Major broadcast networks to extend TV content ratings online

TV content ratings will begin on online delivery of TV shows beginning in December 2012, according to a confirmation by the major broadcast networks on Monday. The change comes as an effort by ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, TeleFutura, Telemundo and Univision to give parents more decision-making power over their kids. The rating information will be available for full-length television programs on the websites managed by each company.”I applaud the networks’ commitment to empower parents. With our rapidly changing media marketplace, it is vital parents have tools to help them make informed choices” said FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski in a statement. NBCUniversal already provides ratings info online to its sites, including Hulu because of a pledge to the FCC that helped it get approval for its Comcast/NBCU deal. “For years, the content ratings have proven to be one of the most popular tools parents use to help make decisions about what their children watch on television” said TV Watch Executive Director Jim Dyke in a statement. “The most recent data shows that 68 percent of parents use the TV ratings system and 95 percent of the parents who use them often find the ratings helpful. By taking this step today, these networks are giving parents an expanded set of tools to help determine what their children watch based on their own taste, style and age”.