Two Democratic senators are joining Friday with William Bennett, author of the popular "Book of Virtues," to criticize advertisers who support what critics call "trash TV" talk shows. The three say the shows contribute to a decline in morals in America and sell exploitation.

In television and radio ads to begin airing Friday, Bennett and Sens. Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.) and Sam Nunn (D-Ga.) urge companies to withdraw advertising dollars from "Ricki Lake," "Sally Jessy Raphael," "Jenny Jones." Other talk shows singled out for criticism included "Jerry Springer," "Montel Williams," "Maury Povich," "Geraldo," "Charles Perez," "Rolonda," and "Richard Bey."

Officials at the "Maury Povich" show; Tribune Entertainment, which produces "Geraldo" and "Charles Perez"; and Multimedia Entertainment, which produces "Jerry Springer" and "Sally Jessy Raphael," did not immediately respond to requests for comment.