Editing V-chip (section)

==Ratings==
{{Main|TV Parental Guidelines}}
In 1996, the [[United States Congress]] decreed that the television industry should create a voluntary rating system for its shows called the TV parental guidelines.<ref name="fcc.gov">{{Cite web |url=http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/vchip.html |title=FCC.gov |access-date=May 28, 2009 |archive-date=May 15, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515144227/http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/vchip.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Three main associations (the [[National Association of Broadcasters]], the [[National Cable Television Association]], and the [[Motion Picture Association of America]]) would establish this rating system.<ref name="fcc.gov"/> Along with the three founding associations, the chairman of the FCC would select five members of the advocacy community to participate in establishing television ratings. Altogether the FCC chairman, six members from each broadcasting industry and the five non-industry members make up a total of 24 participants.<ref name="fcc.gov"/> These ratings are the icons that appear in the corner of the television screen at the beginning of every show and after each commercial break for many broadcasters.<ref name="fcc.gov"/> These ratings include TV-Y, TV-Y7, TV-Y7-FV, TV-G, TV-PG, TV-14, and TV-MA.

TV-Y includes all television programs designed to be appropriate for all children. TV-Y7 programs are directed to older children, specifically aged 7 and above. TV-Y7-FV programs are also directed to older children aged 7 and above with the addition that this rating denotes fantasy or animated violence. TV-G includes programs appropriate for all ages because it contains little to no violence, no strong language, and little to no sexual situations. TV-PG programs may include materials that parents may find unsuitable, including moderate violence, some sexual situations, or infrequent coarse language. TV-14 programs have parents strongly cautioned for materials unsuitable for children under 14 years of age. Finally, TV-MA programs are specifically designed to be viewed by adults aged 17 and up.