Austin360 blogs > TV Blog > Archives > 2006 > March > 31 > Entry
Tori, Tori, Tori
For those of you nearly doubled over in anticipation, Tori Spelling’s new semi-reality sitcom “So NoTorIous” debuts Sunday night at 9 on VH1.
Spelling, the plain but filthy rich daughter of TV mogul Aaron Spelling, has been parodied her whole life — at least since she joined the cast of Daddy’s “Beverly Hills, 90210” as a teenager. Her (first) wedding was so extravagant that even the star suck-ups at “Entertainment Tonight” were rolling their eyes during coverage.
Tori probably figured she might as well cash in on the jabs and parodies, so her new sitcom — in which she plays her rich-and-spoiled self — does just that. Tori’s real-life mom Candy is said to be miffed at Loni Anderson’s portrayal of the fictional Tori’s mom, but she’ll probably change her mind if the show is a hit.
You or U.S. should decide what’s good to watch?
In a recent survey sponsored by the anti-censorship group TV Watch, an overwhelming majority of registered voters believe that viewers should decide what’s appropriate to watch, not government censors. Surprise, surprise.
The phone survey, conducted by researchers not connected to TV Watch, found that 82 percent favored self-censorship, while only 12 percent preferred to assign that task to the government.
TV Watch’s members include the American Conservative Union, the Media Freedom Project, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, NBC, CBS, Americans for Tax Reform and The Creative Coalition. Among the individuals in the group is Linda Gale White, former first lady of Texas.
The organization was formed last year to help educate parents about how to make (and enforce) choices for family viewing. A big educational push was made on behalf of the V-chip (which only a small percentage of viewers actually use — or even know how to use). The group also touts blocking devices available on most cable and satellite systems.
Earlier this month, the Federal Communications Commission levied a $3.6 million fine against CBS for an episode of “Without a Trace” that featured a teen sex orgy.
It’s no secret that TV programming has become cruder in terms of sex and language over the years. Producers and network execs say the public prefers this more realistic approach, and the networks say they must provide it to compete with less restricted cable channels such as FX and HBO.
Changing the channel or turning off the set is the logical solution to offensive programming, but some parents argue that they shouldn’t have to watch everything their kids watch on free, over-the-air network TV.
I bet we’ll see a big chill in over-the-air shows come fall, when the networks present their new series. With the FCC in the mood to levy million-fines and a vocal (if apparently smaller) segment of the viewing public ticked off, pushing the envelope may not be as appealing as it once was. Even Steven Bochco admits he doesn’t think “NYPD Blue” could get on the air today.
Permalink | | Categories: Random thoughts
