Regulation of interactivity in children’s TV programs that link k...
Regulation of interactivity in children’s TV programs that link kids to commercial matter shouldn’t be considered now, Walt Disney Co. told the FCC in reply comments during the digital broadcasters’ children’s TV obligations proceeding. Instead, the FCC should monitor…
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market developments in kids’ TV and decide what regulation, if any, is needed after these services develop, Disney said. In its reply Disney, like NAB and Time Warner, challenged a Children’s Media Policy Coalition (CMPC) push for a ban on interactivity with any commercial matter during children’s programming. “CMPC’s overly regulatory approach would entangle the FCC unnecessarily in defining commercial content,” Disney said. Comments were spurred by an earlier FCC conclusion that it should prohibit commercial interactivity in children’s programming unless parents opt in to such services and sought comment on whether to revise its definition of commercial matter. NAB urged the Commission to consider an opt-out provision providing a less restrictive means of letting parents block interactive programming features using V-chip technology. CMPC speculation on the harm of interactivity isn’t an adequate basis for govt. intervention, NAB said. “Moreover, as the Commission itself has recognized in other contexts, it should not engage in unnecessary regulation of nascent and developing services,” NAB said.