Measuring violence on television

Television violence has been measured in numerous studies. However the amounts reported vary considerably depending on the definitions provided of violence and the sampling periods adopted. Studies that have followed the methodology of Gerbner are more easily compared and point to rates of around 5-6 violents acts per hour on prime time television in most countries. The rate of violence on British television is considerably lower than this and evidence points to a recent decline. However, traditional content analyses are limited and provide little understanding of television as a narrative art.