DOCUMENT RESUME

ED 366 867 CG 025 213

TITLE Talking with TV: A Guide to Starting Dialogue with Youth, 1993-1994 Edition. INSTITUTION Center for Population Options, Washington, DC. SPONS AGENCY Carnegie Corp. of New York, N.Y. PUB DATE [94] NOTE 29p. PUB TYPE Guides Non-Classroom Use (055)

EDRS PRICE MF01/PCO2 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Adolescents; Children; Cultural Influences; Drug Use; Ethnicity; *Interpersonal Communication; Interpersonal Relationship; *Mass Media Effects; *Parent Child Relationship; *Preadolescents; *Programming (Broadcast); Responsibility; Sexuality; Research; *Television Viewing; Values

ABSTRACT This booklet shows parents and other adults how to use entertainment television to sparkdiscussions with children and adolescents about sexuality, values, responsibility,communication, and other sensitive subjects (personalrelationships, race and culture, drug use). First published in 1989, thisbooklet has been updated annually. Discussion questions and activitiesin the guide focus primarily on preadolescents--children betweenthe ages of 9 and 12 years--but are of use with both younger and olderaudiences as well. This guide from 1)93-1994 features plotsummaries of returning shows popular with preadolescents and adolescents and newshows which, most likely, will attract a young audience. Theguide does not endorse or rate shows; it chooses those mostlikely to raise important issues. Most of the shows highlighted in theguide are broadcast in primetime. Included in the guide are namesand addresses of production companies, networks, cable channels,and other organizations concerned with television.(Author/NB)

*********************************************************************** * * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that canbe made * * from the original document. *********************************************************************** U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement DUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it 3 Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction Quality.

Points of view or opinions stated in this docu- ment do not necessarily represent official OERI position or poll

"PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY

TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMAT The Center for Population The CPO Media Project Options (CPO) CPO's Los Angeles-based Media CPO is a multi-dimensional, Project works with the nonprofit organization founded inentertainment media to generate of 1980 to increase the opportunities accurate, relevant portrayals and abilities youth have for makingsexuality. It offers information, healthy decisions about sexuality. research findings and free script In the U.S. and developingnations,consultation to writers and CPO provides information, producers. The project's annual education and advocacy to youth- presentation of its Nancy Susan serving agencies and professionals,Reynolds Awards is a recognized policymakers and the media. ceremony honoringtelevision programs, music videosand theatrical films that address Center for Population Options sexuality issues in a creative, 1025 Vermont Avenue, NW sensitive and factual manner. Suite 200 Washington, DC 20005 Phone: (202) 347-5700 CPO Media Project Fax (202) 347-2263 3733 Motor Avenue, Suite 204 Margaret Pruitt Clark, President Los Angeles, CA 90034 Phone: (310) 559-5700 Fax: (310) 559-5784

Talking With TV was funded in part by a Jennifer Daves, Director grant from the CarnegieCorporation of New York, which does not necessarily subscribe to the views expressed here.

a Talking With W: What is it?

The finding is astounding- to 12-but are of use withboth children in the United States spendyounger and older audiences. more time watchingTV than doing Talking With TIN Program anything else except sleeping. Guide for 1993-94 features plot Research continues on how summaries of returning shows television influences their attitudes.popular with pre-teens and teens But one thing is dear now: so longand new shows which, most likely, as television continues tohave suchwill attract a young audience. CPO a predominant placein young does not endorse or rate shows; we people's lives, adults must make it achoose those most likely to raise communications ally. important issues. Except for late- Talking With TV shows parents afternoon specials and Saturday- and other adults how to use morning shows, programs are entertainment television to spark broadcast in "primetime," between discussions wita children and teens7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. about sexuality ,values, Talking With TV also indudes responsibility, communication andthe names and addresses of other sensitive subjects. These production companies, networks, subjects include personal cable channels and organizations relationships, race and culture andconcerned with television. drug use. CPO hopes this booklet will help CPO first published Talking Withyou make TV an allyin exploring TV in 1989 The booklet has been important issues with children. updated annually. Discussion questions and activities in this guide focus primarily on pre-teens-children 9

Contents Talking With TV: What is it? 1 TV, OurChildren and Sex 3 How to Make IV anAlly 4 What's On:The 1993-94 Program Guide 10 Talking to TV: Your Opinion Counts 21

1 ,

4

aAi* This Mother Knows Best, Both Onand Off Screen From a parent's perspective, television isdelivering a lot of good information to children these days. But there's still roomfor improvement; some entertainment programs send confusing insensitive orclearly wrong messages about important issues. I know the medium's strengths andweaknesses particularly wel4 because I'm Mom on and off the screen. Playing Cindy Walsh, mother of teenagetwins Brandon and Brenda on Beverly Hills, 90210, has given me four years toconsider the ways young people learn to make decisions about subjects ranging fromfamily and peer relationships to sexual behavior to values and culture.Being the real-life parent of a six-year-old boy challenges me to find positive ways toexplore those kinds of topics with my child And working as a television actressgives me the chance to analyze how TV talks to our childrenhow it can teachthem and how it can confuse them. My conclusion is that it is importantand po.uible for adults and children to "talk with* TV, as this booklet willshow you. Shows popular with young audiences can launch excellent familydiscussions, so long as parents watch the shows with their children. You canfind out why children like certain programs and don't like others. What seems"real* to them? What doesn't? You may be surprised by what they have to say. On stage and off, clear dialogue isauential. So use Talking With TV to help spark communication that encourages youngpeople to share their opinions. Offer the kids you care about constnictiveguidance, and take time to learn from them, too. That's what this mom tries todo at work and at home!

