This Issue:

Table of Contents

Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

Mini-Lesson

Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

Even More Parental Guidance

Did you notice anything different about your favorite TV shows last week? A new, expanded rating system went into effect last Wednesday. Now, at the beginning of some shows, your TV screen may be more crowded with letters than a bowl of alphabet soup!

The addition of specific-content ratings came nine months after a first round of labels hit the air waves. Those labels gave suggested viewer ages for episodes of shows, such as TV14.

Some parents and government leaders said the age-level labels didn't give enough information. They asked for more details to help parents decide whether the language and subject matter of TV shows are right for their kids. In response, most of the television networks agreed to add more detailed labels.

Not everyone thinks that the new labels help. Many parents and broadcasters say the extra letters are confusing. NBC has refused to use the new labels. Instead, it is issuing its own advisories that let viewers know what's in store on its shows.

Could any rating system satisfy parents and producers? Says Esther Smith, a mother of two from New York City: "If they had a rating that said 'stupid show,' that's the kind of rating I'd pay attention to."

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The New Ratings

• D - Suggestive dialogue
• V - Violence
• S - Sexual situations
• L - Coarse language

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