FCC Asks How to Make TV Ratings Less Confusing for Parents
Published Date: 5/4/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC wants parents to have better tools to protect their kids and choose TV shows wisely. They’re asking for ideas on how to make TV ratings clearer and fairer, and if the group that oversees ratings is balanced enough. Parents, TV makers, and watchdogs should share their thoughts by May 22, 2026, to help shape these changes—no big costs expected, just smarter TV watching!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Audits and Spot-Checks for Rating Accuracy
You could get more accurate TV ratings if the TVOMB adopts random audits or spot checks and uses those results with survey data to decide whether the TV Parental Guidelines need changes.
More TVOMB Transparency and Reports
You may see more public information from the TV Oversight Management Board (TVOMB): the FCC’s 2019 suggestions include publishing the number and nature of complaints received, the program/network/producer involved, any actions taken, and issuing an annual report and at least one public meeting each year.
Disclosure of Gender Identity Themes
You may be affected because the FCC asks whether programs rated TV-Y, TV-Y7, and TV-G that include discussion or promotion of gender identity (including transgender and non-binary themes) should have different ratings or contain specific content descriptions so parents can make informed viewing choices.
Consistency of Ratings Across Platforms
You may see inconsistent ratings for the same program on broadcast, MVPDs (cable/satellite), and streaming; the FCC seeks comment on whether the same program is consistently rated across platforms and whether streaming platforms interpret categories like TV-Y14 more broadly.
Outreach on V-chip and How to Use Ratings
You may be affected by outreach changes: the FCC asks whether the public knows the V-chip can be used with the TV Parental Guidelines to block unwanted programming and whether outreach efforts have successfully taught parents how to use the ratings and provide feedback to TVOMB.
TVOMB Composition and Stakeholder Representation
The FCC asks whether the TVOMB’s composition is sufficiently balanced to represent a broad range of stakeholders outside the entertainment industry and whether family-oriented or additional faith-based organizations should be included in the Board’s ratings process.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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