Does TV`s coverage of terrorism promote terrorism? Why does TV stereotype Vietnam vets, people from Iowa and Hispanics? Why aren`t there more TV shows like ”The Cosby Show”? Is there too much sex and violence on TV?
These are some of the questions that about 100 people in 25 U.S. cities, including Chicago, recently asked NBC brass for a one-hour special, ”America Talks Back” (7 p.m. Friday on NBC-Ch. 5).
”Today`s” Bryant Gumbel hosts the show, which features interviews with Grant Tinker, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of NBC;
Lawrence K. Grossman, president, NBC News; and Brandon Tartikoff, NBC Entertainment president.
While the special features general questions about broadcasting, only NBC shows are discussed specifically. NBC stars who answer questions include Philip Michael Thomas (”Miami Vice”), Betty White (”The Golden Girls”), Dennis Franz (”Hill Street Blues”) and Tempestt Bledsoe (”The Cosby Show”).