A government-sponsored panel studying the impact of television on children called for the broadcasting industry to regulate its own program content Monday, but elected not to recommend introduction of the v-chip TV censoring system, saying it needs further study.
In its final report, the panel -- put together by the Posts and Telecommunications Ministry in May -- says that the nation lacks an effective system to ensure TV programming standards.
The report urges broadcasters to draw up guidelines together on proper program content as well as a ratings system for programs, and to indicate to viewers in advance if programs are violent or sexually explicit.
The panel passed off on deciding on whether to adopt the v-chip system, saying the system needs to be studied more, taking into account further developments in digital broadcasting technologies.
The report has apparently relieved many broadcasters but disappointed some parents, who frown at what they see in TV programs. Under the v-chip system, all TV programs would be rated according to their level of violence and sexual explicitness. The ratings would be encoded and broadcast with the programs.