Americans are being subjected to more sex, violence and profane language during the traditional, early-evening "family hour" of broadcast television viewing, a watchdog group said on Wednesday.

A study conducted by the non-profit Parents Television Council found that instances of violence during family-hour broadcast TV had increased by 52.4 percent since it conducted a similar study in 2001, while the amount of sexual content grew by 22.1 percent.

"In the past six years, the family hour has become even more hostile to children and families," the Parents Television Council said.

The family hour covers programs between 8 and 9 p.m. EDT Monday through Saturday and between 7 and 9 p.m. EDT on Sundays, the group said.