[plschwartz]

20/20 (tonight, ABC, Global, 10 p.m.) has drawn indignation because ABC and Walters have promoted the show as "Five couples competing for one baby." According to ABC's promotions (the initial on-air promos have been withdrawn), a pregnant teenager will decide which of five couples gets her baby. In ABC's descriptions, it appears that the five couples meet the teenager in circumstances very similar to the brief "dates" used on such shows as The Bachelor.

An official at the Florida Adoption Council has been widely quoted in newspaper stories about the show. She says, "Adoption is not a competition. A baby is not a prize to be won." Meanwhile, columnists and commentators throughout the United States have lambasted ABC and Walters.

[pyritechips]

It looks like TV trends allow for any form of voyeuristic, prurient behaviour. I love the way science fiction is visionary: remember the old movie, The Running Man?

This craving for everything base and tasteless in society is like an addiction. Like herion junkies, yesterday's high is no longer sufficient; they need something more outlandish, perverted, more titilating. Sad!

[Pacalis]

This is not only a sad commentary on Television but as a people as a whole. Television gives the people what they want. Reality Shows are what they are making money on. Television like Governments are a reflection of it's people. Sadly people are entertained by cruelty towards others . The days of "OZZIE and HARRIET are long gone.
While we censor radio, which is listened to, we condone watching it. I don't understand the difference ? Yet the return of our fallen heroes are forbidden.
And "Nightline" can not say their names and show the pictures of these brave people who have died because of blind faith in our Government.
Before and after my Tour in Vietnam , I distinctly remember Cronkite giving the tally on every broadcast. I truly believe this helped to end the war.

p.s. As an adoptee , I wish my mother would have been able to chose who my parents would have been. But I don't believe it to be entertaining.

[WarC]

It's a desire as old as time. It isn't growing and it isn't eating away at our collective morale fibers. Boxing, wrestling, gladitorial combat. Humans have always been amused by watching afflictions beikng brought onto other people, whether it be sport or politics or gossip. It's all been made entertainment before and we continue the evolution of these cycles. Its a style, a fad, a fashion...reality TV. It will have its life and it will die. In thirty years ABC will be airing simulated combat game shows or something. Or maybe tastes will be different and they'll be airing virtual reality soap operas.