eseLtda___

2 TV, Our Children and Sex

Television is everywherein our an adult world thatis generally homes, our schools, our captivating and uncomplicated. workplaces. We organize living Material goods are easy to come by rooms and life'sdaily routines and most problems can be resolved around it. It has become, in less in 24 minutes, allowing time for than 50 years, an omnipresent commercials. source of informationabout Sexual Messages human nature. Unmatched by any Children learn about the other communications medium, mechanics of sex from parents and television helps shape national andpeers, sexuality educationin international events, provoke socialschools, sometimes from books and change and influence the thinking magazines. 'From television, they and purchasing habits of viewers. learn about sexual expression. "Are you watching TV again?" though they don't always recognize Children in this country spend what they're learning. Dress, more time tunedinto TV than theydialogue, even sight gags send spend at school or interacting withobvious messages, but other signals their friends and family. Many are more subtle: thequirk of an adults encourage reading, sports, eyebrow, laughter, background studies and other activities as music, cantra angles, even the alternatives to "the tube," and theykinds of cars characters drive and try to limit children'sviewing whether and how a person drinks hoursone inventive parent alcohol or smokes cigarettes. markets an automatic shut-off TV's messages about sexuality timer he devised. But so long as are often misguided,like this society remains infatuated with TV,familiar theme: Sex is best so too will youngpeople. practiced by beautiful young Adults who live or work with people; older or fat characters who youth cannot help but worry aboutwish to engage in sex are funny. the variety of messages TV Though wrong, these messages programs andcommercials send affect young people. children. Researchers are just Adult.s, meanwhile, worry about beginning to document what the explosion of sexual content on parents and youth-serving television and its relationship to professionals observe frequently: sexual activity, unintended much of what children learn aboutadolescent pregnancies and the world of adults comes from sexually transmitted diseases television. including HIV infection and AIDS. What they learn is often misleading. Television shows are meant to entertain, sothey present 3 How to Make TV an Ally An Awakening The Best Strategies Thankfully, quality entertainment It is up to adults to tap TV's programs have begunoffering power to deliver the messages we children and adults positive, want our kids to hear.Discussing educational messages and every sexual message onTV would information about sexuality. (The require extraordinary vigilance. But Media Project of The Center for adults can focus on selected Population Options honors severalmessages about sexualityand other of these shows annually with its complex issues. These pointers can Nancy Susan Reynolds Award.) help you make television an More shows and specials have excellent conversation starter: begun to depict responsible, wise Acknowledge your own feelings. and honest decisions about sex and It can be difficult for adults to sexual relationships. acknowledge the developing But the fact remains that even assexuality of children. But we must. many shows become more We need to protect our children responsible and informative, manyfrom the consequences of risky others distort or make light of behaviors and at the same time sexuality and emotions. But even encourage positive and secure "bad" shows can spark meaningful feelings about human sexuality and discussions between adults and love. Talk to other parents, perhaps children. some with childrenolder than The bottom line is that televisionyours, about suggestionsthey may lives with you and it gets your have. Ask your children's doctor to children's attention, sometimes more successfullythan you do! So when young people watch, with them. Seize the opportunity to provide them with facts about health and sexuality and to communicate without embarrass - about responsible, loving relationships and the emotional maturity they require. As children grow, they face manydecisions. With enough information and guidance, they also face promising futures.

