'COOL' RADIO STATION A BAD INFLUENCE ON YOUTH

ALMOST all of us agree that the media is one of the most influential
factors in anybody's life. We also have acknowledged that drug use is a
serious problem facing society. So, why is it that the ABC is irresponsible
enough to display the attitude that "drugs are cool"?

I believe that the ABC, particularly its radio station Triple J, has a
great effect on our younger people, who are extremely susceptible to the
careless comments made by the presenters they admire and think are cool and
fun.

I was outraged last week when one of Triple J's afternoon presenters was
discussing an episode of a popular sitcom with a guest. They agreed that
only the first seven minutes were good and the presenter said "then they
ran out of drugs and wrote the rest".

One of a pair with a show on weekends said to a caller: "Yeah. I'll be
smoking a few cones."

Even advertisements on the station reflect this damaging overtone: "What
you are listening to is psychedelic music played by musicians on a
mind-blowing drug called LSD."

The presenter of one of last year's more popular evening shows even felt it
necessary to remind listeners not to forget to change their "bong water".

I listen to Triple J for its non-commercial Australian music and lack of
advertisements, but I am intensely irritated by the way drug use is
promoted. I've seen the drug plague bring down many of my old friends and
cannot help but feel that their favourite radio station contributed.

This problem is costing Australia, so why is a government-funded
organisation allowed to worsen it?

ANCHALEE LOWE

Age 16

Perth

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski