 by
Maria I. Cohen, Editor-in-Chief
In their September 25, 2005
press release entitled "Nielsen Reports Americans Watch TV at Record
Levels," Nielsen Media Research (a leading provider of television
audience measurement and advertising information services), reports that
during the 2004-2005 television season (which started September 20, 2004
and ended September 18, 2005), the average American household watched
television for an average of 8 hours and 11 minutes per day. "This
is 2.7% higher than the pervious season, 12.5% higher than 10 years ago,
and the highest levels ever reported since television viewing was first
measured by Nielsen Media Research in the 1950's."
The purpose of the television
rating system is a simple one - to provide the viewer with some advance
information as to the content of a given material so that they may
decide what they want to view, avoid, or is what is appropriate for a
minor in their charge to view. Over the years, as viewer ship has
changed, so has the ratings system. Below, you will find a current
definition from the TV Parental Guidelines Monitoring Board of the
television ratings:
All Children
This program is designed to be appropriate for all children. Whether
animated or live-action, the themes and elements in this program are
specifically designed for a very young audience, including children from
ages 2 - 6. This program is not expected to frighten younger children.
Directed to Older Children
This program is designed for children age 7 and above.It may be more
appropriate for children who have acquired the developmental skills
needed to distinguish between make-believe and reality. Themes and
elements in this program may include mild fantasy violence or comedic
violence, or may frighten children under the age of 7. Therefore,
parents may wish to consider the suitability of this program for their
very young children.
Directed to Older Children - Fantasy Violence
For those programs where fantasy violence may be more intense or more
combative than other programs in this category, such programs will be
designated TV-Y7-FV.
General Audience
Most parents would find this program suitable for all ages. Although
this rating does not signify a program designed specifically for
children, most parents may let younger children watch this program
unattended. It contains little or no violence, no strong language and
little or no sexual dialogue or situations.
Parental Guidance Suggested
This program contains material that parents may find unsuitable for
younger children. Many parents may want to watch it with their younger
children. The theme itself may call for parental guidance and/or the
program contains one or more of the following: moderate violence (V),
some sexual situations (S), infrequent coarse language (L), or some
suggestive dialogue (D).
Parents Strongly Cautioned
This program contains some material that many parents would find
unsuitable for children under 14 years of age. Parents are strongly
urged to exercise greater care in monitoring this program and are
cautioned against letting children under the age of 14 watch unattended.
This program contains one or more of the following: intense violence
(V), intense sexual situations (S), strong coarse language (L), or
intensely suggestive dialogue (D).
Mature Audience Only
This program is specifically designed to be viewed by adults and
therefore may be unsuitable for children under 17. This program contains
one or more of the following: graphic violence (V), explicit sexual
activity (S), or crude indecent language (L).
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