4 recommend appropriate books forsensitive about who is present you and your children about when starting conversations. Young human reproduction and sexuality.people often feel embarrassed by Watch what your children watch. discussions of sexuality in front of It is normal to want time for their friends or other adults. yourself, especially at the end of Have fun! the day. When the kids are being Keep discussions informal. Avoid entertained by TV, you can take a lecturing. Children will protest look at the newspaper, catch up constant criticism of programming with a friend on the phone or they enjoy. Instead, transform a complete another item on a show's negative messages into seemingly endless list of householdpositive discussion by asking them chores. But watch "their" shows as for their views. often as you can and suggest showsThe Right Questions you would like them to see. When sending messages about Ask children'sopinions.... sexuality, TV uses innuendo and Regularly ask open-ended humormethods that confuse questions like "How do you feel young people. To give your about ...?" or "What do you think children a straightforward about...?" Even if you do not translation of a show's sexual receive a thoughtful response you messages, you will need to sift will be nurturing the critical through and explain extra-long thinking skills that help children looks, sly smiles, raised eyebrows, learn to question media messages. body language, double-meaning If you ask direct questions like "Doword play and other TV tricks. you act like that character?," you put kids on the spot. But more than explaining shows' messages, learn what your children ...and share yours. pick up on their own. They may Look, listen, then discuss your misunderstand the show's message. own thoughts and express your Or they may understand exactly opinions on the issues. Children what the show is sayingeven need to know your bottom line as when it's incorrect, insensitive they begin to form their own views.information. The following Quick, the commercial'son! questions will get conversations Use commercial time to deliver started. your own brief messages.You may Family and Friends get more attention when there's a What is a family? Do you know break in the show and your children who are adopted? Do children come up for air. you have friends or classmates Apply sensitivity. with step-parents? With half- Be aware of what shows children brothers and -sisters? With one choose to watch with you and those parent living with them? With a they prefer to watch alone. Be went living with a friend? 5 Values and Emotions What are beliefs/values? What are the values of yourfamily? Of IL your favorite television characters? Can people with different beliefs/values get along with one another? Why or why not? Why are values important? Is school important to the kids on this show? If not, whatis important? What do you think Is there a television family that about that? you would like to be a partof? One that you wouldn't? Why? Do these kids have plans for the future? What are yours? Is there one that reminds you of your own family? Do the characters on this show express their true emotions ordo Do the parents on this show they hide them? really know what their kids are doing or thinking? Do the How do people express their parents try to communicatewell? feelings for each other in this Do the kids try? Are both "sides" show? How would you react if truthful with one another? someone told you they were angry with you? Or thatthey What do you think of the star's liked you? friends? Would you like friends like that? Why or why not? Trust and Responsibility What does it mean to trust Do you think the TV parents someone? Would you trust that approve of their children's character? Why or why not? Have friends? If you were a parent, you ever felt you couldn't trust a what would you do if your child friend with a secret? When do had a friend you didn't trust? you share secrets? Can boys and girls, or men and Have you ever lost confidence in women, be friends witheach someone? What happened? How other without being romantically could you trust them again? or sexually involved? What chores or responsibilities Who has the most influence on do the kids on this show have? the children on this show Would you give your kids more friends or parents? What do you or fewer responsibilities?What think about that? do you think about the chores you have to do?

6 Do you think young characters responsibilities of sex? Are both on television feel pressure todo partners responsible for learning what their friends are doing? Do about how to prevent sexually they try alcohol, drugs or sex transmitted diseases and because their friends have tried unwanted pregnancy? Why? Are them? both partners responsible for the Relationships emotional consequences of beginning a sexual relationship? What do you think of that relationship? Would you want to Who do you think feels more be his or her girlfriend or pressure about sex, males or boyfriend? What makes a good females? What do kids at school romantic relationship? say about that? How do people act when they How could you communicate like each other? Do boys and your feelings aboutwanting or girls act differently? not wanting a sexual relationship? Do you think teens What do you think of a girl or adults on TV do thatwell? asking a guy out? Should teenagers have sex? How old should someone be before they go out with a date? Should adults tell them not to? Why or why not? Do you think kids feel they have What do you think about to kiss on a first date? What teenagers having babies? Would about doing more than that? you want to be a teenageparent? Would you ever cancej plans with What would you say if a friend of a friend if someone youreally yours told you she or hewanted liked asked you out for the same a baby? What reasonsdo you time? How would you feel if your think your friend would have? friend did that? Do you know what Sexual Behavior and Sex Roles homosexuality is? Do you know Do you think those characters what "" and "gay" means? are ready for asexual Has anyone ever told you he or relationship? Why or why not? she is a lesbian or gay? How did What responsibilities go along you feel? with sexual intercourse? How can Which characters act like you you prevent anunwanted think a man should? Which act pregnancy or a sexually like you think a woman should? transmitted disease? Who is your favorite male Have you ever heard TV character? Female character? characters talk about the fsri Race, Religion and Culture Extra Credit Whatis the ethnic or racial Combining television viewing background of characters on thiswith interactive activities is another show? Is it the same for all of theway you can use TV's messagesto characters? What do you think initiate discussions. Try a couple of about that? the following exercises. What is the religion of those Changin' Times characters? Do they discuss Watch a new show about a family religious traditions? and a rerun of a show from the Do kids at school talk about 1950s, '60s or '70s like "Father white friends who "act black," orKnows Best," "I Love Lucy," "All in black friends who "act white"? the Family," "," "The What do they mean? What are Brady Bunch." Compare fashions, symbols of culture for African- decor, types of families and ways of American kids? What are living. Are differences between the symbols of culture for white kids?two shows easy to spot?What are For Latino kids? For Asian kids? they? How are television families What are shared symbols for still similar? Have young people Americans, regardless of focus on the roles for men and background? women in the shows.What are they? Does it seem like roles have What are "stereotypes"? Are any changed? Why or why not? characters on this show a stereotype? Do the African-American, Asian, Hispanic and white characters on your favorite shows seem tohave the same choices available to them? Why or why not? Does it seem that way inreal life? Do the kids on this show have friends from different racial or ethnic backgrounds? Do kids at your school? Doyou? Is it easy or difficult to be friends with kids from different backgrounds? Is English the first language the characters on this show learned? Do kids in your school speak different languages?

