‘Sex Sells, But at What Cost?’ on ABC’s 20/20

NEW YORK — ABC’s news show 20/20 will feature a segment focusing on the debate about what effect exposure to sexual imagery and content has on American culture. The segment will be hosted by anchorman John Stossel, and will air Friday night at 10 p.m. EDT.

In an article posted on ABC.com, Stossel posed the question, “Sex today seems to be everywhere. It's certainly more present in the public square than before.

“But how big a problem is this? When I was growing up, many people believed that sex must be kept out of sight, because it would corrupt the minds of children and lead to sexually deviant behavior,” Stossel added.

Representing the conservative viewpoint, Family Research Council Vice President Peter Sprigg said that exposure to sex has had a detrimental affect on American society, including children being over-exposed to adult themes, increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases, unwed pregnancies and single-parent households.

Pointing out the easy availability of sexually themed content available to children in mainstream entertainment, Sprigg said, "The intention is clearly to bring up this sexual desire, and I don't think that's beneficial for our society.

“[Children] are being exposed to sex and to talk about sex, before they're even old enough to even think about having sex," Sprigg added.

Sex therapist and sociologist Marty Klein, who is the author of “America’s War on Sex,” also will be featured in the segment, and said, "There are groups of people out there who are devoted to scaring the heck out of Americans about sexuality. It makes some people feel good because they say, 'Aha, there's the enemy and if only we could do something about that, everything would be better.'"

Statistics will be shown indicating that while exposure to sex has increased, rates of rape and teenage pregnancy have dropped, which may prove Klein’s contention that while sexually themed content may be offensive to some, it is not dangerous, as is often claimed by conservative religious groups.

However, Sprigg will argue that stronger regulations are needed on pornography in order to protect children from being exposed.

For more information, visit the ABC website.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Ryan Keely, Nicole Doshi Topline Latest From Sweetheart Video

Ryan Keely and Nicole Doshi headline the 19th volume of "Lesbian Adventures: Strap On Specialists" from Mile High Media's studio imprint Sweetheart Video.

Wendy Raine Fronts 'Mamma Mia' Parody From MYLF

Wendy Raine stars with Eva Nyx and Quinton James in a “Mamma Mia” parody from MYLF, titled “Memories Cumming to My Mind.”

Briella Coley Makes Her Evil Angel Debut

Briella Coley has made her debut for Evil Angel alongside director/performer Richard Mann.

Jasmine Sherni Takes the Spotlight in 2-Part Brazzers Release

Jasmine Sherni stars in the two-part Brazzers scene titled “TroubleMakerzz.”

Ofcom: Age Assurance Going Live Across 'Thousands' of Porn Sites

U.K. communications regulator Ofcom said in a statement Thursday that providers of online pornography are implementing age assurance across “thousands of sites” accessible in the U.K., in response to Ofcom’s Online Safety Act (OSA) enforcement program.

ASGMax Debuts 'Roleplay' AI Chat Feature

Alpha Studio Group (ASG) has introduced the ASGmax Roleplay AI chat feature.

Linda Lan Performs 1st Anal, Headlines Jonni Darkko's 2nd 'POV Anal Sluts'

Linda Lan performs her first anal scene and toplines director Jonni Darkko’s sequel to “POV Anal Sluts,” from Evil Angel.

XBIZ Miami's Host Hotel Sold Out, General Registration Now Open

Guest rooms at XBIZ Miami’s exclusive conference venue, Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach hotel in South Beach, are now completely sold out.

Leana Lovings, Aria Banks Front Latest From Reality Kings

Leana Lovings and Aria Banks star in the latest release from Reality Kings, titled "Synchronized Scissoring."

Penthouse Names Lennon Elizabeth April's 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named model Lennon Elizabeth as Pet of the Month for April.

Show More