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Is Media to Blame?

Poster advertising a new lesbian drama on cable TV

What do Eminem, Teletubbies and Desperate Housewives have in common?

Aside from being chart toppers in their respective fields, that is.

They've all come under fire from religious right and media watchdogs in both America and Britain.

Eminem was attacked for misogynistic lyrics. Former Tory chairman Nigel Evans wanted to ban him from entering Britain.

Teletubbies was denounced for encouraging homosexuality (Tinky Winky is purple and carries a handbag).

Desperate Housewives in advertisement row

Cosmetic giant Mary Kay pulled out from advertising in Housewives when the show was accused of encouraging promiscuity.

Here in Britain, MediaWatch's John Beyer says media caused the moral decline by pushing the boundaries of good taste and promoting promiscuity.

"Media promotes bad behaviour"

"It's no surprise people no longer have the same respect for marriage and the divorce rate, abortion rate and rates for STDs continue to climb."

Rev. Andrew Whitman from Bournemouth Community Church adds “the portrayal of Christians in the media is pretty negative generally.”

The latest to join the fray was Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, denouncing the news media for distorting debate, increasing cynicism in viewers and using “lethally damaging” practices that result in “embarrassingly low levels of trust” in the profession.

Beyer also says the level of recent protests, especially over Jerry Springer, shows people's frustration over the media's continued depravity.

Media's “bias for sensationalism”

Sociologists and industry observers have not spared the media either.

Reza Aslan notes: “There are questions about whether the media has a conservative or liberal bias. The fact is media has a bias for conflict, for sensationalism.”

“It's the power of the media to give voice to these disproportionately small groups, and give this sort of illusion of power.”

Sociologist David Voas agrees: “People realise the way to get media attention is by doing something that creates a big splash.”

The media strikes back

Artists and journalists however, say this is the oldest trick in the moral right handbook – blaming society's ills on “liberal” media instead of delving deeper into the issue.

In a Faithworks lecture, Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan, a practising Christian, pointed to successful programs such as Jamie's School Dinners and a documentary on autism.

Guardian columnist Emily Bell also says Dr Williams' attack sounds “odd coming from the head of an institution which still actively discriminates against women and homosexuals.”