to public interest, convenience, and necessity.

I am so pleased that the Senators have time for this really important stuff now that they have figured out how to stop our wars, fix New Orleans, provide health care for everyone, deal with the homeless, explain how to repay our 9 trillion dollar debt, stop global warming and a few other minor things that are hurting our society.

Lionel Murphy was right! Get me to a press conference.

Norman Horowitz

Spelling and Grammar mistakes are caused by my lack of attention at: PS86, PS90, JHS117, The Bronx High School Of Science, The Barnard School For Boys, The United States Air Force, Belleville Junior College, and The RCA Institute