“After reviewing years of research and in-depth analysis, the FCC has joined the chorus of medical and psychological experts, including the U.S. Surgeon General, who believe there is a link between exposure to violence in the media and an increase in real-world aggression in children. The National Institute on Media and the Family commends the agency on its work and recommendations.

“The FCC and members of Congress have come to the same conclusion that most families already have – primetime television is becoming more violent and graphic, and parents need simple tools to help them make better media choices for their families. The V-chip and the voluntary TV ratings system have been important steps in helping parents, but too many parents think the current ratings are confusing and the V-chip is too difficult to use.

“We share the FCC’s desire for a new ratings system. The current system is alphabet soup to many parents and does not provide them with accurate information regarding a show’s content. A new universal ratings system would vastly help parents make better media choices on movies, television and video games.

“It is not unreasonable for families to expect primetime television programming to be safe and free from violent and graphic materials. We hope this report will make network and cable television broadcasters take a second look at their programming and clean it up before another Congress moves forward with regulations.

“We look forward to helping Congress find appropriate ways to protect America’s families from violence on television. But, the ultimate authority in protecting our children from these violent images lies with parents.”

The National Institute on Media and the Family is an independent non-partisan, non-sectarian, nonprofit organization. The Institute's mission is to maximize the benefits and minimize the harm mass media have on children through research and education. For more information, visit www.mediafamily.org.