The Edmond Sun

Local News

November 20, 2008

TV watchdog group courts Edmond supporters

EDMOND — A representative from a national television watchdog organization visited an Edmond church Wednesday night, part of the group’s effort to start a local chapter in Oklahoma.

Fairview Baptist Church hosted Gavin McKiernan, national grassroots director for the Parents Television Council, a self-described non-partisan education organization advocating responsible entertainment.

McKiernan’s support-building visit to Oklahoma included Fairview Baptist. The church’s mission statement includes the words “Independent ... Fundamental ... Standing for the Truth of America’s Godly Heritage.”

Fairview Baptist Pastor Paul Blair said he took a rare break from biblical teaching to act on scripture, and cited Ephesians 5:11, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” He also cited a passage in Matthew that directs Christians to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.”

McKiernan’s visit was about giving the congregation information about how they can be vehicles for positive change, Blair said. In recent decades, decency standards on television have slipped, and indecency is increasingly creeping into American living rooms, Blair said.

“Television producers are obviously not policing themselves,” Blair said.

McKiernan, who stopped by The Edmond Sun office on his way to Fairview Baptist, said the Parents Television Council has 54 chapters across the country, yet there are none in Oklahoma, which does have many members and supporters.

McKiernan said State Rep. Paul Wesselhoft has been a supporter for a while through his activism and donations.

“It seemed they were connected to a lot of people who seemed to be interested in our issues,” he said.

Wesselhoft’s wife, Judy Wesselhoft, introduced McKiernan to some of those people, including Blair, McKiernan said. The council hopes to generate enough interest to start one or two chapters in Oklahoma, he said.

Blair said following McKiernan’s presentation several church members showed interest in working toward a local chapter.

McKiernan said members of local chapters are the council’s “eyes and ears,” individuals who can meet with their legislator, share their concerns with their parent teacher organization or talk to a business that is advertising on a salacious program.

The council, in turn, supports chapters with printings of studies and fliers, McKiernan said.

Air wars

Founded in 1995, the council works to ensure that children are not constantly assaulted by sex, violence and profanity on television and in other media, McKiernan said.

During the past 30 years thousands of studies have shown potential harm for youth from witnessing violence and sexual content, McKiernan said.

He cited a recent RAND Corporation study that showed teenage girls who watched more television and other media with sexual content were more likely to engage in sexual acts earlier and become pregnant.

The study, published in the November edition of the journal Pediatrics, was the first to link viewing of sexual content on television to subsequent teen pregnancy.

“Most of it’s common sense, but it’s nice when you get the doctors and the medical experts to agree with what you see in front of you,” McKiernan said.

Last month, the council said it would be filing an indecency complaint with the Federal Communications Commission after CBS aired an episode of “Two and a Half Men” containing a 3-minute strip club scene featuring a lap dance.

“We believe that the patently offensive sexual content in this episode of ‘Two and a Half Men’ crossed the broadcast indecency lines,” council President Tim Winter said in a news release.

CBS declined to comment on the council’s planned action.

marks@edmondsun.com | 341-2121, ext. 108

Text Only
Local News
  • $6.8B budget crosses final hurdle

    House members found enough votes late Thursday afternoon to approve the state’s $6.8 billion budget for next year by a vote of 52-42. This came after an earlier vote failed by four votes in the House Thursday morning.

    May 25, 2012

  • Santa Fe principal resigns

    Edmond Santa Fe High School principal Earl Kirkpatrick resigned Thursday to explore possibilities in the field of ministry. His last day is June 30.

    May 25, 2012

  • devin derrick 2012.jpg Hollywood dreams do come true: Edmondite develops film, music career

    It’s all about being in the right place at the right time.
    At least that is what Edmond resident and 1990 Edmond High School graduate Devin Derrick will tell you about his rise to fame in the music and movie businesses.

    May 25, 2012 1 Photo

  • ASK A LAWYER: Trusts provide options for difficult heirs

    Q: We have a grown daughter who has a gambling problem. We want to provide for her in our will, but also want to protect her share from being wasted after we die. How can we do this?
    A: Your situation is not unusual. Most of us know at least one person who has difficulty handling money for one reason or another.

    May 25, 2012

  • 5-26 Pets

    This is a list of animals that have been found and are at the Edmond Animal Shelter, at Interstate 35 and Covell in the Cross Timbers Municipal Complex. Call the shelter at 216-7615 for more information.

    May 25, 2012

  • 5-26 Police and Fire

    Information in this column is gathered from city fire incident logs and police incident reports.

    May 25, 2012

  • Make-A-Wish Oklahoma hosts Lexus raffle

    Make-A-Wish Oklahoma will once again partner with Lexus of Tulsa and Eskridge Lexus of Oklahoma City to raffle off a new Lexus, raising funds to support the organization’s efforts to grant the heartfelt wishes of children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions in Oklahoma.

    May 25, 2012

  • Edmond youth are encouraged to make a difference

    The Edmond Youth Council programs are opportunities for students 15-18 years of age to learn about municipal government and potentially impact future city policies.

    May 25, 2012

  • Hiebert graduates from Field Artillery training

    Army Pfc. Cody A. Hiebert has graduated from the Field Artillery Firefinder Radar Operator Advanced Individual Training course at Fort Sill, Lawton.

    May 25, 2012

  • arcadia lake 3.jpg Police: Comply with lake rules during holiday period

    Summer vacation, hot days and a holiday weekend spell heavier traffic on Arcadia Lake, and police want to remind guests about rules and what happens if you break them.
    May 23 was the last day of school for Edmond Public Schools and the long Memorial Day holiday period has come.

    May 25, 2012 6 Photos