Decency Watch

Cable in the Classroom and the Natl PTA are expected to unveil a new report today that offers families a 6-point strategy for creating a "family media plan" and deciding what’s appropriate programming (i.e., based on a child’s developmental stage). The report, "Navigating the Children’s Media Landscape: A Parent’s and Caregiver’s Guide" is by the American Institutes for Research and is another component of cable’s efforts to educate consumers about media usage. NCTA’s board of dir met separately today with House Commerce committee chmn Joe Barton (R-TX) and Rep Ed Markey (D-MA) to discuss TV indecency and violence. Barton spoke to the board for about 5 minutes and answered questions. "The Board appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from Chmn Barton and Rep Markey about this important issue and welcomed congressional leaders’ expressions of support for the cable industry’s voluntary parental control and consumer education initiatives," NCTA head Robert Sachs said. — The NAB says it will form a task force on "responsible programming." The move comes after its Wed Summit, where FCC chmn Michael Powell called on broadcasters to create a code of conduct (Cfax, 4/1). The task force will review a number of options, including the possible implementation of such a code. It’s 1st meeting will be at the annual NAB convention in Las Vegas, April 17-22.