A few years ago, PBS’s “Frontline” did a terrific — and terrifying — report on the way that a today’s marketers, media outlets and advertisers reach teens and twenty-something consumers through two primary stereotypes. Young males are reached with the “mook,” typified by Beavis and Butthead, Johnny Knoxville, et al. (I actually like Beavis and Butthead from a satirical standpoint, so I’m a bit hypocritical by using them in a negative sense here.) Young females are reached with the “midriff” — oversexed pop singers and other female role models.

I love “Late Show with David Letterman,” but tonight’s show features Howard Stern and Gwen Stefani. I know of people who like Howard Stern for the satire value (like me and B&B), but clearly that’s not the way most of his audience takes him.

To me, Howard Stern and Gwen Stefani are icons for a society obsessed with self-gratification. I realize this makes me sound like (shudder!) old grouchy grandpa on the porch. I don’t care.

One or the other wouldn’t be too bad, but both together just depresses me. As soon as Dave gets done with his comedy bits at the beginning of the show, I’m turning the dial elsewhere.