The Parents Television Council (PTC) was not impressed with MTV’s annual Video Music Awards show (VMAs). The conservative watchdog group, known for its protests against various television programs, blasted the Viacom-owned cable network for its raunchy telecast on that premiered on August 25, 2013. This time, the PTC is protesting former child star Miley Cyrus’ performance on the 2013 VMAs that included sexually suggestive conduct. The one-time Disney star repeatedly grabbed her crotch and “dry-humped” singer Robin Thicke, as he sang his hit song “Blurred Lines.”
PTC’s Director of Public Policy, Dan Isett, stated “MTV marketed adults-only material to children while falsely manipulating the content rating to make parents think the content was safe for their children…TV continues to sexually exploit young women by promoting acts that incorporate ‘twerking’ in a nude-colored bikini. How is this image of former child star Miley Cyrus appropriate for 14-year-olds?”
PTC also called out Lady Gaga for her opening performance at this year’s VMAs. Lady Gaga stripped down through several wardrobe changes ending up in a bikini with a seashell bra and G-string.
Some commentators argue that viewers can simply turn off the television, or change the channel to avoid inappropriate material. For the PTC, the viewer is still subsidizing the program by simply purchasing cable package that includes channels like MTV, regardless if they turn the channel or not.
The PTC is using this years VMAs as an opportunity to push for a la carte pricing in cable packages. This type of cable package would allow parents to better control the content their children consume. Specifically, the PTC is urging Congress to pass the Television Consumer Freedom Act (TCFA), which will give parents and consumers the ability to chose and pay for cable networks they want vs. having to pay for all networks regardless of their preferences.
The 2013 VMAs is just one of many instances where MTV has faced harsh words from the PTC. In the past, PTC has taken issue with MTV’s other unscripted content including Jersey Shore, Teen Mom, and 16 and Pregnant.
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