History

The FCC and the federal government put the TV Parental Guidelines into effect on January 1, 1997. Most networks and cable stations agreed to voluntarily abide by the resulting rating system.

Ratings

Seven TV ratings exist: TV-Y, TV-Y7 and TVYFV for children, TV-G for general audiences, TV-PG (parental guidance suggested), TV-14 (parents strongly cautioned) and TV-MA (for mature audiences only). Further letters are used to describe specific content: "S" for sex and "V" for violence, for instance.

Voluntary

Because the networks complied voluntarily, they set the ratings for their shows. Individual program producers sometimes set ratings for their shows.

Problems

One of the difficulties of the system is that, because each network sets its own ratings, the standard for each rating varies. Something considered child appropriate on one channel might not be on another one, which can lead to confusion and frustration among parents.

Monitoring Board

The TV Parental Guidelines Monitoring Board works to ensure that the ratings are fair and accurate. Individuals can contact the board to complain about a specific rating or make suggestions.

Source:

TV Guidelines: FAQs

Telebisyon: Television Content Rating System