Many people are concerned about the violence shown in television programs today. The National Television of Violence Study was conducted in 1996 and again in 1997, by researchers at the Universities of North Carolina, Texas, California, and Wisconsin; this study showed sixty percent of programs viewed contained some form of violence. After this study was done many parents took steps in order to prevent their children form viewing violence and sex on television by installing boxes which are used to lock out certain programs or channels or using the parental control feature provided on their television. In 1999 the White House issued a press release that announced the Network Anti-Violence Roadblock, which is an anti-violence public service campaign. Also a second announcement was made that the Justice Department Gave out $ 15 million Dollars to the Commission Orientated Policing Services (COPS), which is a program that is partnered with local law enforcement to target crime and violence. Former President Clinton was also concerned and ordered all manufactures to install the V-chip device in all television sets. By July 1, 1999 fifty percent of new television were equipped and by the year 2000 all televisions must have been equipped with this device, therefore preventing the viewing of certain shows. However, many Americans still watch these violent programs.
The force of violence shown on television is still a concern for many people. Violent programs can have a strong effect on viewers. Some effects can be positive and some can be negative depending on who is asked about the programming. Producers of the commercials are happy with this, because the people keep watching, which increases the ratings of the station. Companies that advertise during these programs do not care what kind of programs that are run, because the make up of the program might cause people to tune in and watch the commercial and then consider buying the advertised product.
