If you've ever watched a television program with graphic content or language and sat wondering how the show could be on television, you might be interested in tvshowcomplaints.org. If you're not such a person, well, you're probably curious what those people are saying about the TV shows on air today...and the answer to that question lies below.

TVshowcomplaints.org, through a very simple interface, automates the process of requesting consumer complaints about any television show filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).  The site is free - although the FCC charges $40 per request handled - and essentially abridges the Freedom of Information Act request process.

One month ago, we tested the website out by submitting a request for consumer complaints filed with the FCC about the television series Grey's Anatomy. For those of you out of the loop, Grey's Anatomy is a hospital drama like ER, only every character is haggard, in a chronic state of sleep deprivation and conflict, and sexually charged.  It is a modernized, prime time medical soap opera nearly as addictive as the pain pills prescribed on the show. 

After anxiously awaiting the response from the FCC, a package arrived in the mail exactly 30 days after our request was electronically submitted.  Inside the packaged, there were 97 comments filed by Grey's Anatomy onlookers between January 2003 and the present - the dates we requested.  All identifying information about the commenter had been blacked out, but the comments themselves were just too interesting not to share.   

Comments ranged from outrage over graphic sexual content and homosexual activity to academic corrections of medical misdiagnoses on the show.  Here are a few samples of the complaints:

Greenville, MS, submitted 5/8/08
"During the Broadcast of Grey's Anatomy, a scene was aired showing two men passionately kissing and embracing each other in what was clearly a sexual manner.  I was offended by the fact that the show was airing in prime time, at 8pm CT.  The scene was shocking, and as a parent and grandparent I am alarmed to think that the federal government is not protecting children from exposure to such activity in the prime time network programming.  I respectfully request that the commission address such programming."

Jacksonville, FL,  submitted 5/10/2006
"I believe that there was racist language used on Grey's Anatomy last night on ABC.  As a person living and raised in the South, I became very offended at the remarks being made about "Southern People." A family of 3 was involved in a car crash, and were sent to the hospital at which the show takes placed to be treated. They were from the south, which was made evident by their accents that were exaggerated and almost mocking.  After only being there a few minutes, [someone] referred to their presence as a "Hillbilly Picnic." A few minutes later [someone] referred tot he family as "Stupid Hicks." I would like to know why people from the south are not protected from racial slurs of this type, when certainly almost any other culture or race is.  Also, i would like at least like an apology from ABC."

Parts unknown, submitted 5/8/08
"The scene involved two military men kissing.  One man was the patient of [someone] lying in the bed and the other guy was his lover visiting his room.  It is ridiculous the lack of morals shown on TV during prime time when children may be watching or flipping through the channels.  This is not acceptable behavior or something I want my children exposed too.

Complainant respectfully requests that the FCC...keep me informed of the progress and results of your investigation into this matter." 

Parts unknown, submitted 2/2/08
"This email is in regard to the level of graphic violence you seem to allow on national television.  Mind you, I have been a fan of police dramas all my life...However, said beloved police dramas i.e.: CSI and Law & Order have not only crossed the line in recent years but have pole vaulted over it.  Even the wonderful Grey's Anatomy has crossed a line or two.

I enjoy a good murder mystery as much as the next fan but their is no excuse for allowing the images of a body put through a sausage grinder, severed remains spread throughout garbage cans down an entire block, or an escaped prisoner running into a grade school shooting to death an entire 4th grade class.

I am a full grown adult and well know the difference between fantasy and reality, but allowing these portrayals among a laundry list of others in recent years is inexcusable. You make too big a deal of colorful language and nudity and don't pay nearly enough attention to how far these otherwise great shows are being allowed to go with violence.

Bottom line: Classroom full of dead children, Obscene.  Boobs, Not obscene."

Parts unknown, submitted 12/7/07
"Could you please advise whether the FCC has any jurisdiction with regard to the information portrayed on television programs such as Grey's Anatomy and the like on the ABC station.  As the Executive Director of the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States (MHAUS), I was very much concerned with their November 1st presentation of a patient showing signs of malignant hyperthermia.  There was a gross misrepresentation of the disorder (which we have been trying to educated medical professionals and patients alike for over 25 years) and we received calls as a result."

Studio City, CA, submitted 12/13/06

"I was born in France, since I am in America I am appalled by American TV full of violence, blood, guns, too many commercials, questionable infomercials.  My wife is from here (California), has her mind corrupted by your stupid TV shows, as she watches CSI, Grey's Anatomy (wacked infidelity stories) on top of nice shows like Martha Stewart or cute dating shows. She tells me sometimes has dreams about crime, blood, and violence. It can only come from your disgusting TV shows...I am concerned what to do when my child grows up and finds these shows, either I censure TV or a I return to healthy Europe." 

Template email response from the FCC
"Thank you for contacting the FCC.

The Communications Act of 1934 that established the Federal Communications Commission PROHIBITS the Commission from censuring broadcast matter and taking action that would interfere with free speech in broadcasting, a freedom also guaranteed in our Constitution's First Amendment.

Individual radio and television station licensees are responsible for selecting all broadcast matter and for determining how their stations can best serve their communities...We recommend listeners and viewers to make their concerns known to the management personnel of the broadcast station involved whenever they believe the station's programming merits it.  Such comments help to keep broadcasters informed about audience opinion and can influence programming.

However, Congress has given the Federal Communications Commission the responsibility for administratively enforcing the prohibition to broadcast obscene and/or indecent programming which is set forth at Title 18 United States Code, Section 1464 (18 USC sec. 1464).

The Commission's enforcement actions in administratively enforcing the prohibition to broadcast obscene and/or indecent programming are based on documented complaints of indecent or obscene broadcasting received from the public. This doe not include cable or satellite channels/stations; it only includes broadcasts from FCC licensed UHF/VHF TV and AM/FM radio stations."

Interesting, the government defines obscene as:

a) whether the "average person, applying contemporary community standards" would find that the work depicting or describing sexual conduct when taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest…, (b) whether the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by the applicable state law; and (c) whether the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. 

By this definition, are the comments above justified?  

We'd love to hear from you.

Also Interesting: 

Porn ban proposed on military bases

Presidential Physical Fitness Award for adults introduced

Soldiers now allowed to have sex in Afghanistan

Bureau Pat's Weekly Web Pick: The Social Security Administration's baby name database