Since beginning this class in English Composition, we have begun to explore the controversy surrounding TV talk shows, or as it has been referred to, "Trash TV". There are those among our leaders, such as Secretary of Education William Bennett and Senator Joe Liebermann, who have made it their case to try to convince the American public that the content of some of these shows is morally corrupt and that they are putting a heavily negative influence on their viewers, quoting especially the younger members of the TV watching population. Bennett and company have even gone so far as to try to bring pressure to bear on the investors of these programs, as they did earlier in the year to Time Warner, who held heavy stock in Interscope Records.

There are, however, those who disagree strongly with Mr.s Bennett and Liebermann, such as Ms.. Donna Gaines, writer for The Village Voice, who maintains through her own personal experience that becoming acquainted with other peopl

It has been well proven that the format of the programs themselves has the power to influence many parts of the participant's lives, as well as the viewers that watch them. My own thoughts about this, is that anything or anyone who has the power to reach so many people in any small way should be aware of the power that they wield and use it in a positive manner for the betterment of all those involved. Sure some would argue that if they were to stop airing sensational material, they would not be as well liked. Not true. Oprah Winfrey realized this very fact some years back and reached for what she referred to as 'higher ground' and has still maintained her popularity and also her personal and professional integrity.

First of all, is this or is it not the proper time and place for airing these types of 'laundry'? Should things of this nature be brought out in public at all, and who is to blame for the trend in these shows? And, if these things were brought about by the very existence of these shows, Should not the programmers themselves be held accoun

Some common words found in the essay are:
Jerry Springer, Oprah Winfrey, Joe Liebermann, Village Voice, Jenny Jones, English Composition, Repercussions Programming, Interscope Records, Donna Gaines, Trash TV, peoples lives,
Approximate Word count = 719
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)