US government moves to restrict TV violence
27/4/2007 16:43
The US Federal Communications Commission, concerned about an increase in
violence on television, has urged lawmakers to consider regulations that would
restrict violent programs to late evening, when most children would not be
watching, The New York Times reported yesterday.
The commission, in a
long-awaited report, concluded on Wednesday that the program ratings system and
technology intended to help parents block offensive programs -- like the V-chip
-- had failed to protect children from being regularly exposed to
violence.
As a result, the commission recommended that Congress move to limit
violence on entertainment programs by giving the agency the authority to define
such content and restrict it to late evening television, said the
report.
However, the report and accompanying recommendations will set the
stage for a political battle between the commission and three powerful interest
groups -- the broadcasters, the cable TV industry and satellite television,
according to the report.
The groups supporting such an approach range from
Consumers Union to the Parents Television Council, an organization that has
lobbied for more stringent penalties for obscene and violent programs.
But
such a proposal faces formidable obstacles in Congress because of the influence
of the industries involved. The cable industry has vowed to fight hard against
new regulations.
Xinhua
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