RATINGS ARE DEAD; LONG LIVE RATINGS

摘要

Since January 2000, most new television sets have come with a V-Chip that enables parents to block programs with "objectionable" content—based on a system of letter ratings—yet less than 17 percent of all parents who own equipped televisions are currently using the chip. Why? Some argue that the V-Chip has been underpublicized or that parents don't understand the technology. Here's another partial explanation: while many parents are concerned that popular culture doesn't reflect their values, they also question whether any outside agency (like the TV industry organization that rates programs' content) can make media decisions for them.