MTRCB revises rating system for TV shows

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has launched a new set of classification ratings for TV programs to empower parents to exercise caution and vigilance with the viewing habits of their children. In its revised classification rating, contained in Memorandum Circular No. 05-2011 promulgated by the MTRCB Board last Aug. 25, a new category was included: Strong Parental Guidance (SPG). The other ratings stated in the memorandum are General Patronage (G), Parental Guidance (PG) and X or disapproved for airing on television. The actual implementation of “SPG", however, is deferred until further notice from the Board and after a successful information campaign on the significance of the already existing classification ratings. Along with these revised classification ratings, the MTRCB also released a new set of regulations requiring that a program’s rating is shown onscreen and announced verbally for at least ten seconds before the program airs. The regulations also stipulate a standard color-coded advisory that will be displayed onscreen for the duration of the program: Green for General Patronage, blue for Parental Guidance, and red for Strong Parental Guidance. These revisions are, according to the MTRCB, intended to give parents more control over their children's viewing habits. In a memorandum dated Oct. 10, 2011, MTRCB Chairperson Mary Grace Poe Llamanzares enjoined all television networks to broadcast only the prescribed soundtrack and motion graphics of the different full-screen written and verbal advisories. “The networks are also encouraged to resolve technical issues on the uniform screen size and placement of the superimposed pictogram," Llamanzares said. - Amanda Lago/KBK, GMA News