Issue Analysis: Please review
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04 Aug 2010, 02:46
Issue:. In some countries, television and radio programs are carefully censored for offensive language and behavior. In other countries, there is little or no censorship.
In your view, to what extent should government or any other group be able to censor television or radio programs? Explain, giving relevant reasons and/or examples to support your position.
Analysis:Many people think that the content of television and radio should be censored to prevent airing of offensive language and behaviour.Other people support the claim that freedom of expression is of more importance and government has no role to decide what people should watch or hear. Let people decide which television programs they want to watch and which radio programs they want to hear. The issue is controversial one but a closer observation reveals that for healthy social atmosphere it is essential that government body censors the Television and radio programs.
One reason is that the content broadcasted on TV and radiop has considerable impact on society exposed to it. It is observed that people watching programs have deeply impacted by what they see and hear. People start thinking in a way it is depicted in programs. For instance, some students tried rob the bank after they watched the movie Gangster wherein the protagonist was seen doing the same. Students got inspired by the movie and they tried to rob the bank same way as shown in movie. Hence violent content pose a greater risk to society and may result in increased crime rate.
Another reason is that when there is no one governing the TV and Radio programs, the producers tend to cross the limit and show something which may create social disharmony among various ethinic or religious groups. For example, Few Years back one TV channel showed the religion in bad light; it caused the resentment among one section of society and led to social disharmony. Therefore, it will be appropriate on the part of government of any contry to form governing council controlling the content of TV and radio.
Perhaps the best reason is that many producers take advantage of freedom of expression and show the obscene content on TV during day time. Many times viewers are innocuous young children and exposed to these obscene things lead these children to psychological problems. To illustrate,recent study showed that most of the underage unmarried mothers were inspired by TV programs where certain things are glorified. Specifically, it’s the uncensored TV and radio program, which is creating new social problems.
In summary, while there are arguments to be made for both side of the issue, it is clear that there are greater advantages of having governing body to control the content of TV and Radio Programs. Uncensored TV and Radio program may lead to increased crime rate, create social disharmony and may create new social problems. Hence it is in the interest of society that we have governing body to monitor and censor the TV and Radio programs.