CATONSVILLE, MD – A total of 17.3 percent of people surveyed nationwide by the Erickson Tribune said there is too much sex/filth on television. Among the most common complaints, another 9.5 percent said there is too much violence, while 4.4 percent said there is too much profanity.

Moreover, the survey reported that people feel retirees are too often portrayed by television as being stupid, senile, silly, foolish, useless, incompetent, poor, and ill.

The survey was conducted randomly among 9,389 people in the Tribune’s database, of which 76 percent responded.

“There is a segment of the population that isn’t very satisfied with what’s now being broadcast on television,” said Mel Tansill, senior director of public affairs for Erickson Retirement Communities. “They especially object to sex and violence. They feel television is having harmful effects on youth and society at large.

“They also feel that retirees are not adequately or accurately portrayed on television, especially when compared to their numbers in the population and contributions (past and present) to society,” he said. “ They feel that retirees are non-existent, or cast in minor roles and portrayed as stupid and out of touch. They would prefer programs that are more edifying.”

Survey respondents said they would prefer to see more retirees on television portrayed as being relevant contributors to society, active, wise and intelligent. They would like to see more “clean” movies, and programming that is informative on topics of interest to them (health, travel, finances).  They seem to prefer movies, other “stories,” unbiased news, and “general interest” programs.  They are not very fond of reality shows.

The Erickson Tribune, which has a circulation of 3 million, is a monthly newspaper published by Erickson Retirement Communities.

To Discuss This Story or Share Your Thoughts on Current TV Programming Click Here!