Television content rating systems

Television content rating systems are systems for evaluating the content and reporting the suitability of television programs for children, teenagers, or adults. Many countries have their own television rating system and countries' rating processes vary by local priorities. Programs are rated by the organization that manages the system, the broadcaster, or the content producers.

A rating is usually set for each individual episode of a television series. The rating can change per episode, network, rerun, and country. As such, program ratings are usually not meaningful unless when and where the rating is used is mentioned.

Comparison table

A comparison of current television content rating systems, showing age on the horizontal axis. Note however that the specific criteria used in assigning a classification can vary widely from one country to another. Thus a color code or age range cannot be directly compared from one country to another.

Key:

Country/System 0/1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Other
Argentina ATP 13+ 16+ 18+ N/A
Australia P P N/A M E
G MA15+ R18+
PG AV15+ X18+
Brazil L 10 12 14 16 18 N/A
Canada
(outside Quebec)		 G 14+ 18+ E
PG
N/A C C8
(inside Quebec) G 8+ 13+ 16+ 18+
Finland S K7 K12 K16 K18 N/A
France Pas de notes 10+ 12+ 16+ 18+ N/A
Germany N/A 16 18 N/A
Hungary Unrated 6 12 16 18 N/A
GY
India U UA A S
Indonesia N/A SU D N/A
P A R
P–BO A–BO R–BO
Malaysia U P13 18 N/A
Mexico N/A A B B-15 C D RC
Netherlands AL 6 9 12 16 N/A
New Zealand
(free to air)		 G AO N/A
PGR
(pay TV) G M 18 N/A
PG 16
Peru APT 14 18 N/A
Poland BO 7 12 16 18 N/A
Portugal T AP 10 AP 12 16 N/A
Romania Unrated AP 12 16 18 N/A
Russia 0+ 6+ 12+ 16+ 18+ N/A
Singapore G PG13 NC16 M18 R21 N/A
PG
South Africa Family PG 13 16 18 N/A
South Korea All 7 12 15 19 Exempt
Taiwan 普 護 輔 限 N/A
Thailand General PG 13 PG 18 Adults N/A
Preschool Children
United States TV-G TV-14 TV-MA N/A
TV-PG
N/A TV-Y TV-Y7 (FV)
Country/System 0/1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Other

Use

Argentina

In Argentina, the content rating system are identical to those used by the local film bureau.

Starting from September 2010, it is compulsory for broadcasters to show the plaque Comienza el horario apto para todo público (English: Start time of suitable for all age schedule) and Finaliza el horario apto para todo público (English: End time of suitable for all age schedule) at 6:00 a.m. or 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. or 10:30 p.m. respectively. In addition, the plaque Atención: Contenido no apto para niños, niñas y adolescentes (English: Warning: Content not suitable for children and adolescents) is shown before news broadcasts.

Armenia

A television content rating system for Armenia was introduced in June 2006 (first tested in Yerevan in January 2006).[1] The Armenian ratings are as follows:

Range specific

Age specific

Australia

For details on the video and DVD classification system in Australia, see Censorship in Australia.

Commercial television networks in Australia are required to comply with the Australian Commercial Television Code of Practice, which is governed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority with Free TV Australia mediating between the networks and the ACMA, as well as handling viewer complaints.

Classifications for each program broadcast on TV, are decided upon by trained classification officers at each network.

If viewers believe a network has breached the TV Code of Practice (an incorrect classification have been given, for example), viewers can submit a complaint to Free TV Australia, who then submit that complaint to the network. If viewers are dissatisfied with the result, they may then refer their complaint to the ACMA for an investigation.

Child-specific ratings

These time zones are further governed by the Australian Commercial Television Code of Practice, over and above the commercial Code of Practice. Both are similar to the G and PG classifications respectively in terms of allowable content, but are specifically targeted at children, whereas G specifies programming content that is suitable for all audiences, but may not necessarily be of interest to children.[2]

Symbol Abbreviation Name Description
P-rated (pink)
 P Preschoolers Programs intended for pre-schoolers; commercial stations must show at least 30 minutes of P-rated content each weekday and weekends at all times. No advertisements may be shown during P-rated programs.
C-rated (orange)
 C Children Programs intended for children (younger than 14 years of age, except for preschool children); commercial stations must show at least 30 minutes of C-rated content each weekday between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. or between 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. A further 2 and a half hours a week must also be shown either within these time bands or between 7 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. on weekends and school holidays, for a total of five hours a week (averaged as 260 hours over the course of a year). C-rated content is subject to certain restrictions and limitations on advertising (typically five minutes maximum per 30-minute period or seven minutes including promotions and community announcements).

Standard ratings

Classifications are intended to be equivalent to the Australian Classification Board (ACB) classifications of the same name. They're usually presented with the same shape and sometimes colour as their ACB counterparts.[3]

From December 2015, the ACMA introduced sweeping changes to the ratings system for commercial networks. Among them were allowing M and MA15+ programs to air an hour earlier then they were previously allowed, from 7:30 pm and 8:30 pm respectively, PG programs can air all day, dissolving the AV15+ classification, as well as changes to when adverts with higher classifications program can air.[4][5]

Networks are still getting used to these changes and it will be a gradual change, with many programs already classified and scheduled on stations weeks ahead, in accordance with the old code. The Seven Network, Nine Network and Network Ten are continuing this trend.

