FCC Launches Inquiry into TV Ratings on Gender Identity

The Federal Communications Commission launched a public inquiry on Wednesday into the television ratings system, questioning whether it adequately informs parents about gender identity themes in programming rated suitable for children. The notice, issued by the agency's Media Bureau, highlights concerns that shows featuring transgender or nonbinary content are often classified as TV-Y, TV-Y7 or TV-G without specific disclosures, potentially limiting families' ability to make informed viewing choices.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced the review on social media, noting that parents have expressed worries about the industry's handling of such material. "Recently, parents have raised concerns with the industry's approach, including with ratings creep," Carr wrote. "Specifically, they argue that New York and Hollywood programmers are promoting controversial issues in kids programming without providing any transparency or disclosures to parents. This undermines the whole point of the law and the ratings system parents rely on."

The inquiry seeks public input on several aspects of the voluntary TV Parental Guidelines, established under the 1996 Telecommunications Act. That...