JackValenti

In the following viewpoint, Jack Valenti advocates a television ratings system based on age and content. Because the rating system is simple and easy to use, Valenti argues, parents will be able to make better decisions in advance about the kinds of programming their children will watch. The author believes that an age and content rating system, rather than a pure content system, will play an important role in keeping children from watching inappropriate programming. Valenti is chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America, an organization that represents the American film industry.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. Why does the author believe that age-based ratings are better than ratings for “sex,” “violence,” and “language”?
2. According to the author, why did the Canadians abandon...