Symbol Abbreviation Name Description
G-rated (green)
 G General General exhibition, suitable for all ages but not necessarily intended for children. Content is VERY MILD in impact. G content may air at any time of day.
PG-rated (yellow)
 PG Parental Guidance Recommended Parental guidance is recommended for young viewers. Content is MILD in impact; Elements in these programs may require parental supervision for young children. PG content may air at any time of the day, on any network (as of 1 December 2015).
M-rated (lime)
 M Mature Recommended for viewing only by persons aged 15 years or over. Content is MODERATE in impact; These programs may require a mature perspective and are deemed not suitable for all children. M content may only be broadcast between 7:30 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on any day, and additionally between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on schooldays.
MA15+-rated (red)
 MA15+ Mature Accompanied Not suitable for people under 15. Content is STRONG in impact; It is advised people under the age of 15 do not view these programs, due to the strength of the elements within. MA15+ programming may only be broadcast between 8:30 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on any given day. Consumer advice is mandatory.
AV15+-rated (purple)
 AV15+ Mature Accompanied (Adult Violence) FORMER CLASSIFICATION Not suitable for people under 15. Violence is STRONG in impact; this classification was the same as MA15+, except the "AV" stands for "Adult Violence". This category was used specifically for extremely violent programming. The AV classification was only allowed to exceed MA15+ content on the basis of violence, where MA15+ material could contain "some violence". AV15+ material could carry advisory warnings for "frequent violence" or "strong violence". AV15+ content may only be broadcast between 9:30 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. on any day. Consumer advice is mandatory.

The AV15+ classification was abolished after 30 November 2015.[4] Strong impact violence is now incorporated into the MA15+ classification.

Adult "Pay Per View" only

Symbol Abbreviation Name Description
 R18+ Restricted R18+ Not for anyone under 18; this is limited to Adult "Pay Per View" VC 196 and 197, access to these programs is locked by a personal password. Content may include prolonged scenes of intense violence, sexual situations, coarse language and strong drug use.
 X18+ Restricted X18+ Contains material that is pornographic in nature. People under 18 may not buy, rent, exhibit or view these films. The exhibition or sale of these films to people under the age of 18 years is a criminal offence carrying a maximum fine of $5,500.
 E Exempt Exempt from classification; Only very specific types of material can be exempt from classification and the material cannot contain anything that exceeds the constraints of the PG classification. These include News & Current Affairs, sports broadcasting, education videos and certain documentaries. Many complaints have been handled before, however, regarding LIVE broadcasts.

R18+ and X18+ restricted classifications are not permitted for free-to-air broadcast in Australia.

Many R18+ movies on DVD/Blu-ray are often edited on Free TV/cable networks, to secure an MA15+ classification or lower. Some movies that were classified R18+ on DVD have since been aired on Australian TV with an MA15+ classification.

The two government-owned TV networks, ABC and SBS, are not bound by the same regulations as their commercial counterparts, and are instead each bound by their own Codes of Practice.[6][7] The guidelines provided by these Codes are similar but not identical to the Codes of Practice for commercial stations. For example, SBS refers to the rating MAV15+ instead of AV15+,[8] while ABC does not use the AV/MAV rating at all; instead programs rated MA15+ must not start before 9:30 p.m., instead of 9:00 p.m.. While the ABC recognizes the G rating, its code of practice does not require that it display its classification symbol on-air in respect to G-rated programming.

Pay television networks also have a different system[9] to the free-to-air networks. In general, all content on pay TV must still be given one of the above ratings; however, there are not usually restrictions on the time of day any particular programming can be broadcast. There is no R18+ rating for pay TV, but its use is strictly limited to special interest channels. FOXTEL, a pay TV company, has a parental lock-out system which can be programmed by parents to stop children from seeing certain programs. In 2009, the system malfunctioned, allowing children access to violent TV shows and films. The restrictions on R18+ rated programming have been increased since then, and those programs can now only be shown on the two adult channels.

Consumer advice

Consumer advice is compulsory for all MA15+ and one-off programs. As well as very short series classified M or higher (such as feature films, miniseries and documentaries). Commercial networks have been providing consumer advice to all PG and M programs anyway. As of 13 April 2016, the Nine Network, the Seven Network and Network Ten along with regional networks Prime7, GWN7, WIN Television, NBN Television no longer uses full-screen and voiced-over boards, prior to the beginning of a program. Instead opting for a small text box in the bottom right-hand corner (Nine), bottom left hand corner (WIN & NBN) and top left-hand corner (GWN7, Prime7, Seven & Ten), while ABC, Foxtel and SBS continue to use full-screen and voiced-over boards before the start of a program.

Consumer advice takes the form of a full-screen written and verbal announcement at the start of the program, announcing the classification as well as listing the type & strength and/or frequency of any classifiable element. In addition when a program carries consumer advice, appropriate abbreviations are displayed along with the classification symbol after each commercial break. They also usually appear in programming guides, usually in lower case to distinguish from primary classifications. In general, these abbreviations are as follows:

For violence, coarse language and sex scenes, the intensity and/or frequency is mentioned in front of the consumer advice. These include: "mild", "stylised", "some", "frequent" or "strong". Example: "strong sex scenes".

