US EditionFCC Considers New TV Ratings for Transgender, Non-Binary Themes
The agency is asking whether child-friendly TV ratings should better disclose gender identity themes and whether the system is applied consistently across platforms.
- On Wednesday, the Federal Communications Commission launched an inquiry into the TV ratings system, seeking public feedback on whether children's programming adequately discloses transgender and gender nonbinary content to parents.
- Congress established the voluntary ratings system in 1996 to provide parents with "timely information" about potentially harmful content; the agency now re-evaluates whether the system remains responsive to modern parental concerns.
- The Media Bureau inquiry questions whether programs rated TV-Y, TV-Y7, or TV-G are promoting "controversial gender identity issues" without adequate disclosure, potentially undermining parents' ability to make "informed choices."
- Comments are due May 22, with reply comments due June 22, as the agency seeks input on Oversight Management Board transparency and rating consistency across broadcasting, MVPDs, and streaming platforms.
- FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who has recently scrutinized late-night talk shows and content guidelines, is leading this broader initiative to determine if the voluntary ratings system requires regulatory adjustments.
16 Articles
16 Articles
GLAAD CEO Slams FCC's TV Guidelines Review as Part of an 'Anti-Transgender Political Agenda'
Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD, sounded off on the FCC’s recently launched review of the TV Parental Guidelines, slamming it as an attempt to “manipulate the media, erode freedom of speech and harm LGBTQ Americans.” “Parents should absolutely have a say in what their kids watch, and parents already know that seeing an LGBTQ person on screen or in real life does no harm,” Ellis said in a statement Wednesday evening. “What does cause…
FCC Seeks Public Comment on TV Ratings, Parental Warnings on Gender Content
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is raising concerns whether voluntary TV ratings are properly informing parents about what their children may be watching about gender issues. A public notice published by the FCC on April 22 sought public comment on whether the television and video industry ratings that were created in the 1990s are giving parents fair warning of the content their children are exposed to. “Recently, parents have raise…
FCC Chairman Carr seeks comment on effectiveness of TV ratings
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr speaks during a press conference following the agency’s open meeting in September 2025. (Graphic by The Desk) The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has opened a case that seeks public comment on whether the television industry’s voluntary ratings system is still an effective tool in helping parents decide which shows and movies to allow their children to watch. In a public notice issued on Wednesday, the FCC’s Med…
Trump's FCC Targets Parental Rating System Over Transgender TV Characters
Brendan Carr // CSPANErin In The Morning is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber.Today, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced that the FCC would be seeking comment on whether the TV Parental Guidelines rating system needs to be changed to address shows with transgender or nonbinary characters. The public notice, which Carr posted on twitter this morning, seeks to weaponize the TV …
Trump FCC Chair Hints at TV Warnings for Kids' Content That Acknowledges Existence of Transgender People
In the Trump administration's latest attempt to push transgender people out of public life, Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr says his agency is weighing whether ratings on television shows should be modified to warn viewers when trans people are acknowledged.
FCC seeks parent feedback on whether 'controversial gender identity issues' should be in children's programming
The Federal Communications Commission wants parents to weigh in on potentially changing the content warning system over these topics.Donald Trump; stock photo of children watching televisionCredit: Getty(2)Key PointsThe FCC is seeking feedback from parents about whether gender identity issues should be in children's programming.A survey asks whether parents are aware that programs rated appropriate for young children may contain "the discussion …
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