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Defining what's news is a pricey proposition

tv December 18, 1996
Web posted at: 8:00 a.m. EST

From Correspondent Jill Brooke

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Controversy is once again swirling around television's tabloid news shows, most prominently represented by "Hard Copy" and "Inside Edition."

They want to be taken as serious news programming -- but not for reasons of pride. TV's tabloids are seeking an exemption from television's imminent ratings system, an exemption allowed for the evening news shows on NBC, CBS and ABC.

"The fact that we package and present the news a little differently than your network counterparts does not alter that fact that we deliver the news," said Arthur Sando, whose King World Productions puts out "Inside Edition" and "American Journal."

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Just what constitutes news programming has been thrown up for grabs in the prelude to a TV ratings system closely resembling the movie industry's "G" through "NC-17" rankings of content.

Media analyst Ken Auletta is aghast at the idea that TV's tabloids are fighting for the news exemption.

"It's totally ridiculous, in the sense that they're not news programs," said Auletta. "It doesn't mean they don't have some journalists associated with them, but essentially they are in the entertainment business."

The prize the tabloids, and others with a stake in how news is defined, want to hold on to is money. Advertising dollars may appear or disappear on the basis of a show's rating under the new system.

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People like Auletta believe restrictive ratings, which would diminish the possible pool of advertising dollars, should be slapped on shows whose topics are often crude or disturbing.

Programs like "Jenny Jones" and "Jerry Springer" would be sure to lose out with their racy, provocative subjects. Sex and self-mutilation are not topics likely to be rated for general viewing.

Rosie O'Donnell is one syndicated TV personality not worried by the impending rating system. She welcomes the system, noting that her show would surely merit a "G" -- unless Tom Cruise happened to be the guest.

O'Donnell is less sure about her syndicated TV competitors.

"I think it's sort of ridiculous, trying to get around it. 'Hard Copy' is now a news show? Hmmmm ...," said the wry comedian.

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The fear of regulators is that defining news shows as anything mentioning newsmakers or news events could leave the door wide open for similar exemption claims from entertainment shows as far afield as "Saturday Night Live" and "Murphy Brown."

Ultimately, the new ratings panel will decide the issue. Perhaps it may find counsel in one Supreme Court justice's definition of pornography.

"I know it when I see it," he said -- something that may be true for TV news, too.

 
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