Brazil

The implementation of a television content rating system in Brazil was made official for broadcasters in mid-2007, although it was already used for rating motion pictures, video games, and some television networks since 2006. Since then, the television networks themselves rate the shows, while the Department of Justice, Rating, Titles and Qualification (Portuguese: Departamento de Justiça, Classificação, Títulos e Qualificação) judges the content to guarantee that the rating is appropriate for that specific show.[10] On broadcast networks, where the system is mandatory, the ratings are also translated in Brazilian Sign Language, and may also carry content descriptors. The icons must be shown at the start of each block of the show, and their respective promos.[11]

The Brazilian content rating system utilizes age-specific classifications (with the exception of L-rated programming), and consist of the following:

The system also regulates a watershed, or certain times where certain programming may air on broadcast television. Programming on cable networks can air at any time, regardless of its rating.[12]

Canada

The Canadian TV Classification System was created in late 1997[13] for English-language programs to use in conjunction with the V-chip (by this point, Canadian viewers were used to seeing ratings attached to American programming delivered via cable and over-the-air reception). The upper-right corner of symbols are shaped like the corner of a maple leaf, as is used in the national flag. The icons are intended to be shown once an hour lasting 15 seconds, although in the case of longer programs that do not start on the hour, some broadcasters show the rating at the start and at the top of each subsequent clock hour, while others show the rating at the start and again precisely one hour later. However, there are some networks like Global that only display the television rating at the beginning of the show. The icons are displayed in the upper-left corner and the size should be a minimum of 52 scan lines tall.[14]

Additionally, should a program contain content potentially unsuitable for some viewers, such as violence, coarse language, or nudity, members of the self-regulating Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (which does not include the CBC, although it still uses such warnings) are required to air a disclaimer at the beginning of the program and at the end of each commercial break, advising viewer discretion (such disclaimers are only required for the first hour if airing after 9:00 p.m.). This disclaimer is technically required even if the final commercial break comes immediately before the closing credits, and some (but not all) channels in fact observe this.[15]

Notably, the television rating given may depend on the level of cable and satellite, or if the program is broadcast over-the-air. Also, television ratings are generally considered more restrictive than movie ratings.

Outside Quebec

Canadian Television Ratings: C, C8, G, PG, 14+, and 18+

Quebec ratings

French-language broadcasters use the Régie du cinéma film rating system for television programming. Logo may or may not appear on screen after every commercial depending on the TV channel.

An E rating (no rating will appear on screen) is given to exempt programming, in the same classes used for English Canadian programming above.

Chile

The National Association of Television (Asociación Nacional de Televisión) devised a content rating system in 1993.

Child specific

Standard ratings

Colombia

Since 1997,[16] Colombian television networks are required to specify programs within dubbed family and adult fringes, and must display a notice signifying the audience, both visually and in narration, the minimum age required to watch the program, if it contains sexual or violent content, and if parental company is needed at the beginning of every program.[17] The networks must also air an 'institutional message' daily at 21:00, inviting children 12 years of age or less to "not to stay exposed to contents which have no essentially child[-oriented] nature."[18][19] A message must be broadcast at 22:10, Monday through Friday, (22:30 Saturdays and Sundays) explaining to viewers that the adult fringe has started. Most networks opt to display a scrolling text message instead.[19]

The ratings are as follows:

Pornography is prohibited from being transmitted over the air in Colombia, even in the adult fringes.[20]

Ecuador

Article 65 of the Communications Law of Ecuador presents the following classification:[21]

The classification to which belongs each program will be arranged by the Consejo de Regulación y Desarrollo de la Información y Comunicación (Regulatory and Development Council of Information and Communication) depending on the parameters which are considered relevant.

Finland

A content rating system were introduced to Finland television broadcasting in 2004. The initial ratings system for television programs shown on Finnish television channels consist of the following:

If a program is classified as 'K16' or 'K18', a notification or a password prompt must be shown before broadcast.

France

A content rating system in French is regulated by Conseil Supérieur de l'Audiovisuel (CSA).[22] Each rating icon is translucent and, as of November 2012, is shown for the whole duration of the show.[23]

There initially was no ratings system for French television. In March 1961, following the broadcast of a film where a female nude was briefly visible, the "white square" was introduced. A white square, replaced by a white rectangle in 1964, was displayed in the corner of the screen. An off-screen voice warned at the beginning of the program that it was unsuitable for all audiences. This system continued until 1996 when the Conseil supérieur de l'audiovisuel replaced it with a system of five pictograms, indicating the suitability of the program. This system was replaced by the current system on 18 November 2002.[24][25]

Germany

In Germany every broadcaster has to show a disclaimer displaying the sentence Die nachfolgende Sendung ist für Zuschauer unter 16/18 Jahren nicht geeignet before transmission if the program contains potentially offensive content.[26] This roughly translates to The following program is not suitable for viewers under 16/18. The Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle (FSK) checks every show in private television.[27]

Greece

A content rating system in Greece was devised in 2000. The system has five ratings, with each rating being represented by a different shape on a different-coloured background. The color-coded ratings are compulsory, and are displayed and verbally announced at the beginning of each broadcast. These provisions are enforced by the Greek National Council for Radio and Television (ESR).

Hong Kong

The Hong Kong television rating system is since by generic code of television programs standard of the Broadcasting Ordinance (Cap.562) on December 11, 1995. The current ratings are:

Programs that are classified as either 'PG' or 'M' should not be broadcast between 4:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. every day, as this is a watershed devised for family viewing.

Hungary

The Hungarian content rating system has changed frequently. The ratings of the programs broadcast often caused legal interferences, since the radio and television authorities have stricter guidelines about age appropriate rating categories for programs. If a program is not marked with the television authority's choice of rating symbol, the airing channel often has to pay large penalties to Hungarian authorities.