8 ieJ Commercials Power of the Pen Watch several commercials with a Have children write one letter to critical eye, then ask how the the producers of a show they liked advertisement sells the product. and one to the producers of a show Look for ads that use sex to sell they did not like. Review the letters and discuss whether that approachand discuss what makes some is necessary or related to the shows better than others. Send tl.e product. Ask the kids what letters to the producers. (Addresszs commercials they and their friendson pages 21-23.) like, and if those ads make them What's Important? want the product. Why? Have everyone list values that are That's Me important to them. Look for Have young people select a examples of those values in favorite moment or line from a show that shows. Explore which values are expresses a feeling they have had. most and least important and Ask how their reactions compare towhich ones are more likely to be those of the characters and how compromised. they handled the situation. Do it Again Look back at a show you've just watched and ask children and pre- teens to do a quick rewrite, starting at a specific point. Talk about how and why they would have changed the action and outcome of the show. What's On? ProgramGuide for 1993-94 CPO chooses programs for this School, education and careers guide based on: the time the show Rites of passage/milestones of is brnadcast (7:00 p.m. 9:30 p.m., childhood and adolescence weekday afternoons or Saturday morning), whether the show is or is CPO does not rate the quality of likely to be popular among young these shows. Adults should people and whether storylines will discuss with children which start productiveconversations. programs are appropriatefor Likely discussion topics for this viewing. year's shows include: Relationships and *Tides marked with a star are communication with friends, winners of a Nancy Susan Reynolds family members and boy Award from CPO which honors friends or girl friends outstanding portrayals of issues Adolescent sexuality and relating to sexuality, family development planning and reproductive health. Marriage and childbearing See page 24 to see how you can help nominate next year's winners. Divorce Addresses of the companies that Gender roles at home and in produce each show and the the workplace networks that air them are on Culture, ethnicity and race pages 21-23. relations

10 New this Season (ABC) Adventures of Brisco Eleven-year-old Cory Matthews (Ben Savage, brother of Fred County, Jr. (Fox) "Wonder Years" Savage) has his Wild West adventurer Brisco own theoriesabout life, County, Jr. is a bounty hunter withrelationships and growing up. But a Harvard lawdegree. His the alternative viewpoints of his escapades rounding up outlaws arefather, mother, older brother, a parody ofclassic Westerns, but younger sister, bestfriend and his include standards like frontier teacher, Mr. Feeny (William shoot-outs and horse chases. Daniels), constantly throw him off- Warner Bros. Television balance. Perhaps most irritating to Cory is that he's the kid who lives Against the Grain (NBC) next door to Mr. Feeny,who's A drama about a small-town equal parts stuffy and witty. Texas football coach and his tight- knit family, the show attempts to Touchstone TV/Witt/Thomas Prods. portray high schoolathletics Cafe American (NBC) realistically. This town takes football seriously, so the pressure is Valerie Bertinelli plays a divorced on CoachClemons (John Terry) American woman who moves to and his family. Paris and takes a job in a small restaurant. But she speaks no Warner Bros. Television French. C'est une probleme. Warner Bros.Television

..

AP'r y #

404. Ob.

_A Ite Dave's World (CBS) Based on humorist Dave Barry's syndicated columns, this show is about a husband, father andsemi- responsible citizen who, as a former child of the '60s, is confronting the absurdities of life in the '90s. Joining him in the struggle are his wife, two sons, editor and buddies. CBS Entertainment Prods.

Family Album (CBS) (NBC) For better or worse, the Lerner A divorced woman, a widow and familymom, dad and threekids their four children try to make has moved back to ends meet by sharing a home in the from California to reunite with suburbs. Blending the parents, grandparents andsiblings personalities insecure Cathy and to discover just what multi- Hale () and her 16- generational togetherness means. and 9-year-old daughters and Warner Bros. Television worldly wise Dolores Dixon () and her teen sons George (ABC) won't be easy without some humor. Ex-heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman stars as George Warner Bros. Television Foster, a retired boxer whose Grace Under Fire (ABC) search for a new challenge leads A Southern woman who ended her him to start a youth center in a low-eight-year marriage, Grace Kelly, is income neighborhood. His mannerplayed by comic Brett Butler . She's with kids is unconventional and chosen working hard and raising three direct. With humor, George is children independently over maniage determined to help kids find their to "a knuckle-dragging,cousin-loving, place in the worldand he'll learnbeer-sucking, redneck husband" Her a few thingsabout himself, too. strengths indude a quick wit, stmng Columbia Pictures TV will and the support of her children and friends The Carsey-Werner Co.

