Violence in Popular Culture

Studies of Television Violence

CMPA studies on television violence were the first to recognize the importance of commercials and promotions as a source of violence on television. These violence studies played a major role in the debate over a TV ratings system. Our studies continue to play a role in pointing out the problems of popular entertainments portrayal of violence. Not only is violence commonplace in entertainment, but it is often shown without emotional or physical consequences. Other research has repeatedly shown that violence without context is the type most likely to lead to imitative behavior in the audience.

In 1999 this work was updated and expanded to cover cable television programming, music videos and theatrical movies. These results were released in Merchandizing Mayhem: Violence in Popular Entertainment. Below are links to all of the studies CMPA has done on violence in pop culture.

Recent FTC Action

On September 13, 2000 the U.S. Federal Trade Commission released new research on the marketing of violent movies, video games and music to young children. The report finds clear marketing efforts aimed at young children in all three forms of entertainment. The entire report can be printed from the FTC website . You can read the the executive summary of the report here. You can also read the remarks made by FTC Chairman Robert Pitofsky at the FTC press conference.

Violence Report Archive

Hollywood Cleans Up Its Act: Sex and Violence Acts 1998 vs. 2000

Merchandizing Mayhem: Violence in Popular Entertainment 1998

A Day of Television Violence 1995

A Day of Television Violence 1992 vs. 1994

A Day of Television Violence 1992 vs. 1993

A Day of Television Violence 1992