In 2002, a new rating system was devised. Ranking programs and displaying the rating symbols became compulsory on every Hungarian television network. The new rating system caused trouble within these networks, because the channels were required to display the ranking symbols during the entire duration of their programs. The symbols were distracting to viewers, and networks feared that their constant presence could damage the television screen. Because of the complaints, the television authority allowed channels to choose to show the rating symbols on the left or on the right side of the screen. Later, channels were also allowed to increase the transparency of the symbols.

In the current system there are five rating categories:

Similar ratings also apply to films shown in cinemas, however unlike in other countries a viewer cannot be denied access from entering a screening if they are not the age of the rating.[28]

India

Sample censor certificate issued by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) that has to be displayed for 10 seconds before exhibition of a 'theatrical film', and for 15 seconds before exhibition of a 'video film'. "V/U" infers that the film is sanctioned for video exhibition, and has been given a rating of "Unrestricted Public Exhibition".

In February 2013, in the wake of controversy over suspension of exhibition of the film, ‘Vishwaroopam’, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting constituted a panel under the Chairmanship of Justice (Retd.) Shri Mukul Mudgal to examine issues of film certification under the Cinematograph Act 1952. One of the terms of reference for the committee is to examine "the requirement of special categories of certification for the purposes of broadcasting on television channels and radio stations." But, the committee had not made any recommendations on this important matter.

The current classifications of films in India are as follows:

Indonesia

Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) regulate broadcast television content that classifies television program into several classifications:[29][30]

Malaysia

In Malaysia, a television rating system was revised in January 2012. Ratings are shown five seconds before the program starts.

The classifications are as follows:

Mexico

The classification system of television programs in Mexico is almost equivalent to that of the movie rating system of the country, and consists of the following:

Netherlands

The television rating system in the Netherlands was created in 2001 by the Dutch Institute for the Classification of Audiovisual Media (NICAM) and is known as Kijkwijzer (ViewingGuide or WatchWiser). The same rating systems are used for both television programs and films, and serve partly as guidelines (Programs with the classification 12 years may only be broadcast from 8pm and with the classification 16 years from 10pm. Cinemas and theaters in the country cannot provide films with the classification 16 years to people under the age of 16). Animated versions of the icons used are also utilized in visual mediums. They are the same as Dutch film ratings. The system is also used for DVDs in Belgium and selectively used on television broadcasts in Flanders.

The following icons are in use for age rating:

There are also six descriptor icons used:

New Zealand

New Zealand has two separate content rating systems, one for free-to-air channels and one for pay TV services.

Free-to-air

New Zealand's free-to-air TV content rating system has been in place since 1989 and is based on the system Australia was using from the early 1980s until 1993. There are three classifications:

G (General Programs): These exclude material likely to harm children under 14 and can screen at any time. Programs may not necessarily be designed for younger viewers, but must not contain material likely to cause them undue distress or discomfort.

PGR (Parental Guidance Recommended): Programs more suited to more mature viewers. These are not necessarily unsuitable for children, but viewer discretion is advised, and parents and guardians are encouraged to supervise younger viewers. Programs rated PGR can screen between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and between 7 p.m. – 6 a.m.

AO (Adults Only): AO programs contain material of an adult nature handled in such a way that it is unsuitable for children. Such programs are directed primarily at a mature audience and can screen between noon and 3pm on a school day (except during school and public holidays as designated by the Ministry of Education), and between 8:30 p.m. – 5:00 a.m. A special sub-class of this rating, denoted AO 9:30 p.m. or later, is reserved for programs with a "greater degree of sexual activity, potentially offensive language, realistic violence, sexual violence, or horrific encounters" and are considered unsuitable for viewing before that time. www.bsa.govt.nz.

The rating for each program is shown at the start and after each commercial break. Some PGR programs and most AO programs have an advisory before the program begins to advise of any specific content that could offend viewers such as language, nudity, sex and violence.

Pay television

The system for pay television is as follows:[32]

Any program of any rating can air at any time, but care should be taken to observe the following guidelines (as per the Broadcasting Codes of Practice):


Norway

A TV-content rating system was introduced in Norway in July 2015. Television broadcasters are obliged to classify their programmes in the following age categories: A (all ages), 6 years, 9 years, 12 years, 15 years or 18 years. The classification must be based on the guidelines made by The Norwegian Media Authority. Programmes in the different age categories must be transmitted according to the following time schedule during the day:

Television broadcasters shall specify the age limit acoustically before the programme starts or clearly mark the programme with an age limit throughout its duration. Television broadcasters shall also specify the age limit in programme schedules and electronic programme guides.

The age categories are also applicable to other platforms such as Video on demand-services, videogrammes (DVD, Blu-Ray) and cinema theatres.

Peru

The age rating system in the Peru television came into force in 2005 as President of the republic Alejandro Toledo and the Congress passed this law for radio and television. The open-signal channels that show their age rating are: a.m.érica Televisión, ATV, Frecuencia Latina, Global TV and La Tele. Nevertheless, the channels: TV Peru, Panamericana Television, etc. do not show their classification.

The ratings for television programs are available on some Peruvian channels. The rating system used in Peru is listed below.

Symbol Characters used Meaning in Spanish Translation into English
Apt apto para todo publico suitable for all public viewers
14 apto para mayores de catorce años suitable for people aged 14 and above only
18 apto para mayores de dieciocho años suitable for people aged 18 and above only, access to these programs is locked by a personal password.

