September 18, 1997
                                  
    FCC CHAIRMAN REED HUNDT ENCOURAGES PARENTS AND ACTIVISTS TO
          WATCH, CRITIQUE, AND REPORT ON NEW KIDS TV SHOWS

     At a Center for Media Education press conference today highlighting the FCC's new
Children's Television Act rules, Chairman Reed Hundt encouraged parents, educators, and
children's advocacy groups to "stay involved" as the first round of new children's educational
TV programming rolls out.  Hundt praised the FCC's new children's television rules as "the
dawning of civilization for kids TV" and declared that "this television season kids and families
across the country will have the opportunity to tune into the new and exciting educational and
informational shows designed specifically for kids."  

     Hundt surveyed some of the new children's TV shows and observed that the FCC's
rules had "inspired many firsts in the children's television industry, including new
programming strategies, new and innovative partnerships, and the launching of new production
companies working to create educational programming that kids will want to watch."  He
cautioned that "we can't afford to be passive potatoes now," because "some broadcasters and
networks may try to abuse the discretion . . . there is still a risk that some may air shows that
don't meet our definition of core educational programming."  Hundt suggested that parents tell
stations "which shows get an A and which ones get Cs, Ds, and Fs."   

     Hundt also proposed creating "an Emmy award for outstanding children's educational
TV," or an "advisory committee composed of outside experts to evaluate the shows and report
to the FCC on them" as ways to ensure that the new rules succeed in encouraging
programming that teaches children.

     Hundt said those concerned about making TV a positive force for children "need to be
vigilant and send a clear message that the broadcast of liquor ads is widely opposed and
dangerous to kids."  He noted recent news reports of new marketing tactics used by some
distillers to gain wider acceptance by broadcasters for their liquor ads, and "that hard liquor
companies are still trying to exploit the market power of TV -- they will try to get indirectly
what they are prevented from getting directly."  

     More information on the new FCC children's television rules can be found at the
FCC's Homepage <www.fcc.gov> under the link "Hot Topics."

                               --FCC--