The majority of the shows geared toward men--like CBS's Friday and Saturday night action shows and FOX's reality programs--performed poorly across the board in all categories. These shows featured violent and sexually exploitative content, with few positive female characters and little socially responsible substance. Many analysts felt that these type of shows present a false image of society in general and women in particular.

Two of the lowest scoring programs were the made-for TV movies about JonBenet Ramsey on CBS and FOX. Analysts felt the media's continued exploitation of this little girl's murder went over the line, particularly in CBS's graphic depiction. FOX's Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire ranked at the very bottom in three out of four categories based on its stereotypical, exploitative and irresponsible presentation of 50 women competing for a man.

Broadcast presentations of theatrical movies brought a higher level of violence to the small screen, and in some instances, increased exploitation. Most of the blockbuster movies chosen for airings in primetime appeared geared toward males, with glorified violence and degrading humor central to their content.

CBS's Family Law received the top score of any program. Many dramatic series, like those set in police stations, courtrooms or hospitals, appear much more women-friendly and socially responsible, although they tend to contain violence. While the majority of these dramas may have some violent content, it is not usually graphic and the best of these shows address important issues and usually show the consequences for violent behavior. We found several bold and challenging issues covered by the best shows. The strongest, most fully-drawn female characters were on such dramas.

At the same time, there doesn't appear to be a strong place for women in comedy right now, except as the targets of sexual comments and advances. Sitcoms appear to offer very narrow views of women, in all senses of the word. Many analysts made note of the abundance of young, beautiful, thin, white women in comedy. In all shows, but particularly in comedies, our analysts found little diversity in race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, body types and ability.

The recent run of game shows, while non-violent and rarely offensive, are very male-centered-- from the contestants to the hosts to the silent women assistants. Even in the year 2000, the networks have not brought viewers a woman game show host.

We did find several pleasant surprises, and some shows ranked higher than we expected. Very few shows scored well in all four categories. From violence to sexual exploitation, from socially irresponsible content to a lack of diverse and positive female characters--no show was perfect. A number of programs' strengths outweighed their flaws, but many more shows tipped the scales in offensiveness.