Trump FCC Launches New Look Into TV Ratings System, Singling Out Gender Identity Issues “Included Or Promoted” In Children’s Programs

The FCC has launched a new inquiry into the TV ratings system, including whether issues of gender identity are being included in children’s programming without flagging that content to parents.

The proceeding announced Wednesday is the latest scrutiny that the agency’s chairman, Brendan Carr, has placed on program content. In responding to Donald Trump‘s attacks on the media over their coverage of the war in Iran, among other things, Carr has warned broadcasters of their public interest obligations, even though First Amendment advocates note that the FCC’s authority is limited.

The TV ratings system was launched after Congress passed a 1996 law that led to the establishment of a voluntary industry rating system. They include a host of different ratings ranging from TV-Y for programs appropriate for all children and TV-MA for mature audiences. The system is used by broadcasters, which are regulated by the FCC, and by cable, satellite and streamers, which do not have the same oversight.

The FCC’s new proceeding asks for public comment on the transparency of the TV Oversight Management Board, which oversees the ratings, and the accuracy of the guidelines.

But the FCC’s Media Bureau also singled out concerns over content that features transgender and non-binary topics.

In its public notice (read it here), the Media Bureau stated:

“Recently, parents have raised concerns that controversial gender identity issues are being included or promoted in children’s programs without providing any disclosure or transparency to parents. Specifically, the industry guidelines that parents rely on are rating shows with transgender and gender non-binary programming as appropriate for children and young children, and doing so without providing this information to parents, thereby undermining the ability of parents to make informed choices for their families. Consistent with Congress’s vision for the ratings system, we seek comment on whether the industry’s approach is continuing to provide the information that is relevant to parents today.”

Among the questions put out for public comment are, “Are parents aware that children watching programs rated TV-Y, TV-Y7 and TV-G may contain the discussion or promotion of gender identity themes? Should such programming be rated differently or contain relevant descriptions so that parents can make informed decisions?”

The FCC also is seeking public input on whether there is disparity in ratings for different platforms, including whether streaming services are “more broadly interpreting what is allowable in categories intended for audiences under TV- Y14.”

Public comments are due on May 22, and reply comments on June 22.