As the president of the National PTA, I represent 6.5 million parents who have a great stake in the issues that concern us here today. As the 21st century nears, we can already glimpse the future that awaits our children and families. We can envision a day when the technology behind television, computers and telephones will merge, enabling those with access to tap into a vast array of information and intercommunication. Those without a means of access may be left behind in education, find themselves unable to compete in a highly selective job market, and as a result, be at a greater risk for living in poverty. We must work collectively to ensure that we don't create a society of the information rich and the information poor.
Today represents a unique opportunity in the history of telecommunications.
I have spent many years of my volunteer career working to promote quality TV programming for children and families. In fact, the National PTA spent most of this past summer encouraging the TV industry to provide program content information to its viewers. We also support new provisions in the Children's Television Act which require broadcasters to provide at least three hours of educational children's programming every week. The negotiations were part of a 30-year process that was required to convince the industry to respond to the needs of children. This is very encouraging.