Attitudes Towards Sex On TV Diverge

Attitudes towards sex on TV have become more tolerant in recent years, according to the latest survey published this week by the Broadcasting Standards Commission.

Despite this, the amount of people who believe that there is too much sex on television is also on the up, increasing from 32% in 1992 to 36% in 1998.

Confessional talk shows, which have proliferated in recent years, were a problem area, with 47% of respondents claiming that there was too much sex on talk shows. 30% of people also claimed that there is too much sex in soap operas. Although many parents said that such programmes often helped them to discuss certain difficult issues with their children, by bringing up particular subjects, i.e. sex, 56% of people were concerned that sex on television encourages children to experiment too soon.

Since 1992, opinion of the depiction of homosexual relationships on television has also softened, with 58% of people agreeing that it is alright to show gay relationships on screen, compared to 46% in 1992.

Lady Howe, chairman of the Commission, commented: “To a significant minority much offence continues to be caused by sex on television, as broadcasters strive to make their programmes more realistic. It is important that broadcasters try to balance realism against potential offence. That balance can be helped by sensible scheduling, respecting the Watershed and the provision of suitable warnings.”

Broadcasting Standards Commission: 0171 233 0544