Common Sense Media Gives Out Its First Seal of Approval

Whenever James P. Steyer, the chief executive of the watchdog group Common Sense Media, is asked whether its family-friendly media ratings system is like the “Good Housekeeping Seal” of approval, he says it is more like nutritional labeling. But starting now, Common Sense Media will take a more assertive position on certain films, granting an approval seal to as many as 10 family-oriented movies each year. For the first time, Common Sense will make endorsements that may be used in advertising and promoting films. Historically, the group has discouraged studios from citing its film ratings in promotional material.