The following activity would be appropriate in a persuasive writing unit in an English class, a contemporary society unit in a social studies course or an editorial writing unit in a journalism or composition course.

Select a television show that you enjoyed which was removed from the air. Or select a television show which is currently broadcast which you believe is inappropriate or blatantly offensive and which you believe should be removed from prime time viewing. Write an editorial or write a persuasive letter to the local television programming department to express your concerns. Or contact one of the national organizations that are working for a more responsive and responsible media. Learn their technique for orchestrating an appeal to the networks.

There are many groups with specific areas of media concern. Some like Media Watch, which is dedicated to improving the image of women in media, exist to focus on the treatment of a particular group. Others like the National Coalition on TV Violence hold seminars and organize school programs to educate the viewing public about an approach to storytelling that they deem unnecessary. For a more complete listing you should read the Encyclopedia of Associations. Here is a sampling:

Accuracy in Media
1275 K Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 371-6710

Action for Children's Television
20 University Road
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 876-6620

Center for Media and Public Affairs
2101 L Street, NW #405
Washington, D. C. 20037
(202) 223-2942

Media Watch
P.O. Box 618
Santa Cruz, CA 95061-0618
(408) 423-6355

Fairness and Accuracy In Reporting
130 West 25th Street
New York, NY 10001
212.633.6700

National Coalition on TV Violence
P. O. Box 2157
Champaign, IL 61825