Prime-Time Violence 1993-2001: Has the Picture Really Changed?

Violence remained stable in prime-time network programs broadcast between the spring of 1993 and the fall of2001 and similar to levels found in studies of the 1970s and 1980s. Violence appeared in 6 out of 10 programs, at a rate of 4.5 acts per program. Violence was context-free. There was little gratuitous or graphic violence, few characters were punished for their involvement in violence, and few overall consequences. The lack of context may teach that violence is "sanitary," not necessarily immoral, and that those who commit violence are not sorry for their actions, or punished for their transgressions.