TELEVISION RATING SYSTEM GETS GRAPHIC
By Adnews Staff
The Action Group on Violence on Television yesterday unveiled a series of graphic icons which English-language broadcasters will use to inform viewers as to a television show's suitability for various age groups. AGVOT received approval from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission for the six-tier rating system in June. The rating guidelines focus on violence, but language and sexual content is also taken into account. The graphics consist of a small square and maple leaf outline containing one of the following designations: "C" for children's programming, "C8" for shows suitable for children aged eight and up, "G" for general audiences, "PG" for shows which may require parental guidance, "14+" for shows not suitable for viewers under 14 years of age, and "18+" for shows suitable for viewers over the age of 18. The rating icons must be shown for a minimum of 15 seconds at the beginning of each program, and again after the first hour of longer shows. News programs, sports, documentaries and other information programming are exempt from rating and will display no icon. French-language broadcasters and premium services in both languages will use their own systems. The icons are expected to go into general use by the week of September 29.