12 It Had to be You (CBS) Adventures of Superman stars as a haughty (ABC) Boston socialite and publisher who In this latest incarnation of the is very much in control of her Superman saga, Clark Kent is no professional life. On the personal nerd. Hunky Dean Cain, as Clark side, she's awkward and somewhat and the super guy, is witty, dazed when she falls for a widowedsophisticated and romantican carpenter (Robert Urich) with equal match for quick and funny three sons. ace reporter Lois Lane (Teri Warner Bros. Television Hatcher). The show's a romantic comedy, with a '90s spin on the old joe's Life (ABC) Superman series. Described in Hollywood as "the Warner Bros. Television male ," this show features Peter Onorati as Joe Gennaro, a The Mommies (NBC) suddenly unemployed executive Two homemakers who are next- who's now home with his kids whiledoor neighbors and best friends his wife works at an office. At help each other cope with family night, he works as a chef in his "traumas" like homework, holidays, brother's restaurant. The new teens and carpools. Comediennes situation presents unexpected Marilyn Kentz and Caryl opportunities for Joe to focus on Kristensen, two real-life mothers his responsibilities and concerns aswho formed a stage act a few years a father. ago, star in this "homemade"series. ABC Productions Paramount TV (Fox) (CBS) Three young, upwardly mobile When a widowed and rich women try to make sense oflife, Broadway producer hires a young, love and their careers while sharingworking-class woman from Queens an apartment in NewYork. Hip- to care for his three children, the hop rapper Queen Latifah stars as nurturing that results is "a constant Khadijah James, the no-nonsense mixing of the blue blood and the founding editor of Flavor Magazine,blue collar," according to actress a guide for urban women.Kim Fran Drescher, who stars as the Coles is her dizzy cousin Synclaire, nanny. and Kim Fields plays her vain Tristar TV friend Regine. Warner Bros. Television

13 Phenom (ABC) Angela Doolan (Angela Goethals) is a 15-year-old with a single mom, older brother, younger sister and a huge tennis-playing talent. Her coach, Lou Del La Rosa (William Devane), is reknowned, loud and pushing to take over Angela's life. Her mother, Dianne (JudithLight), is supportive, but worried: she wants Angela to have anormal life. Columbia TV Saved by the Bell: The College Years (NBC) From the successful Saturday morning series of the same name come the graduatesof Bayside High School. They're in college now, wherecontinuing education Thea (ABC) takes place both in and out ofthe Thea Turrell (comedienne Thea classroom. Vidale) is a widowed mother who NBC Productions works in a Houston supermarket and runs her own one-chair beauty The Sinbad Show (Fox) salon on the corner of her porch. The unmistakable 6'5" comedian Her four children are: Jarvis, a Sinbad plays David Bryan, a hip serious 16-year-old protective of his bachelor and up-and-coming video siblings; Jerome, 14, who's a bit out games designer.His lifestyle of control; Danesha, 12, studious, undergoes a major change whenheshy and discovering boys and opens up his heartand home to James, 7, the baby. Thea's sister two young foster childrenwho are and brother-in-law interact brother and sister. regularly with the family. Touchstone TV Castle Rock Entertainment

17 ; 14 Returning Favorites are thinking about losing their *Beverly Hills, 90210 (Fox) virginity. One of them will. Continuing complications of Wiu/Thomas Prods./Touchstone TV romance, family, education and follow this widely recognized seriesDinosaurs (ABC) into its fourth season. The drama The ups and downs of a dinosaur has traced a group of Beverly Hills family in 60 million B.C. strangely teens through their high school parallel modern domestic life in years and now follows them into this popular series from the Jim college a.id young adulthood. Henson dynasty. The show Watched by young people and provides an unusual context for adults, Beverly Hills, 90210 has exploring family life. focused on sexual and family Michael Jacobs Prods./Walt Disney relationships, social justice issues Television and substance abuse. Spelling Television Inc. Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman (CBS) Transplanted from the east, the strong-willed Dr. Michaela "Mike" Quinn (Jane Seymour) proved herself equal to challenges of the 1850s West, but townsfolk have only recently begun to accept "the medicine man" who is a woman. Adventures continue on the frontier, the gender front and a home with three new kids to tend tO. CBS Entertainment Prods.

Blossom (NBC) Evening Shade (CBS) Seventeen-year-old Blossom plays a high Russo's metamorphosis into school football coach in Evening womanhood continues. For the Shade, Arkansas, a small southern first three seasons, Blossom town of families and characters. (Mayim Bialik) was the only female His work with teens, including his in a family of grandfather, father own children, touches on matters and two older brothers. Now, she'simportant to young people and reconnected with her estranged their families, including adolescent mother, and still connected to her sexuality. brother Joey and buddy Six, who .14-rTM/CBS Entertainment Prods. 15 I 13 (ABC) Hanging With Mr. Cooper In their seventh season, the (ABC) characters from this show remain His days as a professional recognized and popular among basketball player behind him, Mark young people. ParentsCarl and Cooper (Mark Curry) is a laid-back Harriette Winslow now have four teacher at the high school he teens to contend with, alongwith attended. He's also Vanessa's Harriette's sister and her baby, plus(Holly Robinson) platonic Carl's mother, and good old roommate, in his newlypurchased neighborhood nerd, . home. Fun in the classroom comes sharp- Warner Bros. Television to hak with the arrival of a tongued new principal, Ms. P. J. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (Nell Carter). At home, there are (NBC) changes too, when Mark's cousin Returning for his fourth season, and her daughter move in. , the "Prince," begins Warner Bros. Television college and moves into an unusual version of undergraduate housing Home Improvement (ABC) the pool house of his wealthy The third season of this show cousins' estate. Will hails originallypresents new challenges for Tim from a tough West Philadelphia Taylor, host of a televised home- neighborhood, but he's lived most improvement show called "Tool of his teen years with his cousins, Time," his wife and three sons. amidst the posh and preppy of Bel-Tim must deal with a new boss Air, California. from the company that sponsors his show; Jill's work and a charity Quincy Jones /David Salzman project put even more demands on Entertainment/NBC Prods. her time and energy; the boys deal (ABC) with school changes and the Danny, the dad (Bob Saget), discovery of girls. heads for the altar in the seventh Touchstone TV season of this showabout a widower raising three daughters. New mom Vicky (Gail Edwards) adjusts to the tortures and milestones that accompany life with the girls, an older and younger teen and a child inelementary ri' school. Warner Bros. Televicion 16 .;b49 In Living Color (Fox) An ensemble of comedians and actors perform sketches, short films and musical parodies, lampooning issues, events and rt. celebrities ranging from athletes to P., politicians, living and dead. This rowdy show features surprise celebrity appearances and performances by rap and hip-hop acts. Twentieth TV

