PBS believes that no ratings system can be considered fully acceptable unless it employs clear definitions, provides specific advisories urging parental guidance where necessary, directs parents to children s programming of positive educational value, and rates the programs consistently and appropriately by those definitions. Broadcasters should strive to provide more information, rather than less, to their viewers about the programs that they air, and should take additional programming measures that are in the public interest. The 1996 Act provides that the Commission shall either declare the Proposed Industry System acceptable or establish its own system. This requirement will go into effect at such time as the Commission has established corresponding rules, but in no event earlier than February 8, 1998. Technological constraints will undoubtedly limit the amount of ratings information that can be transmitted in order to interface with the V-Chip.
Broadcasting is a public trust.
It is surely with the public interest to provide specific information about the nature of program content. PBS believes that these measures both ensure the delivery of quality programming and allow parents to make a more informed choice regarding their children's viewing options. PBS believes that the ratings system used in concert with the V-Chip should serve as a floor, rather than a ceiling, and that the Commission should encourage broadcasters to air content advisories as part of the ratings system that is ultimately adopted. In addition, by employing the measures outlined above, broadcasters can demonstrate their commitment to serving the public, and can earn rather than damage the public s trust. Thus, the Proposed Industry System functions solely as a barrier to warn parents away from material that may not be appropriate for children under the age of 7.