Philippines

In the Philippines, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, commonly known as MTRCB, implements and regulates local television content rating systems. In November 1995, the MTRCB has implemented only two television ratings: "General Patronage" and "Parental Guidance", in which these advisories are simply written on the upper left side or at the lower right side of the television screen.

On 6 October 2011, in order to encourage parents to supervise and be responsible with their children in watching television, the MTRCB revamped its rating system, implementing a three-tiered system:[33][34][35]

Pictogram Classification rating English name Filipino name Description
 G General Patronage Pangkalahatan at Pagtangkilik Suitable for all audiences.[36]
 PG Parental Guidance Patnubay at Gabay Programs rated PG may contain scenes or other content that are unsuitable for children without the guidance of a parent.due to issues of material.[37]
 SPG Strong Parental Guidance Striktong Patnubay at Gabay Contains mature themes or moderate to intense violence, which may be deemed unfit for children to watch without strong and vigilant parental supervision to children.[38]

The new ratings was originally to have been a four-tiered system, composed of G (General Patronage), PG (Parental Guidance), SPG (Strong Parental Guidance), and M, but sometime before the implementation of the new system, the "M" rating was dropped.

The new ratings system is similar to the old one, but the look and the ratings themselves was completely revamped. The new system consists of a new full-screen advisory of the program's rating which is played before every program, whatever the rating of such program is, except in the case of programs with SPG rating, wherein the rating must be aired twice (before the program and after a commercial break somewhere in the middle of the program). A rating logo then appears at the bottom right of the screen during a program if it was rated as such. Sometimes, when annotations are to be put and it takes the place of the logo, then it has to be put on the upper left side of the screen, opposite the logo of the TV station. [39] [40]

On 9 February 2012, the SPG rating was implemented,[41] which utilizes at least one of the following content descriptors: T for tema (themes), L for lengguwahe (language), V for karahasan (violence), S for sekswal (sex), H for katatakutan (horror) and D for droga (drugs). The rating was first broadcast on the film Cinco which was aired in ABS-CBN, where it had its old advisory.

Poland

Before 2000, Poland did not have any uniform classification system for television programs. Some stations, however, applied their own system of signs: in front of the selected films TVP board applied the "Adult only" or "Film for adult audiences only".[42] In Canal+ before the film to show in chart with key Canal+ in the appropriate color (green, yellow, red).[43] Until 27 February 2000, TVN decided to mark the so-called "adult movies" with a pulsating red 18+ logo.[44] On 1 March 2000, an agreement was reached with Polish television broadcasters as "Friendly media" in order to introduce a uniform system of classification of television programs. Nine television broadcasters - TVP, Polsat, TVN, Nasza TV, Canal+, Wizja TV, Polish Cable Television and TV Niepokalanow - had signed the agreement.

The current Polish television rating system was introduced on 15 August 2005 and consists of five icons.[45] On 28 August 2011 changed the appearance of the characters:[46]

SymbolNameBroadcast restrictionPossible contents
No age limitnonePositive or neutral view of the world, little to no violence, non-sexual love, and no sexual content.
For minors from age 7noneAs above; may additionally contain some mild language, bloodless violence, and a more negative view of the world.
For minors from age 12noneMay contain some foul language, some violence, and some sexual content.
For minors from age 16only
8 p.m.–6 a.m.		Deviant social behavior, world filled with violence and sexuality, simplified picture of adulthood, display of physical force, especially in controversial social context (against or by parents, teachers, etc.), immoral behavior without ethic dilemma, putting the blame on the victim, excessive concentration on material possessions.
Permitted from age of 18only
11 p.m.–6 a.m.		One-sided display of the joys of adult life without showing responsibilities (e.g. work), social justification of violent behavior, excessive vulgarity, use of racial slurs and social stereotypes, explicit sexual content, praise of aggression or vulgarity, access to these programs is locked by a personal password.

Portugal

For a long time, the only existing regulation on Portuguese television was that programs with potentially shocking or harmful content could air only between 11pm and 6am and with a red circular marker on the top-right corner of the screen.

In 2006, all free-to-air networks decided to complement this rule with a shared, more detailed rating system for TV shows:

These logos must be shown during 10 seconds in the beginning of any program and after every break. If a program is rated 16, it can only be broadcast between 11pm and 6am.[47]

Romania

The Romanian content rating system has changed frequently. The ratings of the programs broadcast often caused legal interferences, since the radio and television authorities have stricter guidelines about age appropriate rating categories for programs. If a program is not marked with the television authority's choice of rating symbol, the airing channel often has to pay large penalties to Romanian authorities.

In 2002, a new rating system was devised. Ranking programs and displaying the rating symbols became compulsory on every Romanian television network. The new rating system caused trouble within these networks, because the channels were required to display the ranking symbols during the entire duration of their programs. The symbols were distracting to viewers, and networks feared that their constant presence could damage the television screen. Because of the complaints, the television authority allowed channels to choose to show the rating symbols on the left or on the right side of the screen. Later, channels were also allowed to increase the transparency of the symbols.

In the current system there are five rating categories:

Russia

Russian rating system

The rating system for programs and films shown on Russian television:[48]

These logos are shown in the beginning of the program and after every break.

