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TV rating system criticized in Senate hearings
February 27, 1997Web posted at: 8:45 p.m. EST
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- U.S. television networks came under pressure Thursday to change their new ratings system, or face having it changed for them.
At a hearing Thursday, some senators complained that the two-month-old system, which rates programs based on how appropriate they are for given age groups, is too vague.
The hearing, held by the Senate Commerce Committee, was the first since the ratings system went into effect in January. ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and some cable channels use the system, carrying on-screen tags for the first 15 seconds of each program which suggest appropriate age groups for shows.
The six-tier system is similar to the one used for the past 28 years to rate movies. Each ratings category carries a content description. Most shows have been rated TV-PG, for "parental guidance suggested."
Critics threaten that if the industry doesn't change its ratings system, they will attempt to legislate a system in which networks would indicate the amount of explicit language, violence and sexual content in each show.
Critics reject age-based system
"This system does not provide specific, content-based information, and that is what is critical to parents," said Sen. Daniel Coats, an Indiana Republican, who said the industry-designed ratings system "essentially hides the true content of the programs."
Joan Dykstra, the president of the National PTA, agreed. "The proposed industry rating system does not provide sufficient information so that parents can make the best programming decisions for their children," she said. "The national PTA is asking the FCC to reject a system that is age-based only."
Thursday night's programming is typical of the ambiguity parents cite in the ratings system: aside from news programming, every show is rated PG until 11:30 p.m. Included in the PG rating during the 8 p.m. hour: NBC's "Friends," which often includes some sexual content; CBS's "Diagnosis Murder," which the network bills as a "lighthearted mystery drama," and on Fox, the 28th NAACP Image Awards.
TV execs willing to change
Network executives say they aren't opposed to making changes in their system, but that it's unfair to condemn something so new. "Should the entire career of a United States senator be judged solely on his or her performance in their first 56 days in office?" asked Jack Valenti, the head of the Motion Picture Association of America.
Democratic Sen. John Breaux of Louisiana, also argued for the ratings system already in place. "I think it's improper to argue about how these categories are being applied," he said. "PG, to me, doesn't mean that it's fine for anybody to watch it. PG says, parental guidance is required here. Take a look at it, parents, before you let your children see it."
Responding to the charge that the TV needs to provide more specific information about the sexual and violent content of programs, Valenti asked, "How do you do it?" He said "most newspapers" don't provide ratings information in their TV listings.
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Eventually, Valenti said, the ratings will work with a "v-chip" installed in new TV sets starting next January. The technology would let parents block out objectionable programs.
Critics also complain the ratings category shown on TV screens at the beginning of programs should be visible for longer than 15 seconds. "It may be a valid criticism," Valenti said.
He said the industry may consider extending the time ratings are displayed on screen to 30 seconds.
The Federal Communications Commission is reviewing the rating system.
If the FCC finds the system unsuitable, it can move to appoint an independent advisory board to create a new system. But the government cannot require its use.
Correspondent Gene Randall contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- Senate opens hearing on TV rating system - February 27, 1997
- U.S. TV industry unveils ratings system - December 19, 1996
- White House plea: Give TV ratings system a chance - December 13, 1996
Related sites:
Note: Pages will open in a new browser window- Remarks By The President At 2nd Annual Report On TV Violence - October 15, 1996
- FCC Home Page
- National Association of Broadcasters
- Motion Picture Assocation of America
- Center for Media Education
- National Parent Teacher Association
- Taking Charge of Your TV (from the National Cable Television Association)
External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.
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