We're guessing the Federal Trade Commission had Eminem in mind when it issued its blistering report on how the music industry targets the kiddies with violent lyrics. No such luck this time. The music industry counters that it has, for the past 15 years, voluntarily placed warning labels on albums with profanity and explicit lyrics and has even gone so far as to issue alternate, more kid-friendly versions to placate peeved parents. But, the industry's chief lobbying body says, it's not about to set age limits for record buying.
Music is unique for the same reason there are no rating systems for books.
The works of musical artists are not rated. Although the FTC report doesn't suggest any specific action against the music industry, it does expect public pressure and criticism will force self-regulation. But doing that is contrary to the First Amendment , the FTC reports in its own study. And that is something Jack Valenti, president of the film industry lobbying group the Motion Picture Association of America and outspoken critic of legislating entertainment, seized on in a speech Monday at the National Association of Broadcasters conference in Las Vegas.