In the Mix (PBS) At This magazine-style series ;L. showcases news and entertainment that's interesting and important to teenagers. Along with reports, (Fox) interviews and videos from the This popular, soap-opera style music and entertainment world, series continues, in its second the show delivers information on season, to explore the lives,loves, adolescent health and issues joys and frustrations of a group of ranging from relationships to peer young adults living in a trendy Los and gang pressure to consumer Angeles neighborhood. Storylines awareness. Three teens host the featuring Heather Locklear as a program, backed by a corps of seductive advertising executive teenage reporters. have grabbed viewers' attention. WNYC-TV Darren Star Prods/Spelling Television Inc. Martin (Fox) Martin Lawrence stars for a Roc (Fox) second season as Martin the wise- Meet hard-working Roc, his wife cracking Detroit radio-show host, Eleanor, his opinionated father within whom lurks a sensitive guy. Andrew and his free-spirited Joining him for the ups and downsbrother, Joey. The third season of of romance and relationships are this show launches a growing his girlfriend Gina (Tisha household when Eleanor has a Campbell) and their cast of friendsbaby and the family takes in an 11- and coworkers. year-old girl. HBO Independent Productions HBO Independent Productions tr,20 17 * Roseanne (ABC) Until comedienne Roseanne lend their voices to guest Arnold introduced the character ofcharacters. When Homer develops Roseanne Conner, television momsa crush on thePfeiffer character, were a pretty quiet group.But this he struggles to remain faithful to mom, loved by herfamily Marge. and viewers for her strengths and Grade Films weaknesses, has a lot to say about what's good for herself and her * Step by Step (ABC) family. This season, with both It's the third season for this daughters out on their own, her television family created when newest idea is both surprisingand Frank Lambert (Patrick Duffy) and understandable: Roseanne wants tohis three children joined Carol have a baby. This show is Foster (Suzanne Somers) and her consistently one of the highest- three. In case the household isn't rated entertainment series. crowded enough, Carol and Frank having a baby The Caney-Werner Co. are talking about together. Look for more Saved by the Bell: adjustments within this large group The New Class (NBC) of personalities and different The new students at Bayside philosophies. High School are as prepared for Warner Bros. Television misadventure and awkward antics Where I Live (ABC) as preceedingclasses were. Just to make sure, old cast members Take a look at urban America now moved to collegeand a new, through the St. Martins, a close-knit primetime showmay make Harlem family that reflects the surprise visits. sense of communitythat can keep a neighborhood strong.Son Doug, NBC Productions 18, relies on the wisdom of his (Fox) family and friends as he learns In its fifth season, the nation's fundamental lessons about life, on favorite cartoon family struggles tohis way to adulthood. be whatever normal is in today's Touchstone TV American suburbs. Homer, the dad, continues to give bad advice at home and a lackluster performance at work; his wife, Marge,and their three children continue to outpace him regularly. Real-life celebrities, this season including George Harrison and Michelle Pfeiffer, 21 18 ABC Afterschool Specials The Cable Networks New specials are: Love Hurts, Adventures in Wonderland which explores violence between a talented young pianist and her (Disney Channel) basketball star boyfriend; Montana For younger children, this show Crossroads, the story of a 17-year- flashes a mix of rapping dancers, old girl trying to resolve conflictingfamiliar characters and original issues of personal ambition, family songs. It focuses on timely topics. ties and new romance; Jacqui's Avonlea (Disney Channel) Dilemma, a documentary about a Five new episodes continue the fictionalized girl facing choices adventures of Felicity, Sara, Gus, surrounding her unintended Felix, Aunt Hetty, Olivia and Uncle pregnancy. Jasper in this acclaimed dramatic ABC also plans to repeat: series based on short stories by Surviving a Break-Up, a special Lucy Maud Montgomery. Set at the featuring Oprah Winfrey and otherturn of the century, Avonlea celebrities who discuss the range offocuses on the lives of the responses to romantic break-ups, extended King family from and The Mall, a three-part series picturesque Prince Edward Island. about a group of characters The series features ongoing and acquainted through their new characters in each episode. workplace, for which the series is named. CBS Schoolbreak Specials CPO's Media Project assisted the creators of two new specials: Other re Mothers, a story about two lesbian mothers of a teen son and the family's work for acceptance in a new community and Love in the Dark Ages, which focuses on the experience a young couple has facing a sexually transmitted disease. CBS's additional specials include: Two Teens and a Baby, which shows two brothers babysitting; But He Loves Me, a look at girlfriend bashing and Abby, My Love, which discusses incest-child abuse. .3 2 2 19 The Baby-Sitters Club (HBO) Clarissa Explains It All Based on Ann M. Martin's books, (Nickelodeon) this show about a group of girls who Now 16, Clarissa Darling still has a operate a babysitting service covers unique point of view on everything and reallife problems, explores values and she's unafraid to face the camera and encourages young people tocontributeissue regular reports. Diverse as she is, to their communitifs. Clarissa counts Lisa Simpson, Lynda Barry and George Eliot among "the all- time cool girls." Girl viewers Re Clarissa, and she has a lot of adult fans, but the real surprise to programmers is her continuing popularity among young boys. The Real World (MTV) A new group of young people launch the second season of this ;t4 documentary-style , moved from Manhattan to Los Angeles. Action and dialogue unfold The Beavis and Butthead Show spontaneously as the 18- to 25-year-old (Mnr; cast discusses careers, politics, dreams, Their actions are rude and raw. loves and hates. The confessional cast is Their references are adolescent and composed of four men and three sexual and the trademark moronic women. laughter is maddening. Their The Ren and Slimpy Show popularity with kids and controversy (Nickelodeon) with adults is enormous. Creative it is. Warm and fuzzy, it Beavis and Butt-head, just moved to isn't. This cartoon features Ren, a a later time on MTV,talk about musicviolent and moody chihuahua, and videos and about anything else they Stimpy, a large, dumb and pathetic cat. feel llice "dissing." At Each episode For listening pleasure, there's burps, viewers read: "Beavis and Butt-head grunts and feindish cacldes. For are not real. They arestupid cartoon watching, the humor extends to gross people made up by this Texas guy.... depictions of body functions. Beavis and Butt-head are dumb, cnide, There's debate over how this thoughtless, ugly, sexist, self-destructive a hit for Nickelodeon fools. But for some reason, the little cartoon affects kids. Says orator, John wienerheads make us laugh."As the Kricfalusi: "Cartoons don't have to be debate pages on, ask kids what they 1 good for you. Give kids a break." think.

