ent, one that allows cable to go further in terms of language, violence and nudity than over-the-air networks, which are governed by the Federal Communications Commission. As networks lose viewers, more people at home dont make the distinction between cable and networks; they are all just channels coming through the box to them. The press showers praise on cable shows which really push the limits (like "Sopranos" and "Sex and the City" and "South Park". But, if networks approach the same levels, critics burn them. (McGuire, 1999). Networks want to expand the boundaries of the programs they air because they are responding to what they perceive as new competitive realities. They want to win back the defecting viewers. They think the audiences are demanding them to be relevant and to keep on exploring and experimenting. Sometimes, they push to outrageous limits, just in order to allow room for compromise. (Aucion, 1999). One of the things which threw viewers way beyond shock were the disturbing reports about oral sex in the Oval Office. The word "penis" lost its shock value after commentators said it dozens of times during Lewinsky reports. Eventually, they even stopped looking uncomfortable even when talking about acts performed. The presidents sex scandal suddenly led the worlds escalating vulgarity factor on television. (Pennington, 1999). Ironically, cleaning up the airways may be more of a campaign issue politically in the next election in 2004....
