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ABC Family disclaimer, what gives?

F

FreddyE1977

Guest
I noticed the other day that ABC Family was running a disclaimer prior to the start of That 70's Show.
"The following program contains mature subject matter that might be inappropriate for younger viewers.
Viewer discretion advised" or something similar.

I presumed this was due to Red Forman's repeated use of a mild three-letter profanity, plus the
episode touched on the issue of teen pregnancy. Unlike other channels that run That 70's Show
ABC Family's target audience is made up of teens and tweens.

All well and good....except I noticed during the episode that they were running commercials for the
First Response Home Pregnancy Test!

What gives? Should they perhaps be running the disclaimer on the commercials and not the program?
And why exactly does First Response want these spots anyhow?
 
The disclaimers and TV ratings on the screen are really unnecessary, as they ruin the viewing experience. Let the viewers decide for themselves if the program suits them. If something offends them, they could simply change the channel.

If one program has such a disclaimer, many more might follow. Many programs all ready follow the example of having TV ratings after every commercial break.
 
The disclaimers and TV ratings on the screen are really unnecessary, as they ruin the viewing experience. Let the viewers decide for themselves if the program suits them. If something offends them, they could simply change the channel.
Click to expand...

Gotta respectfully disagree. Even though I think it's the parents responsibility and not the networks to determine what is appropriate viewing for children of various ages, how does a rating ruin your viewing experience? You mean to tell me that a quick disclaimer and age recommendation will completely over shadow a well produced, well scripted, well acted program? Really?
 
The ABC "Family" Channel running a disclaimer.

Doesn't sound so "family friendly" does it?

I suggest the obvious solution=======DROP THE SHOW.
 
Large TV ratings can obscure a person's face or anything important to the program. Some viewers would rather record the programs than pay for videos free of logos, ratings, or disclaimers.

Disclaimers, including verbal disclaimers, ruin the flow of programming and remind some viewers that others may find the following programs unsuitable. There are other places for the same information provided by disclaimers.
 
Seltzer said:
The ABC "Family" Channel running a disclaimer.

Doesn't sound so "family friendly" does it?

I suggest the obvious solution=======DROP THE SHOW.
Click to expand...

It seems like the obvious solution except that "Family" is a rather over-reaching term. While parents may sit down to watch "Full House" on the channel with their younger kids, and later watch "That 70s Show" with older children, and find the shows completely appropriate for their respective audiences.
 
I'm neither pro-disclaimer, or anti-disclaimer, but "they ruin the viewing experience," and they "ruin the flow???"

Are you guys kidding? How does a five second rating disclaimer at the beginning and end of a show ruin anything? After two minutes of commercials and promos, a 5 second disclaimer ruins the flow? Sorry I'm asking so many questions, but I don't get it.

I think the more important point about rating disclaimers is that they probably have very little effect on the viewing habits of children older than 8 - except perhaps to encourage them to watch something "inappropriate" when their parents aren't monitoring them. I'm old enough to remember the years before film ratings, and I can tell you that the label "Banned in Boston" (or wherever) in the advertisement for a movie or book actually encouraged sales - because people were intrigued and wanted to see what the controversy was all about/

Also, these ratings are the equivalent to baling water with a teacup at the high-tide line. By their early teen years, most kids are hooked up to the internet, and I'd bet the majority of parents don't install blocking software or monitor their kids' internet surfing. Let's face it, compared to the internet, network and basic cable TV is almost Victorian.
 
The real answer is to either get back to the original intent of being a family friendly network, which it is at times but not always any more, put the more mature programming on later in the evening and come up with a different name for that lineup similar to Nick at Nite or Adult Swim, or change the name of the network entirely. The programming on ABC Family is not family oriented for the entire schedule any more.
 
The programming on ABC Family is not family oriented for the entire schedule any more.
Click to expand...

(Disclaimer: the following post my contain content and references objectionable to some readers. It is not intended for posters under the age of 13. Parental discretion is advised)

Hey Manson had a family...so I guess it's all about your perspective! ;D
 
ABC can't really do anything with the name unless they get away from Pat Robertson's CBN and relaunch the channel, and I can't watch that 70's show, its not in HD, haha
 
sfradio said:
ABC can't really do anything with the name unless they get away from Pat Robertson's CBN and relaunch the channel...
Click to expand...

And they can't get away from CBN and relaunch the channel without closing down ABC Family, THEN renegotiating with the cable systems. It's all in the contract.
 
azumanga said:
sfradio said:
ABC can't really do anything with the name unless they get away from Pat Robertson's CBN and relaunch the channel...
Click to expand...

And they can't get away from CBN and relaunch the channel without closing down ABC Family, THEN renegotiating with the cable systems. It's all in the contract.
Click to expand...

And the only way the "Family" portion gets dropped is when Pat Robertson dies. It's an iron-clad contract.
 
Mario-500 said:
The disclaimers and TV ratings on the screen are really unnecessary, as they ruin the viewing experience.
Click to expand...
Not anymore than Vince saying "You're gonna love my nuts" or the occasional "G-- D---" during an afternoon commercial for "Ax Men."
 
Markieo said:
...the only way the "Family" portion gets dropped is when Pat Robertson dies. It's an iron-clad contract.
Click to expand...

I thought it didn't matter if Pat lives or not -- personally, the only way ABC Family can drop the "Family" and "The 700 Club" is if CBN goes bankrupt and declares insolvency.
 
Markieo said:
And the only way the "Family" portion gets dropped is when Pat Robertson dies. It's an iron-clad contract.
Click to expand...
If he only knew what was going on during an episode of "Secret Life of the American Teenager", he would understand why "family" shouldn't be involved in the name.
 
Mario-500 said:
The disclaimers and TV ratings on the screen are really unnecessary, as they ruin the viewing experience. Let the viewers decide for themselves if the program suits them. If something offends them, they could simply change the channel.
Click to expand...

Could not agree more! Could not even tell you what rating this program got since by now my brain is trained to totally ignore
those bugs. Pretty useless anyhow since the networks get to self-rate.
 
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