AP: Report Urges FCC to Limit TV Violence

Report Urges FCC to Limit TV Violence

By JOHN DUNBAR
The Associated Press
Thursday, February 15, 2007; 6:06 PM

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The long-overdue report suggests Congress could craft a law that would let the agency
regulate violent programming much like it regulates sexual content and profanity _ by
barring it from being aired during hours when children may be watching, for example.

The report also suggests that cable and satellite TV could be subjected to an "a la
carte" regime that would let viewers choose their channels.

Citing studies, the draft says there is evidence that violent programming can lead to
"short-term aggressive behavior in children," according to an agency source, who asked
not to be identified because the commission has not yet approved the report.

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The issue is bipartisan. Martin, a Republican, gave a joint interview Thursday to The
Associated Press with Democratic Commissioner Michael Copps.

"The pressure to do something on this is building right now," Copps said, noting that
television violence comes up regularly during media ownership hearings he conducts
across the country. "People really feel strongly about this issue all across this land.
This is not a red state or a blue state issue."

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