Children's Television

Children's advocates have won two hard battles in recent years to improve what kids watch on TV. A Federal Communications Commission rule taking effect this fall requires broadcasters to air at least three hours of educational programming each week. And most of the television industry agreed last month to include content advisories on TV programs for possibly objectionable material, such as sex or violence. The educational-programming rule is spawning new shows. And the ratings system – to be used with the mandatory “V-chip” on new TV sets – promises to help parents monitor their children's viewing. But one network, NBC, is refusing to participate in the ratings system, calling it unworkable. And advocacy groups acknowledge uncertainty about how parents will use the new system.