Singapore

Singapore has adopted the use of TV Ratings from 15 July 2011. They consist of PG and PG13 ratings for Free-to-Air TV and NC16 and M18 ratings in addition to the PG and PG13 ratings for Pay TV channels. For Free-to-Air TV, the shows rated PG may be aired anytime while PG13 should air between 10pm to 6am. For Pay TV, PG13 rated programs can be shown anytime. Before the rated program starts the TV channels will show a notification. Currently, only StarHub TV's and Mio TV's self-packaged non-regional Pay TV channels ( e.g. StarHub TV's E City and Sensasi and Mio TV's FashionTV HD and FashionTV HD On Demand, both of which features modeling nudity in certain programs ) are enabled to carry NC16 and M18 rated content. FashionTV is also Singapore's first official M18 rated channel. M18 rated programs can only be telecasted from 10pm onwards to 6am on Pay TV. Regional channels like Star World, Fox Movies Premium and HBO Asia are unable to carry Media Development Authority's film ratings as they are targeted at the same region (a certain group of Asia territories), which results in programs being subjected to external censorship of a much harsher nature outside Singapore territorial control. Only Video on Demand (VOD) Pay TV services are allowed to carry R21 content currently. G-rated programs are not required to show a notification for any channel.

Slovakia

Slovakian government accepted a law in 1994, in which television stations are required to play a warning before a program and display one of the following icons:

  • 6 +  – Content suitable for teens over 6 years
  • 12 +  – Content suitable for teens over 12 years
  • 15 + - Content suitable for teens over 15 years
  • 18 +  – Content exclusively for adults

Slovenia

Slovenian government accepted a law in 2004,[49] in which television stations are required to play a warning before a program and display one of the following icons:

  • VS (vodstvo staršev)  – Parental guidance suggested (for children under 12)
  • 12 +  – Content suitable for teens over 12 years
  • 15 + - Content suitable for teens over 15 years
  • 18 +  – Content exclusively for adults

South Africa

South African ratings are issued and certified by the Film and Publication Board, whilst the National Broadcasting Commission regulates the various films and programs. All television stations, cinemas and distributors of DVD, video and computer games must display the following signage:

Additional symbols:

South Korea

The South Korean television rating system has been in force since 2000, and it started with only four classifications which are All, 7, 13 and 19. In February 2001, all programs except domestic dramas (which had been enforced since November 2002) has required to have a rating system. In 2007, rating 13 was changed into 12 and a new rating, 15 is introduced. Most programs have to be rated, except the "exempt" rating below. Even if it qualifies for being exempt, a broadcaster may apply a rating.[51]

Example of Korean TV rating icons.

Rating icons may be transparent, and can be positioned either on the upper-left or upper-right corner of the screen. The icon has a size of at least 1/20 of the screen, and has black writing on a yellow circle with a white outline. These icons are shown for 30 seconds when the program starts, and are shown again every 10 minutes, and when the program resumes after commercial breaks. This does not apply to 19-rated programs, where the icon must be visible throughout the entire program. These regulations do not apply to the "All" rating, as it does not have an icon. A rating disclaimer is displayed on the start of the program for five seconds explaining "This program may not be suitable for children/adolescents under the age of X, so parental guidance is recommended"(이 프로그램은 X세 미만의 어린이/청소년이 시청하기에 부적절하므로 보호자의 시청지도가 필요한 프로그램입니다, I peu-ro-geu-raem eun "X: se-mi-man ui eo rin-i/cheong-so nyeon-i si cheong hagi e bu-jeok jeol ha-meu robo hoja ui si cheong-ji doga pir-yo han peu-ro-geu-raem ipnida) for 7, 12, and 15 ratings. "All" and "19" ratings have a different disclaimer, which say "This program is suitable for all ages"(이 프로그램은 모든 연령의 시청자가 시청할 수 있는 프로그램입니다) and "This program is not suggested for youths under the age of 19"(이 프로그램은 19세 미만의 청소년이 시청하기에 부적절한 프로그램입니다) respectively.

These ratings are used by all South Korean television broadcasters. Despite being intended for viewing outside of the country, KBS World also uses these ratings.

South Korean television ratings do not include content descriptors or advisories as they do in other nations. The ratings are therefore used in a broader sense.

Spain

These are the symbols of the Spanish rating system for television programs:

Unrated programs do not display any icon on the screen; in Catalonia, TP-rated shows do not show any icon as well. Actually rating symbols are shown during all the program and in their advertisements. However, in Catalonia, only the 13, 16 and 18 ratings remain transparent in the screen, while the others (7, 10 and 12) are seen during the first 30 seconds. The "Infantil" rating appears during the first five seconds.

Taiwan

Taiwanese rating system for television programs was introduced in 1999 and there are four symbols:

Thailand

In Thailand, a television rating system was introduced in 2006 alongside a movie ratings for movies. In September 2013, the television rating was revised.

Under the new guideline, the so-called ′Free TV′ channels have to label their programs and reschedule their shows to comply in the following categories:

TV programs in Thailand are already labelled by certain system of categories, a practice criticised by rights group as nanny-state censorship and ridiculed by some Netizens for its confusing standards.

Turkey

The TV content rating system in Turkey was introduced by RTÜK in 2006. The ratings are the following:

There are also content informations which indicate violence/horror, sexuality and negative examples.

News programs, sports competitions, religious ceremonies and commercial communication broadcasts are exempt from the content rating system.

Ukraine

Ukrainian TV content rating was adopted on 15 September 2003. It started with three classifications (●, ▲, ■). On 6 May 2016, the classifications were replaced, and shows that does not have age restrictions not rated. The new ratings are the following:

These designations must be in the lower right corner.

