probusiness respectability

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Could anyone help me with the underlined clause?

Significantly, then, the very features of television news which some critics pointed to as being vulgar, banal or trivial were often the same ones which advertisers believed created an appropriate tone for the content surrounding their messages. Pressure was recurrently brought to bear on the networks to ensure that their viewers, as potential consumers, would not be offended by newcasts presenting the viewpoints of those from outside the limits of probusiness 'respectability.'

Thanks a lot.

 

[RonBee]

Pressure was recurrently brought to bear on the networks to ensure that their viewers, as potential consumers, would not be offended by newcasts presenting the viewpoints of those from outside the limits of probusiness 'respectability.'

What is important is to understand the sentence as a whole. Advertisers do not want their potential customers to be offended and turn off the program to watch something else. It's in that context that we can understand the phrase in question. The "viewpoints of those from outside the limits of probusiness 'respectability'" would have to be those viewpoints from people who are controversial and likely to offend.

8)

 

[Tdol]

This could include those who are anti-business, like the anti-globalisation groups, couldn't it?

 

[RonBee]

This could include those who are anti-business, like the anti-globalisation groups, couldn't it?

I suppose so. Are you referring to "controversial and likely to offend"?



8)

 

[Tdol]

I meant as presenting views outside 'probusiness respectability'. ;-)