There's no doubt that Schindler included more nudity, profane language and violence than any of the Springer episodes, but that doesn't make the talk show the better choice. The networks and cable channels rate their own programs, using uniform guidelines. All programs, except sports and news, are rated. Each episode is reviewed separately. But it's unlikely that a regular series will change drastically from one episode to another.
Many publications explain and list the ratings, which sometimes change before a program airs.
TV Guide publishes the ratings in its listings. They echoed the often-heard criticism that the present system provides too little information and needs warnings regarding content. Jack Valenti, president of the Motion Picture Association of America, oversaw the development of the TV ratings. At the Senate hearing, he continued his objection to a system that would warn about violence, sex and language. We need a TV ratings system that includes enough details to be useful and informative.