Number: RL32729
Title: V-Chip and TV Ratings: Monitoring Children's Access to TV Programming
Authors: Patricia Moloney Figliola, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: Congress may wish to consider a number of possible options to support parents in controlling their children's access to certain programming. Some of these options would require only further educational outreach to parents, while others would require at least regulatory, if not legislative, action. Specifically, Congress may wish to consider ways to promote awareness of the V-chip and the ratings system; whether the current set of media-specific ratings will remain viable in the future or whether a uniform system would better serve the needs of consumers; and whether independent ratings systems and an "open" V-chip that would allow consumers to select the ratings systems they use would be more appropriate than the current system.
Pages: 12
Date: November 24, 2008