'1 20 k 23 Talking to TV: Your Opinion Counts

When you have a compliment, The Carsey-Werner Company question or criticism about 4024 Radford Ave., Bldg. 3 television, go to the source: let Studio City, CA 91604 networks and producers, as well as advocacy groups and even local newspapers, know what you think. Castle Rock Entertainment Viewers' letters to the 335 N. Maple Dr., Suite 135 entertainment industry are Beverly Hills, CA 90210 welcomed and noticed. They give people the feedback they need to CBS Entertainment improve programming. 7800 Beverly Blvd. Write, and write often, and Los Angeles, CA 90036-2188 encourage your children to do the same. Discuss what you don't like, but be sure to let people know Columbia Pictures Television what you do like. If there's a cio Sony Pictures Plaza program or an episode that was 1000 West Washington Blvd. right on target, tell the writers and Culver City, CA 90232 producers you want to see more shows like it, and let the network Walt Disney TV know that, too. If you think a Walt Disney Studios show's producers have bungled an 500 South Buena Vista issue, let them know specifically how. But don't just string along Team Disney Bldg. complaints; that's not effective. Burbank, CA 91521-0001 Each program listed in the Program Guide includes the name Gracie Films of the production company that Twentieth Television makes it. Below are addresses of 10201 West Pico Blvd. those companies and the networks,Los Angeles, CA 90035 as well as organizations concerned with television and young people. HBO Independent Productions 2049 Century Park East #4100 Los Angeles, CA 90067-3215 Production Companies ABCProductions Michael Jacobs Productions 2020 Ave. of the Stars, 5th floor 500 Buena Vis t St. Los Angeles, CA 90067 Animation 2A Burbank, CA 91521

k;.2 4 21 Quincy Jones/David Salzman Entertainment 3800 Barham Blvd., Suite 503 Los Angeles, CA 90068

MTM/CBS Studios 4024 Radford Ave. Studio City, CA 91604

NBC Productions

330 Bob Hope Dr. I I Burbank, CA 91523-0001 Warner Bros. Television 4000 Warner Blvd. Group Burbank, CA 91522-0001 5555 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90038-3197 Witt/Thomas Productions 846 N. Cahuenga Blvd. Spelling Television Inc. Los Angeles, CA 90038-3197 5700 Wilshire Blvd., 5th floor Los Angeles, CA 90036-3696 WYNGTV 1 Centre St. Darren Star Productions New York, NY 10007 (See Spelling Television Inc 1

Touchstone Television Networks (See Walt Disney TV) ABC 2040 Ave. of the Stars TriStar TV Los Angeles, CA 90067 9336 W. Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232 CBS 7800 Beverly Blvd. Twentieth Television Los Angeles, CA 90036 10201 W. Pico Blvd.. Los Angeles, CA 90035

