Media's Ability to Influence Requires Responsible Action

To the Editor: I am writing in response to the Tim Young editorial, "You Can't Blame The Weatherman" [Jan 11]. The juvenile ramblings, mostly about Senator Dole's film preferences, tell me the writer needs some serious time on the analysis couch, right next to Oliver Stone. Bob Dole and Bill Bennett are trying to make a very basic point which is that motion pictures and other mass media are powerful influences on the public, particularly children, and that the managements of the large entertainment companies -- Time Warner, Disney and others -- have an obligation which goes beyond the very important one of earning top dollar for their shareholders. In spite of being bombarded by reporters' questions about which films or performers they favor and which they do not, Dole and Bennett have no desire to micro manage particular companies or an industry.