Title
Urging the Federal Communications Commission to hold hearings to address public interest considerations for programming, especially as it relates to children and the disabled, and to further promulgate measurable standards that may be utilized by television broadcasters in exchange for their free use of the digital airwaves.
Body
WHEREAS, An increasing number of graphic depictions of violence and sexually explicit programming, a disproportionate amount of commercial advertising and a lack of programming that addresses the needs of the consumers in general and more specifically, the disabled and children, exists; and
WHEREAS, The move towards digital broadcasting stands to provide the FCC with a unique opportunity to review the standards under which digital broadcasters operate; and
WHEREAS, Children, with the particular sensitivities associated with their age can not clearly distinguish between commercial advertisements and educational programs. A limitation of four commercials, no longer than sixty seconds per hour of children's programming would allow children greater access to the benefits of a particular program; and
WHEREAS, Many vital issues and perspectives of importance to the nation and the local community remain unexpressed and unexamined. Allowing for one hour of public affairs programming, exclusive of news shows, every day per channel with at least an equal emphasis on local issues and needs, including free and fair political discussion, should be aired in the most popular time periods rather than relegated to obscure time slots; and
WHEREAS, Informed parental decisions based on the provision of an uncomplicated, and clearly understandable, independent ratings system about the violent and sexual content of programs could be substantially improved upon through the increased information capability of digital technology; and
WHEREAS, Consideration should be given to one public service announcement, not as a substitute for in-d...
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