Critic Blasts TV Executives' Programming

"The people who run the television networks have a responsibility to society--to make an effort to bring the best of American society on the air," the television critic of The New York Times said yesterday afternoon at the Business School.

John J. O'Connor said the industry fails to meet this goal because of money. "The name of the game is profits. This is a money-making machine unparalleled in history. I think quality shows are costly, and [producers] are very reluctant to spend," he said.

O'Connor spoke on television's role in society and journalism and touched on aspects of advertising and programming before an audience of about 80 people.

He spoke harshly about the majority of programs now on the air. "Junk programming is insulting to everyone. They say 'We're stuck, you should see what we keep off the air.' It is disturbing to know that these people don't even watch TV," he said.

O'Connor believes the public's attitudes towards sex and violence are hardened by television's treatment of them. "People stand around watching real life fights like it was a TV program," he said.

Producers make historical programs such as "The Missiles of October" seem like strictly factual accounts of events. They are "blurring the line between fact and fantasy. That is the most dangerous thing in television today," said O'Connor.

Television productions of novels disturb O'Connor. "In all cases, they've made violent scenes more violent, and sex scenes more filled with sex," he said.

A member of the audience noted that this technique makes for good television. O'Connor agreed, but called these programs "rip-offs.