Bob Gale

In 1996, Congress passed legislation requiring that all new televisions be equipped with a computer chip that allows violent programs to be blocked. In the following viewpoint, Bob Gale argues that the V-chip will actually increase violence on television because broadcasters will assume that parents are using the chip to monitor their child’s viewing, relieving the broadcasters of the responsibility to air shows that are appropriate for children. In addition, he claims that the “R” rating used for movies encourages filmmakers to include excessive foul language and violence because the rating is the same whether language and violence occur once or repeatedly. The “V” rating on television shows will have a similar effect, Gale concludes. Gale wrote and coproduced the three Back to the Future films...