Markey suggests ratings on TV shows
Markey, who chairs the House telecommunications subcommittee, moved swiftly in recommending the voluntary TV violence rating system after first raising the issue at a subcommittee hearing meeting May 12.
In his missive, Markey said new studies on the effect of TV on children "have brought a new sense of urgency" to the issue.
"While adults know what actions on TV are wrong, unreal or pure fantasy, young children can not easily distinguish between fantasy and reality," Markey said. "They are learning behaviors and problem-solving techniques from these violent shows without distinguishing between appropriate and inappropriate behaviors."
Markey cited a recent study by Dr. Brandon Centerwall of the U. of Washington that concluded the U.S. crime rate would be cut in half if TV were never allowed into homes.
Markey's letter was sent to Motion Picture Assn. of America prez Jack Valenti , National Assn. of Broadcasters head Eddie Fritts, National Cable Television Assn. president James Mooney, and network CEOs Thomas Murphy, Laurence Tisch, Robert Wright and Rupert Murdoch.
Also receiving the letter was Del Reisman of the Writers Guild of America, Time Warner's Gerald Levin, Viacom's Frank Biondi, John Malone of Telecommunications Inc. and Jerry Isenberg of the Caucus for Producers, Writers & Directors.
If implemented, Markey's proposal would require new technology to be installed on all TV sets that could block out certain channels or programs. Parents could program their TV sets to eliminate violent shows merely by pressing a button.
Markey said a rating system "might allow for gradations in ratings rather than a bright-line determination that certain shows are appropriate for children and others are not."
The Massachusetts Democrat asked parties to respond to his proposal by June 15.
The Motion Picture Assn. of America said, "The film industry has had 25 years of experience in rating movies, and we stand ready to work with Chairman Markey as he explores the possibility of rating TV shows. Many pitfalls lie ahead. This will not be a simple undertaking. We hope that our experience and expertise will enable us to make constructive contributions to his review. "
