FCC Proposes Updates to Children's Programming Rules

The Federal Communications Commission launched a proceeding to seek comment on proposed revisions to the children’s television programming rules. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking recommends modifying rules adopted in 1996 pursuant to the Children’s Television Act. The NPRM seeks input on proposed changes to the criteria that children’s programming must meet to be considered Core Programming, which among other things currently require that programming be at least 30 minutes in length and regularly scheduled. Additionally, it asks whether to update the three-hour per week processing guideline used in determining compliance with the children’s programming rules and seeks comment on ways to streamline reporting requirements. It also proposes creating a framework under which broadcasters could satisfy their children’s programming obligations by relying in part on special sponsorship efforts and/or special nonbroadcast efforts. Finally, the rulemaking proposes allowing multicasting stations to choose on which of their free over-the-air streams to air their required Core Programming hours.


FCC Proposes Updates to Children's Programming Rules