FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE         NEWS MEDIA CONTACT;
  September 9, 1999                  MORGAN BROMAN (202) 418-0256
                              
       STATEMENT FROM FCC CHAIRMAN WILLIAM E. KENNARD
             ON THE NEW KERMIT THE FROG V-CHIP 
                PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
  
       Washington, D.C.   I am pleased Kermit the Frog is joining our effort to let
  parents know that the V-Chip is now here.  Kermit who is famous for singing "it's not
  easy being green" also knows that it's not easy being a parent these days.  That's why we
  need to help parents child-proof their homes for the Information Age.
  .
  As the first celebrity to star in a public service announcement (PSA) on the V-Chip,
  Kermit will help to publicize the arrival of TV sets equipped with this device.  The V-Chip
  in conjunction with the TV ratings system will empower parents with one of the tools that
  they can use to help them manage this communications revolution.  Parents need to have
  information on how to use the V-Chip to protect their kids from violent or sexually
  explicit programming.  
  
  I also want to thank the Odyssey Network, A Hallmark & Henson Network and
  The Jim Henson Company for creating this PSA that will reach more than 30-million
  American homes.  I hope others follow Kermit's lead.
  
  This PSA compliments the efforts of the FCC V-Chip Task Force, chaired by FCC
  Commissioner Gloria Tristani.  The goal of the Task Force is to insure that the V-Chip is
  readily available and working.  By working with industry, entertainment producers,
  parents, consumer groups and Kermit, we will give our children the childhood they
  deserve.