WASHINGTON – The television and film industries
today announced plans to roll out a national multimedia campaign to inform
parents about the many tools that can help them manage what their children see
on television and at the movies.
The consumer
awareness initiative is sponsored by the Motion Picture Association of America,
National Association of Broadcasters, National Cable & Telecommunications
Association, National Association of Theatre Owners, American Cable Association
and the member companies of those groups; as well as DirecTV and Verizon
FiOS.
The objectives
of the initiative are to remind parents of the availability of TV and film
ratings and parental controls in TV sets and set-top boxes, and how elements
can aid decision-making about viewing or blocking objectionable content. Campaign
participants will roll out a variety of initiatives in coming months to promote
and publicize tools and information for parents.
These include
public service announcements to run on broadcast, cable and other multichannel
video outlets reminding parents of where to find and how to use the TV and film
rating systems, and parental control blocking technology. The advertising
includes video spots previously created by The Ad Council, as well as video
spots created by cable and broadcast outlets and their trade associations. Advertising
about the film rating system also will be produced and featured in movie
theaters nationwide.
In addition, a
multifaceted and recently redesigned website,
www.TheTVBoss.org, is intended to provide a
one-stop solution for consumers seeking more information about the TV and movie
ratings systems, parental control technology, and media literacy. Another
recently relaunched site,
www.FilmRatings.com,
will focus on the film rating system, providing rating descriptors unique to
each movie as well as detailed information on the meaning of specific ratings.
Campaign
participants will use multiple communication channels at their disposal,
including digital assets and social media, in concert with the many ways in
which their combined workforces interact with consumers, to help inform viewers
and customers of where to find information on the ratings systems, and how to
activate and use TV parental controls.
Broadcasters,
in consultation with Associated Press, the Entertainment Industries Council,
and other groups, will develop public service initiatives related to mental
health, including creating a style guide to help educate journalists,
television and film producers, directors, and writers on mental health
terminology. The initiative will produce additional public service
materials for use by participants in the campaign.