Ratings for Program Content: The Role of Research Findings

In response to the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the television industry devised a program-rating system designed to be used with the V-chip, a device whose purpose is to permit parents to block reception of harmful programs. The industry's age-based system, which debuted in January of 1997, was criticized by researchers and child advocates for being inconsistent with parents' preferences, for failing to communicate useful information, and for making restricted programs more attractive. This article reviews the research that is relevant to these criticisms and that was used by advocacy groups to pressure the television industry to modify its ratings. The amended rating system, which includes content information in addition to age recommendations, began being used on 1 October 1997.