George Comstock and Erica Scharrer

Public concern over violence on television has shifted slightly over the years, but in general, since the 1950s about two—thirds of Americans have agreed with the statement that there is "too much violence" on television. However, when people are simply asked if they have seen something on television that offends them, less than 10 percent cite a violent portrayal. Similarly, very few people cite media violence as one of the most important problems facing the nation. The low priority the public gives the issue may explain why the broadcast industry has not instituted dramatic reforms in response to the periodic outcries against violence on television.

George Comstock is a professor of public communications at Syracuse University, and the author, with research assistant Erica Scharrer, of Television: What's On, Who's Watching, and What It Means, from...