Network executives evade questions about violent TV, social ills

"To understand the nature of media influence, consider the example of television advertising," Medved wrote. "Luxury car companies such as Lexus and Audi spend tens of millions of dollars on commercials despite the fact that 99 percent of those who see these ads could never even consider the purchase of such expensive cars. Nonetheless, enough people across the country will feel swayed by the imagery on TV messages that they end up buying spiffy new rides. It's that influence at the margins that can change a company's bottom line, justifying very smart corporate honchos in their massive investment in media advertising."

Returning to the topic of the television critics' press tour, some postive news actually emerged from the confab: At least one network is earnestly seeking answers about the vicious, violent outbursts like those in Columbine, Colo., and Newtown that continue to plague society. On Monday, the Associated Press reported about a PBS announcement that the public network “will air a series of programs under the umbrella title ‘After Newtown.’ The February series will ‘continue the public conversation’ on the topics of gun laws, mental illness and school security, PBS said. … PBS’ ‘After Newtown’ initiative airs Feb. 18 to 22.”

Jamshid Ghazi Askar is a graduate of BYU's J. Reuben Clark Law School and member of the Utah State Bar. Contact him at jaskar@desnews.com or 801-236-6051.