TV & Radio censorship

Media Censorship is no doubt extremely important to regulate the quality and the appropriateness of the content that is delivered to the viewers. However, to what extent should content be censored is the question here.

Censorship usually depends on the country the content is delivered in and the common culture and background of the population. In the U.S., the 1st amendment to the constitution offers people the freedom of speech. This means that the government or any other organization usually has limited power in censoring programs. It usually leads to rating of programs so that the viewers are aware of the severity of the content and whether it is suitable for them or their children. Other than rating, the FCC will usually ban or censor content that is politically offensive or provides false information regarding the country or the country's government. In other countries where freedom of speech or democracy is not afforded to the people by their governments or their respective consitutions, censorship is usually more widespread and severe. Any content involving the government or religion is closely monitored and censored.

Some areas are so inappropriate all across the board that they must definitely be censored by the government or other agencies. These areas include but are not limited to pornography, extreme violence, racism and other immoral and depraved acts. I agree that parents should be responsible for the kind of content their children are exposed to, however, the government should definitely do its part by censoring content inappropriate to children like abusive language, sex, violence and extreme content of any kind. All movies and programs should be rated so the audience has the ability and the liberty to choose what is appropriate and what is not. Beyond that, you can't obviously prevent people from watching what they please.

On the other hand, censorship should be executed wisely and minimally. The government should allow for fair, accurate, and unbiased reporting of news. Senseless censorship like censoring jokes out of comedy shows just because they might be in bad taste should be stopped. People should have the right to watch shows that reflect other people's views and opinions in their purest and most original form. Media corporations like ABC, NBC and others should not allow their vested interests and interests of the corporate world to influence the content of their shows. False propaganda of any kind, be it political or other, should obviously be censored. However, at the end of the day, it should be left to people to watch what they want. Especially in a democracy where people have the freedom of speech and pursue happiness, people should be assumed to be smart enough to know what is appropriate for them to watch, read, or listen to.