TV PARENTAL GUIDELINES

For questions regarding this section, contact PBS Editorial Management at (703) 739-5402

RATING A PROGRAM AND PLACING THE RATINGS ICON

Producers are not responsible for placing the ratings icon.

Please alert PBS to any program content that may affect a program rating.

As a program distributor, PBS is responsible for rating programs fed as a part of our service to member stations. In order to determine each program's rating, Program Operations will apply the ratings after consultation with the program producer or distributor and the PBS program screeners. PBS will superimpose the rating icon at time of distribution.

The icon will appear in the upper left corner of the screen for 15 seconds at the beginning of each program (or for 15 seconds immediately following underwriting credit pod). These ratings will be included in program listings, schedules and on other promotional and operational materials.

TV PARENTAL RATINGS

TV-Y 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.

TV-Y7 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. Note: 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.

TV-G 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.

TV-PG Parental Guidance Suggested.

This program may contain some 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 sexual dialogue (D).

TV-14 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).

TV-MA 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 and indecent language (L).

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This manual is a set of "guidelines" and should be treated as such. PBS staff members will continue to consult with producers and provide direct guidance on issues concerning final delivery of programs. Please read through the Red Book carefully and make sure that the members of your production team familiarize themselves with the relevant sections. Updates to the Red Book will occur when information or policies change.

 
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