United States

TV-Y – This program is designed to be appropriate for all children.[52]

Programs rated TV-Y are designed to be appropriate for all children. The thematic elements portrayed in programs with this rating are specifically designed for a very young audience, including children from ages 2–6. According to the FCC, programs rated TV-Y are "not expected to frighten younger children".[52]

TV-Y7 – This program is designed for children age 7 and above.[52] Programs rated TV-Y7 are designed for children aged 7 and above. The FCC implies that it "may be more appropriate for children who have acquired the developmental skills needed to distinguish between make-believe and reality."[52] The thematic elements portrayed in programs with this rating may include 'comedic violence', or may be frightening or confusing for children under the age of 7.

Some programs may be given the "FV" content descriptor if they exhibit more 'fantasy violence',[52] and/or are generally more intense or combative than other programs rated TV-Y7.

TV-G – Most parents would find this program suitable for all ages.[52] Programs rated TV-G are generally suitable for all ages. The FCC states that "this rating does not signify a program designed specifically for children, most parents may let younger children watch this program unattended."[52] The thematic elements portrayed in programs with this rating contain little or no violence, no strong language, and little or no sexual dialogue or situations.[53]

TV-PG – This program contains material that parents may find unsuitable for younger children.[52] Programs rated TV-PG contain material that parental guardians may find inappropriate for young children.

TV-14 – This program contains some material that many parents would find unsuitable for children under 14 years of age.[52]

Programs rated TV-14 may contain some material that parental guardians may find unsuitable for children under the age of 14. The FCC warns that "Parents are cautioned to exercise some care in monitoring this program and are cautioned against letting children under the age of 14 watch unattended."[52]

TV-MA – This program is specifically designed to be viewed by adults and therefore may be unsuitable for children under 17.[52]

Programs rated TV-MA are usually designed to be viewed by adults. Some content may be unsuitable for children under 17. This rating is seldom used by broadcast networks or local television stations due to FCC restrictions on program content, although it is commonly applied to television programs featured on certain cable channels and pay television networks for both mainstream and pornographic programs.

Some thematic elements, according to the FCC, "may call for parental guidance and/or the program may contain one or more of the following" sub-ratings, designated with an alphabetic letter:

Up to four content descriptors can be applied alongside an applied rating, depending on the kind of suggestive content featured in a program (with the exception of the "FV" sub-rating, due to its sole applicable use for children's programs). As the rating increases pertaining to the age, the content matters generally get more intensive. The 'suggestive dialogue' descriptor is used for TV-PG and TV-14 rated programs only, although certain networks may choose to rate their TV-MA programs with the descriptor, while the DLSV sub-ratings are only used with the TV-PG and TV-14 ratings. The violence descriptor was used for TV-Y7 programs until the creation of the 'FV' descriptor in 1997.

Venezuela

Television content in Venezuela is regulated by the Law on Social Responsibility on Radio and Television (Ley de Responsabilidad Social en Radio y Televisión), introduced in January 2003. As of 2013, the rating was divided into three, TU means for all ages, SU means parental guidance for young viewers and A for mature viewers. Programs rated may only be broadcast at certain times.

