ABC Family

Here is my letter to ABC Family...

To whom it may concern:

My name is Amy Lynn Richards and I am currently a senior at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. I am studying Human Development and taking a Media course this semester as part of the curriculum. Throughout this semester I have learned about the different types of media and how they influence and impact not only the individual but the family unit. Media is all around us and takes on many forms. It can be a force for good or a force for bad.

With “family” in your networks name, I respect the goal you have to provide meaningful and enjoyable entertainment to families. Recently, I have enjoyed the Christmas specials that have been airing on your network in anticipation of the 25 Days of Christmas. The other night I watched “Jack Frost” and “The Miracle on 24th Street.” I felt that both of these shows promoted family values and taught principles of love, service, and the importance of family. They were extremely uplifting and I would feel comfortable trusting you with my future children’s entertainment, based off of these shows. I am excited for the 25 Days of Christmas to begin.

Although I appreciate your efforts to air family-friendly movies this season, I have been disappointed with some of your choices in airing certain TV series. With family being your emphasis and in your name, I feel that your content should resemble that label. I feel that shows including “Pretty Little Liars” and “The Lying Game” do not measure up to the values of family that you promote. In advertising for your winter premiere of “The Lying Game” you ask, “Ready for more lies and deception?” Is lying and deception really what we want to be showing to our families and to our children? Are these principles that are worthy of our families time?

I understand the pressure that you receive from our current culture to keep TV entertainment dramatic and engaging but I ask you to consider your audience and the values that you are supporting with the TV shows that you air. With the label of “family” that you have attached to your network, I also feel that you are responsible to air content that is appropriate for families.

I hope that you will consider these points that I have brought up and that you will evaluate the principles you are teaching families. Media can be a great teacher and can be a force for good if networks like you stand up for the family.

Sincerely,

Amy Lynn Richards