Are ratings and content-blocking and the V-chip sufficient?
We’re certainly supporters of the notion of giving parents the tools to deal with these things, but I don’t think they are sufficient by themselves. But you can’t run away from a fight unharmed after someone has already punched you in the nose. When you have been exposed to indecency, the damage is done. And we’re talking about children here. We’re not talking about the Church Lady who doesn’t like what she sees on television. I think the tools are great. We agree with the president to that extent, but there has always been a compelling government interest to protect children by stepping in when there are egregious violations, and I still think that remains an important role of the FCC. Click here to read Frank Wright’s comments on cable a la carte at www.multichannel.com.
