Once upon a time, there were music videos without bling or booty. They were good times. And good songs.

I think the problem is less about parenting and more about the disturbing direction society has gone in what it promotes as 'desirable' for girls and women. Girls are shown very early now that our worth is all about how we look and how sexy we are and how much the men want to have sex with us. It's not just music videos, it's tween clothing, slutty Bratz dolls, "porn Star" t-shirts, and pole dancing. It's every female on magazine covers being judged for how she LOOKS, not for what she DOES. And there is only one look that is okay now, and its not even real. It's pumped up lips, fake tits and blonded hair.
Now anyone who thinks our future women are not being shaped by this are kidding themselves. Just check out shows like Girls Gone Wild - teen girls willingly getting their kit off for anyone. The internet is full of stuff like this. It's truly depressing, and all I can say is I'm glad I have a son.
Kelly

That kind of TV baby-sitting is different. If you've got an emergency on your hands, or if you need half an hour to hang out washing without a 3 year old attached to your leg, then plonking them in front of a kid's channel, like Nick Jr or ABC kids is different to "It's saturday morning. I don't want to get up. The TV will keep them amused"
And no, you can't control TV in a public place, but how often do kids sit there and intently watch TV in a public place? There are usually much more interesting things happening in the bowling alley/electronics store/hair dresser to keep them amused.
Angela, let me rephrase earlier statement - when you said "What are the chances that Dad will turn over when the pussycat dolls are writhing around on the screen?" I had images of a guy sitting in front of a TV, drooling over the half naked women, ignoring the fact that his kids were right next to him. That is the sort of person who shouldn't be allowed to have kids. Unless you partner does that, then no, he doesn't not deserve to be a parent. No offence was intended.