Partridge Family Friendly

The Brady Bunch. My Three Sons. I Love Lucy.

"Family friendly" used to be marked by a clearly defined line in the sand. Safe. Wholesome. Clean. No surprises. Married couples slept in twin beds, and kids got their mouths washed for saying "gosh darn." It was a different time. For some, going back to the way it was would be great. For others, they couldn't get out of Mayberry fast enough!

Someone forwarded an email discussion to me this week generated by radio PDs. The discussion centered on the concept of a radio station being "family friendly." What the distinction means? How is it accomplished? Is it "Christian" enough?

From what I could read, there were several lines of opinion and conviction. Spirited discussion (some might interpret as argument) went on for the better part of the day. And at the end, I'm not sure there were any "converts." It seemed the "question" had not been answered, at least not to some folks' satisfaction.

There were some shots across the bow - from both sides. With passion. Belief. Conviction. Unwavering spirit.

So what would Gomer say, other than, "Well, golllllll-eeeee"? I bet he would say that times are a lot different today than when he used to live down the street from the Partridge Family. Kids have to grow up faster. A LOT faster. What were spankin' words then are gigglin' words now.

Slowly, very slowly, someone has been turning up the fire on the stove. And the water-filled pot that the frog sits in gets increasingly warmer, and warmer. But he doesn't feel the heat, since it's been so gradual. Deputy Fife's not here anymore to "nip it in the bud."

And before he knows it, the frog's goose is cooked.

Quite a few stations across the country are winning with a "family friendly" mission statement. Others are more evangelical in their approach. And some are found somewhere in the middle. Is there a right way? A wrong way? Or does it come down to the mission of that individual station, whatever it may be?

What is it that distinctively makes a radio station "family friendly"? Or why should that not be a passionate concern? Please, let the discussion continue. The floor is yours. Don't just leave it to Beaver.