Too Much Profanity from CNN?

CNN attempted to boost ratings through shock value—but was it worth it?

On Sunday, April 14th at 9:00 p.m., Anthony Bourdain pushed the limits during the premiere of his new series on CNN, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. Bourdain cursed multiple times on his prerecorded cable television show. Many viewers believe this is inappropriate for CNN and television in general. According to Fox News, Media Expert Angie Olszewski responded to the situation by saying, “CNN is clearly deflecting families from their programming, and doing so rather proudly.”

Any parent would be concerned about what is said on television shows that their children are watching, but is Anthony Bourdain’s show really going to be seen by such young viewers? Children that are too young to hear curse words will most likely not be watching the station and this show is aired at a time when they would most likely be sleeping.

Although some people do not agree with Bourdain’s use of profanity on television, there are many people who didn’t seem to mind. According to the Washington Post, the premiere of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown was viewed by 747,000 people, a clear ratings boost for CNN.

Do you think CNN’s new program pushed the envelope too far?

 

Alex Watts, Intern