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National PTA Reaches Consensus on TV Ratings: Next Step is for Parents to Decide |
SourceNational PTA ForumsRaising our KidsRelated ArticlesPediatricians Respond to TV Industry Ratings SystemLearning Partners -- Let's Use TV! Information and news releases furnished by the members of PR Newswire, who are responsible for their fact and content.
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WASHINGTON, July 10, 1997 -- The National PTA, accompanied by leaders from other child advocacy organizations, said in a meeting at the White House today that it supports a newly-revised television rating system. The system was developed in conjunction with the television industry. "This is an historic occasion because it is the first time that parents and industry leaders have had a chance to come together and discuss their views on programming," said Lois Jean White, National PTA president. "While the system is not as specific and complete as we had hoped, it does provide content information which the original system did not," she said. "America's families will be now the ultimate judges of its effectiveness." She added that the National PTA will work with its partners to educate the public and parents about the v-chip and the TV Parental Guideline System. Under the revised guidelines, the letters "S," "V," "L," and "D" will be added to the age-based ratings that were introduced at the beginning of the year. These letters are designed to help parents identify why programs have been rated the way they have -- whether due to sexual content, violence, language or suggestive dialog. A special "FV" descriptor will be used to identify "fantasy violence" in programs designated for children age 7 and older. News and sports shows will remain unrated. "Once the ratings system has been in operation long enough to evaluate its effectiveness, there will be an independent review to see if it meets parents' needs," White said. The National PTA and other advocacy groups have been negotiating with the industry for a month in an effort to reach accord on the ratings issue. Networks will begin using the new universal television ratings system by October 1. The National PTA, founded in 1897, encourages its more than 6.5 million members to be involved in key child education and welfare issues. The organization serves as an advocate for children and families in schools, the community and before government agencies. CONTACT: Patty Yoxall or Melissa Krylowicz of the National PTA, 312-670-6782 |