PTC Launches PSA on Sexualization of Young Girls

Says it is looking to reverse trend in media images; Ion, Dish, Hallmark, others to carry spots, says PTC

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 10/11/2012 4:18:59 PM

The Parents Television Council has created a PSA campaign, 4 Every Girl, which it says is meant to combat the sexualization of girls by the media and a spokeswoman for the group says that ION, one of the nation's largest TV station groups, is on board to carry the spots.

In addition to the PSA, PTC has a dedicated Web site.

PTC has complained about that issue before, but its latest tack is to educate the public about the repercussions, which it says include "eating disorders, depression and low self-esteem," and to encourage the media to put forth images that "value, respect, empower and promote the true value of every girl."

"In recent years, PTC research has documented several troubling trends on primetime television.  Underage girls are more likely to be sexualized than adults," said PTC President Tim Winter. "There is a dramatic rise in the number of teenaged girls who are depicted as victims of violence - especially sexual violence.  Frankly we're tired of reporting such depressing data and we want to help do something about it. 

According to PTC, in addition to ION, those committing to carry the spots include Dish Network, Sky Angel, GMC, and Hallmark.

The PSA campaign was launched in concert with the launch of the United Nations International Day of the Girl Child.