The PTC's mission is to protect children and families from graphic sex, violence and profanity in the media, because of their proven long-term harmful effects. The primary mission of the Parents Television Council (PTC) is to protect children from graphic depictions of sex and violence on television, and to promote positive, family-oriented programming in broadcast and cable TV. The PTC encourages high quality, family friendly programming at all hours of the day, and particularly when young viewers are likely to be present. Because of their proven negative effects on both children and adults, the PTC seeks to discourage the depictions of extreme and gratuitous violence, graphic sexual themes and dialogue, and profane language in entertainment programming, focusing primarily on prime time television. The PTC pursues its mission through a combination of efforts including research, public education and support for community-based advocacy, as well as direct engagement with regulators and decision makers in the entertainment, advertising and broadcast industries. Through this coordinated set of strategies, the PTC has become an influential and effective leader in addressing issues of crucial concern to the American people.