American Views on Entertainment Media

A new poll conducted by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press (PRCPP), an independent opinion research group, found that 50 percent of Americans hold audiences responsible for the amount of sex and violence present in the entertainment media. Thirty-four percent of respondents said responsibility for such content lies primarily with its producers, according to the poll, which was conducted by phone from March 17-21 among a nationwide sample of 1,505 adults.  Interestingly, PRCPP also found that most Americans hold video games manufacturers in lower regard than the motion picture and TV entertainment industries. While 34 percent said they have a favorable view of the video games industry, 49 percent said they regarded it negatively.  The poll also showed that 79 percent of Americans find parents – and not inadequate laws or law enforcement – are most responsible for children being exposed to inappropriate material. Thirty-seven percent of respondents, the largest group, said the best method to reduce sex and violence in the media is by boycotting such entertainment.

-- 06/08/2005