ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, August 9, 1996 TAG: 9608090060
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: NEW YORK
Ending a three-year fight, the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday approved guidelines requiring television stations to provide three hours of educational programming for children per week beginning next year.
The guidelines, which broadcasters had opposed until pressured by Congress and President Clinton, are the first public-interest requirements passed by the FCC in two decades.
``Our vote today is the most important vote for children and education ever cast at the commission,'' said FCC Chairman Reed Hundt.
According to the new rules, the three hours of programming must be ``specifically designed to meet the educational needs of children under the age of 16,'' with education being ``a significant purpose'' of the shows. The programs must air between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
It will be up to broadcasters to determine which of their shows are educational and to label them on the air and in listings. Stations also must cite them as part of their application for renewal of their federal operating license and will be subject to scrutiny by the FCC and community groups.
Labeling of educational programs is to begin in January, but stations will have until September 1997 to meet the three-hour-per-week requirement.
- Los Angeles Times
LENGTH: Short : 33 linesby CNB