It is mandatory for all Venezuelan television station to broadcast a short presentation, before the broadcast of any programs, made by the same channel, where the type of program (recreational, informational, mixed, etc.), type of production (domestic or national independent) elements include containing (such as language, health, sex and/or violence) and lastly the rating of the program.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Goehring, Jeannette (2007). Nations in Transit 2007: Democratization from Central Europe to Eurasia. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 93. ISBN 978-0-932088-26-0. Retrieved 28 July 2013. Although broadcast media remained dependent on private financing in 2006, advertising revenue is rising—encouraged by the introduction of a television rating system, first in Yerevan in January 2006 and then nationwide in June.
  2. ↑ "C and P programs". Australian Communications and Media Authority. Retrieved 11 September 2016.
  3. ↑ "About Classifications". FreeTV Australia. Retrieved 13 September 2016.
  4. 1 2 Meade, Amanda (10 November 2015). "M-rated shows to be broadcast an hour earlier under new commercial TV code". The Guardian. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
  5. ↑ Knox, David (10 November 2015). "M rated TV now allowed from 7:30pm in Classification overhaul". TV Tonight. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
  6. ↑ Australian Broadcasting Corporation (2007). ABC Code of Practice: March 2007.
  7. ↑ Special Broadcasting Service. SBS Codes of Practice.
  8. ↑ Special Broadcasting Service. SBS Codes of Practice. (Section 4.5: Classification Categories.)
  9. ↑ Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (2007). Subscription Broadcast Television Codes of Practice 2007.
  10. ↑ "Sociedade apoia multa por descumprimento de classificação indicativa". Classificação Indicativa: Notícias (in Portuguese). 12 December 2011. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  11. ↑ "Content Rating Practical Guide" (PDF). Ministério da Justiça/Brazilian National Secretariat of Justice/Department of Justice, Rating, Titles and Qualification. 2012. Retrieved 29 July 2013. The information in Brazilian sign language, item 4, must be displayed pursuant ABNT norms (NBR 15290) and is optional for shows with rating equal or inferior to PG-10.
  12. ↑ "TV Rating System Building Citizenship on the Small Screen" (PDF). Políticas de Comunicação. Agência de Notícias dos Direitos da Infância (ANDI). 2006. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  13. ↑ "Canadian television networks begin rating system". LifeSiteNews.com. 29 September 1997. Retrieved 2009-01-15.
  14. ↑ "CAB-Broadcaster Manual for Classification and Icon Use". Cab-acr.ca. Retrieved 2012-06-11.
  15. ↑ For further details, refer to the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Code of Ethics and Voluntary Code Regarding Violence in Television Programming
  16. ↑ "CÓMO CLASIFICAR LOS PROGRAMAS DE TELEVISIÓN". eltiempo.com.
  17. ↑ Comisión Nacional de Televisión, Artículo 2o. Aviso Sobre el Contenido de los Programas – Acuerdo 17 de 1997, 3 April 1997
  18. ↑ Comisión Nacional de Televisión, Artículo 2o. Contenido del Mensaje – Acuerdo 4 de 1997, 13 February 1997
  19. 1 2 Comisión Nacional de Televisión, Artículo 4o. Horario de Emisón cel Artículo Institucional – Acuerdo 4 de 1997, 13 February 1997
  20. ↑ Comisión Nacional de Televisión, Artículo 15. Pornografía – Acuerdo 17 de 1997, 3 April 1997
  21. ↑ Art. 65 de la Ley Orgánica de comunicación.
  22. ↑ Conseil Supérieur de l'Audiovisuel , Règles d'usage de la signalétique jeunesse
  23. ↑ Until November 2012, the pictogram Déconseillé aux moins de 10 ans used to disappear after a few minutes. It now remains on screen for the duration of the program.Decision from the Conseil supérieur de l'audiovisuel. (French)
  24. ↑ "Le CSA adopte une nouvelle signalétique". csa.fr (in French). Conseil supérieur de l'audiovisuel. 17 September 2002. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  25. ↑ French wikipedia: Carré blanc, rectangle blanc et pictogrammes TV en France
  26. ↑ "Content rating system in Germany". YouTube.
  27. ↑ "Willkommen bei der FSK".
  28. ↑ Law concerning TV ratings (in Hungarian) Archived 9 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine.
  29. ↑ "Lembaga Penyiaran Wajib Siarkan Klasifikasi Acara" (in Indonesian). Komisi Penyiaran Indonesia (KPI). November 23, 2012.
  30. ↑ "Nota Kesepahaman KPI dan LSF" (PDF) (in Indonesian). Komisi Penyiaran Indonesia (KPI). October 22, 2012.
  31. ↑ "Pentingnya Klasifikasi Usia dalam Program Siaran" (in Bahasa Indonesia). Rapotivi.org. June 19, 2015.
  32. ↑ Pay television Code of Broadcasting Practice (PDF). New Zealand: Broadcasting Standards Authority. January 2008. p. 5. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  33. ↑ "Classfication ng TV ratings, nirepaso ng MTRCB" (in Tagalog). DZMM. Retrieved 27 October 2011.
  34. ↑ Cruz, Marinel (6 October 2011). "MTRCB revises rating system for TV shows". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 27 October 2011.
  35. ↑ Matabuena, Julien Merced (6 October 2011). "Revised TV classifications launched by MTRCB". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on 17 October 2011. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
  36. ↑
  37. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20120207204523/http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1. Archived from the original on 7 February 2012. Retrieved 14 February 2016. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  38. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20120219183054/http://mtrcb.gov.ph/2012/01/memorandum-circular-no-12-2011/. Archived from the original on 19 February 2012. Retrieved 19 February 2012. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  39. ↑ "MTRCB TV Rating Classification: Rated PG". YouTube. Retrieved 2012-06-11.
  40. ↑ "MTRCB TV Rating Classification: Rated SPG". YouTube. 26 November 2011. Retrieved 2012-06-11.
  41. ↑ "Bagong rating na 'Strong Parental Guidance,' ilulunsad ng MTRCB" (in Tagalog). DZMM. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  42. ↑ "DAWNA TELEWIZJA - Pani Edyta Wojtczak zapowiada film "Pluton" - TVP 1 - 1992 rok". YouTube.
  43. ↑ "Canal+ Polska - jingiel "Film dla wszystkich" - 1998 rok". YouTube.
  44. ↑ "Stary system klasyfikacji programów pod względem przeznaczenia wiekowego na TVN". YouTube.
  45. ↑ "Rozporządzenie Krajowej Rady Radiofonii i Telewizji z dnia 23 czerwca 2005 r.". 23 June 2005
  46. ↑ "Rozporządzenie Krajowej Rady Radiofonii i Telewizji z dnia 12 lipca 2011 r.".12 July 2011
  47. ↑ "Sinalização de emissão explicação para sites versão 2" (PDF). Retrieved 20 February 2012.
  48. ↑ "Федеральный закон Российской Федерации от 29 декабря 2010 г. N 436-ФЗ "О защите детей от информации, причиняющей вред их здоровью и развитию"". rg.ru.
  49. ↑
  50. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "May 2009 Classification Guidelines" (Press release). Film and Publication Board. 6 May 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 July 2009. Retrieved 2009-06-25.
  51. ↑ Kim, Su-jin (2009-11-10). "TV 드라마의 등급 분류 기준은?" (in Korean). 매일경제. Retrieved 2014-09-10.
  52. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "V-chip: Viewing Television Responsibly". FCC V-chip. Federal Communications Commission. 2000. Retrieved 24 July 2013.
  53. ↑ "Understanding the TV Ratings". The TV Parental Guidelines. Federal Communications Commission. 22 January 2010. Retrieved 24 July 2013.
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