TV Curses Up a Blue Streak

Wash your television out with soap. According to a study of the major broadcast networks, the amount of profanity on television has increased significantly since 1998.

"During the 2002-2003 season, the broadcast networks attempted to rewrite the book on language standards on television," reported the Parents Television Council, a watchdog group.

The organization examined 400 hours of programming on the major broadcast television networks (ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, UPN and the WB) during the first two weeks of November sweeps in 1998, 2000, and 2002. The study revealed an increase in cursing during every time slot.