Viewers watching the debut of NBC's "Southland" heard bleeped out profanity, but it was still clear what was being said. The very fact that the network felt the need to put a semigloss on harsh language -- even though it appeared in a gritty drama that initially aired at 10 p.m. on a Thursday -- epitomizes the confused TV world in which we live. Depending on whether you are watching cable or broadcast, prime time or late night, reality or drama, such words are sometimes considered OK, other times strictly off-limits, and still other times acceptable if hidden with a bleep (which arguably attracts even more attention). To some it's archaic, given the growing use of video on demand and web viewing, which abide by no such rules, and indeed there is a sense that standards are changing. More TV outlets are putting together more-sophisticated dramas, which gives them license to use grittier language. The average cable subscriber can hear a dirty word while watching subscription-only HBO or even ad-supported FX. Reality programming that features real people speaking their minds has become so prevalent that harsh language -- or bleeped-out swearing -- is relatively common. Yet by indulging efforts to be realistic and cosmopolitan, networks risk condemnation from groups that police the airwaves.
