REMARKS OF FCC COMMISSIONER RACHELLE CHONG

                              ENCORE LUNCHEON
                                     
                          National Press Club 

                            SEPTEMBER 20, 1994


          It's a great pleasure to be here today among such
distinguished company.   As you may know, I have only been an FCC
Commissioner for  about four months now.   In that time, I have
been set upon by a horde of lobbyists on lots of different
topics.   Now, I would not want you to tell this to any of the
companies that are paying big bucks to the law firms in town, but
my favorite lobbyists to date were two hand puppets -- Elmo of
"Sesame Street" and Shari Lewis' Lambchop.  Those puppets had
some very interesting things to say about kid's TV!

          I think that John Sie must listen to puppets too.  Over
the past few days I have learned a lot about WAM! -- Encore's new
educational channel.  Clearly, John and I share many views on
children's television.   This afternoon, I'm glad to have the
opportunity to elaborate on my views:

          First, I believe there should be recognition that a
three way partnership exists between parents, programmers, and
those who provide the programming to the public -- broadcasters
and cable operators.  This partnership can be used to provide
better quality programming for children.  

          I encourage parents to take control of their child's TV
viewing schedule, and not be tempted to use the TV as a
babysitter.  I urge parents to get involved in telling networks,
programmers and advertisers that they want children's programs
that are nonviolent and which contain themes that are positive
for their child's social development.

          Second, I urge programmers to produce good quality
children's programming.  I believe that it is possible to create
exciting and educational programming that children will want to
watch.  We must encourage creative minds to produce programming
that is both entertaining and educational.  

          Educational programming need not be boring.  Nor should
it talk down to children.  But it must recognize that children
are not miniature adults.  Because of their lack of experience,
intellectual sophistication and their special needs, children
need programming designed especially for them.  How frightening
it must be for children to see TV shows intended for adults, such
as the nightly news segment showing today's bloodied corpses, or
programs showing one violent incident after another.

          Children need programs that talk to them in ways they
can understand, and about things they encounter in their daily
lives.  I applaud the efforts of Encore to create a cable channel
devoted to quality educational children's programming -- and
without commercials!

          Now, as an FCC Commissioner, I cannot tell cable
television operators or broadcasters what programs they should
put on.  But, as a television viewer, I can express my personal
views. I believe that the programming we present to our children
should send more positive messages.  For example, we should teach
our children that violence is not the way to solve problems.  

          Finally, I encourage cable operators and broadcasters
to make this programming available to our nation's children.  In
addition, it's critical that cable operators and broadcasters
market these children's programs just as actively as any other
program.  That way, parents know the show is on and can schedule
it into their children's day.  This also helps ensure the
commercial success of the programming.

               In closing, let me say that my hat is off to John
Sie and Encore for taking another positive step towards giving
parents a terrific choice for programming for their kids.  I
especially applaud the kind of multi-cultural programming that
Encore is proposing to offer.   Given that our children will soon
be living in a "global village," a sensitivity to other people's
cultures will be a valuable lesson. Thank you very much.