Mike Gracia

Ross Simpson

The Code of Practices for Television Broadcasters was a set of ethics
adopted by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) for television,
established on December 6, 1951. Compliance with the code was indicated
by the "Seal of Good Practice" (above). It was displayed during closing
credits on most television programs from 1952 to it’s suspension in 1983.

The code prohibited the use of profanity, the negative portrayal of family
life, irreverence for God and religion, illicit sex, drunkenness and addiction,
presentation of cruelty, along with detailed techniques of crime, the use of
horror for its own sake, and the negative portrayal of law enforcement officials,
among others. The code regulated how performers should dress and move to
be within the "bounds of decency". Further, news reporting was to be "factual,
fair and without bias" and commentary and analysis should be "clearly defined
as such".

Broadcasters were to make time available for religious broadcasting and were 
discouraged from charging religious bodies for access. Most importantly, it also
limited the commercial minutes per hour.

Sandy Kozel

                                                       
                                         Ross Simpson