22 The Disney Channel Education Training Research (ETR) Associates 3800 West Alameda Ave. 1700 Mission St. Burbank, CA 91505-4398 Suite 203 Santa Cruz, CA 95061 Fox (408) 438-4060 10201 West Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90035 Federal Communications Commission HBO 1919 M St. NW 1100 Ave. of the Americas Washington, DC 20005 New York, NY 10036 National Association of MTV Broadcasters 1515 Broadway 1771 N St. NW New York, NY 10036 W,..shington, DC 20036 (202) 429-5300 NBC 3000 Alameda Ave. National Council for Burbank, CA 91523 Families and Television 3801 Barham Blvd. Suite 300 Nickelodeon Los Angeles, CA 90068 1515 Broadway (213) 876-5959 20th Floor New York, NY 10036 National Education Association 1201 16th St. NW PBS Washington, DC 20036 1320 Braddock Place (202) 838-4000 Alexandria, VA 22314 Planned Parenthood Federation of America Organizations 810 7th Ave. Concerned with TV New York, NY 10014 (212) 541-7800 American Federation of Teachers 555 New Jersey Ave. NW Washington, DC 20001 TV Guide 4 Radnor Corporate Center (202) 879-4400 Radnor, PA 19088 Children's Television Workshop (215) 293-8500 One Lincoln Plaza New York, NY 10023 (212) 595-3456

23 .1C 'nt

II Cast and crew of B y Hills, 90210 at CPO's1992 Nancy Susan olds Awards Program.

Star Quality* The CPO Media Project invites you to nodfy usabout programs, movies and reviews which you think may qualifyfor our annual Nancy Susan Reynolds Awards Program. The program paystribute to entertainment television shows, radio broadcasts,media reviews and movies that have presented topics of sexualityhonestly and responsibly. Let us know about shows that have touched you.For reviews, we need the name of the publication or station, the nameof the reviewer and the date of the review. For radio and televisionshows we need the name and the date that the episode aired. We do notrestrict nominees to primetime shows; the Media Project considers manydifferent shows from broadcast and cable networks,public television and public and commercial radio. Thanks for your help. We look forward tohearing from you. Nancy Susan Reynolds Awards Jennifer Daves CPO Media Project 3733 Motor Avenue, Suite 204 Los Angeles, CA 90034 Phone: (310) 559-5700 Fax: (310) 559-5784 More from the Center for Population Options...

"Media and Adolescent Sexualitv" this fact sheet includes information on teens' access to television, sexual content onTV, television's impact on adolescent self-esteem and public supportfor contraceptive advertising. $1.00 each. "Sexuality and Television in the '80s: Reflections on aDecade of Change" a retrospective paper on the history of and changesin the ways entertainment TVhas addressed teen sexuality, family planning and sexually transmitted diseases. $2.00 each. Life Planning Curricula These resources use role-playing, exercises, worksheets, gamesand projects to develop young people's self-esteem andteach them how to define their goals and values and make informed,healthy choices about their lives. The aim is to prevent risky behavior andits consequences: too-early childbearing, sexually transmitted diseases,chemical dependency and violence. Exercises in the curricula listobjectives, procedures, time and materials required, discussion pointsand optional activities. These curricula have been extensively testedand are used in classrooms and by community organizations nationwide. When fin tlrownThis three-volume curriculum for elementary school-age children offers an innovative approach to "lifeskills." It imparts sexuality, HIV prevention and health informationwithin a comprehensive framework of self-esteem development,problem- solving, healthy peer and family communications,values clarification, goal achievement and career awareness. Diversityand citizenship responsibilities are addressed. The 200 participatory activitiesmix large/small-group, hands-on/discussion exercises and roleplaying to stimulate self-reflection and critical -thinking skills.Soft cover. Grades K-2 (1993), grades 3-4, 320 pp.(1992) and grades5-6, 390 pp. (1992). One volume $44.95, all three for $99.95. Life Planning Educationdesigned for grades 7-12; available in Spanish. CPO's ground-breaking curriculum integratesself-esteem development, sexuality education and employmentplanning to help teens develop decision-makingskills for now and in the future. Includes information about HIV/A1DS, othersexuality transmitted diseases and contraceptives. For junior/middleand senior high school teens, it also details how to usethe materials in Hispanic communities. Worksheets in Spanish and English. 372pp. (Updated1989) $44.95 For additional information about teen healthand sexuality contact: The Center for Population Options: 1025 Vermont Ave.NW, Suite 200; Washington, D.C. 20005; (202) 347-5700. S BEST COPY AVAILABLE 0 i0 0

. '..kiticrner 0 , i i0 0

"TV gets kids' attention. It's up to parents totap TV's power and useit to deliver the messages we want ourkids to hear. Talking With TV is an excellent guide for parents who want tolearn how to do this in a way that they and their children willenjoy." Elizabeth Winship, author of thesyndicated "Ask Beth* advice column for young people

"Talking With TV is a wonderful sourceof information. We support CPO in its efforts to encourageadults and children to usetelevision to lead to informed discussion aboutimportant issues." Virginia McEnerney, Manager, HomeBox Office's "Project Knowledge* "Talking with TV provides concreteexamples of how to use television as a springboardfor discussion of teen sexualityand other vital adolescent issues. It is an invaluabletool for parents and educators." Ame Simon, Capital Cities/ABCInc.

the (j2nter tor R)pulation NrAmol.wo401 A-Tit 41 Options ;Vie tolif 4111/ a 'V. 13 ,2,9