This third annual report presents comparative year-to-year data on the nature of violence on television across programme genres and channel types in the United States. It contains an analysis of how the new television rating system was initially implemented and tracks trends over three years in the use of programme advisories and content codes. It also evaluates public service announcements designed to prevent handgun violence among adolescents. Finally, it provides new analyses of `high risk' presentations of violence most likely to adversely affect younger audiences.

Based on the largest, most representative sample of television content ever evaluated in a single research project, this volume offers a meaningful commentary on the issue of violence on television in the United States. The book includes: a content analysis of violence in television series, films, daytime television, children's programmes and music videos; research on violence in documentary and current affairs programmes; studies of how ratings and content advisories are being used on television and the role they play in the viewing decisions of children; and the effectiveness of anti-violence public service announcements and educational initiatives presented by the television industry.

Based on the largest and most representative sample of television content ever evaluated by a single scientific study, "National Television Violence Study" offers a commentary on the state of violence on American television for viewers, policy-makers, the media industry, and media scholars. It analyzes the content of television programming with a special focus on the nature and context of violent portrayals and their likely effect on audiences. The study includes: a content analysis of violence in television drama and comedy series, movies children's shows, and music videos; research on violence in reality programs; studies of how program ratings and advisories are used on television and the role they play in the viewing decisions of children; and profiles of potential target audiences for future anti-violence campaigns and a content analysis of current anti-violence public service announcements. -- From publisher's description.

Discusses why and how we should rate the content of television programs for violence