From: Louise Schiavone/CNN
In: Washington
Posted 6-26-97

Subject: TV Rating Talks Resume Today

TV ratings talks resume late this afternoon in Washington, but there is virtually no expectation of an immediate agreement and some participants say it could be July before the parties reach a compromise.

At the table are representatives of the cable industry, the National Association of Broadcasters and the Motion Picture Association. They are negotiating with children's advocacy groups, including the Parent Teachers Association.

The talks are snagged on an industry proposal that, for two years, advocacy groups not seek legislation forcing further ratings changes, such as linking broadcasting licenses with program content. They say, by then, the V-chip technology will be available to parents anxious to regulate their children's viewing.

One industry source says they are simply trying to avoid negotiating the ratings system over and over again. The current TV ratings system has been in place for six months and is based on age.

Negotiators are working toward a content-based system, with a lettering code -- "L" for language, "S" for sex, "V" for violence and "D" for sexually suggestive dialogue.

Advocacy groups are not ready to agree to a two-year moratorium on legislation aimed at regulating TV content. Also, there's no guarantee that Congress would agree to it either.

Key lawmakers and Vice President Al Gore are watching the talks closely.