tech
Rated W for woke: The FCC should upgrade the TV ratings system
Thirty years ago, Congress decided that parents deserved a way to monitor what the entertainment industry was beaming into their homes. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 recognized that children are influenced by what they see on television and that the entertainment industry has a role to play in helping parents navigate their children’s media consumption.
TL;DR
- The Telecommunications Act of 1996 led to the current TV content rating system (TV-G, TV-PG, TV-14, TV-MA) and specific content descriptors (D, FV, L, S, V).
- FCC Chairman Brendan Carr proposed adding a new descriptor to flag gender identity themes in children's programming.
- Examples of LGBT themes in children's shows like "Steven Universe" and "Dead End: Paranormal Park" are cited.
- Critics, including GLAAD and author Tyler King, argue the proposal is censorship and government overreach.
- Supporters contend the proposal only adds information for parents, not restrictions on content, and that the TV industry, not the government, assigns ratings.