Gov't Clamps Down On Media Violence

Finally, some good news about violence and the media. A recent study done by the UCLA Center for Communication Policy found most network television shows are doing a good job of presenting violence.

One show in particular was lauded for its realist handling of violent acts, "NYPD Blue." According to CNN, the study's head said the show was "never excessive, the violence was always integral to the plot, and it was properly rated for a 10 p.m. show. It talked about consequences of violence. Violence was not the core of the appeal of 'NYPD Blue.' Being a realistic show dealing with police in New York, violence was a part of it and, without exception, dealt with responsibly."

In response to last month's Colorado school shootings that left 15 people dead and other violent crimes committed by youths, the government is taking several steps toward curbing violence in the media.

The U.S. Senate voted unanimously to order an investigation into the impact violent movies, video games and music has on children. Reuters said the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice will determine if the entertainment industry intentionally targets children with violent acts.

Additionally, President Clinton is asking moviemakers to stop producing violent films voluntarily. He also called for parents and moviegoers to curb their appetite for watching violence.

Clinton made his statements after a "strategy session" with gun makers, entertainment executives and gun control advocates, reports Reuters. The meeting was in response to the April 20 Colorado massacre.

"We have to ask the people who produce things to consider the consequences of them, whether it's a violent movie, a CD, a video game," the president told reporters after the three-hour, closed-door White House session. "If they are made, they at least should not be marketed to children."

According to Reuters, Clinton also told parents to keep a close eye on what their children watch and urged all people to boycott violent products.

"If no one consumes these products, people will stop producing them," Clinton said. "They will not build it if you don't come," he added, playing on a famous line from the 1989 movie "Field of Dreams."

Meanwhile, a watchdog group across the pond said viewers are more tolerant of violence in films and on TV that previously thought.

Britain's Independent Television Commission said audiences are more accepting of violence when they see a specific seen of violence than when discussing the issue of violence in the media in the abstract.

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• Is The Media Too Violent?

Movers And Shake-Ups

The new "Star Wars" creator tells audiences "Don't believe the hype." George Lucas, who describes himself as an independent filmmaker who just makes movies for kids, told reporters he tried to keep "The Phantom Menace" from being overhyped. "It's only a movie. This is a Saturday afternoon serial," he said during a New York press conference. "It kind of got out of control and got overhyped anyway. There's not much you can do about that," he said during a New York Press conference.

Although it may feel like it at times, "The Phantom Menace" isn't the only movie sequel fans are clamoring to see. Moviegoers who buy tickets for "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" via American Online can see the film a day before its general release. The cross promotion between MovieFone and the Internet provider is open to customers in 14 major markets, including Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Variety reports the special screening will be at selected theaters the evening of June 10.

If you plan to see the "Austin Powers" flick in Singapore, you'd better ask for it by name. The region's Board of Film Censors has rejected the racy title of "The Spy Who Shagged Me" and replaced it with "The Spy Who Shioked Me." Reuters reports the board disapproved of the Mike Myer's spy spoof's use of the British slang term for sexual intercourse and replaced it with shioked, which means "nice" or "good."

Rumors of his departure have been greatly exaggerated. That's what one British Web site is reporting about Liam Neeson's retirement from film work. Popcorn reports the actor said he was "burned out" after a hectic schedule of both theater and movie work, but the announcement of his retirement from the big screen to concentrate on stage roles "got out of hand." Neeson's next screen role is that of Qui-Gonn Jinn in the "star Wars" prequel.

Last summer there were a myriad of movies about celestial objects hurling toward Earth and causing impending doom. Next, it's attack of the Mars movies. Studio Briefing reports both Warner Bros. and Disney are producing sci-fi adventures about the red planet. Warner Bros. hopes to cast Meg Ryan and Joseph Fiennes in it's "Mars." Disney's "Mission To Mars" will begin filming in July with Tim Robbins and Gary Sinise and is set to be released next spring.

NBC has reportedly decided to cancel the critically acclaimed "Homicide: Life On The Street." An anonymous source told USA Today the May 21 season finally will be the show's last new episode aired. "Homicide," which was on for seven seasons, continued to struggle in the ratings.

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