Notice Anything Different?
Advertising during children’s television programming has always been up for debate. As a parent, I tend to avoid commercials all together when possible, choosing to either fast forward through them or watch networks like Noggin that don’t show commercials during kids’ shows. Regardless of how much I try to avoid those advertisements, I’m still very aware of the power characters like Elmo or Dora have when they are placed on a product.
In recent years, advertisers have started displaying web site addresses during commercials but recent restrictions from the FCC may stop some of that from happening, at least during children’s programming. Effective January 2nd, 2007, the FCC passed new federal rules stating that during shows geared toward children age 12 and under, cable and broadcast operators may not display addresses for Web sites that contain any links to commercial content.
Advertising during children’s television programming was previously limited by the Children’s Television Act. It limits every hour of children’s programming to 10.5 minutes of advertising during weekends and 12 minutes on weekdays.
While there is much resistance from the advertising community, there seems to be compliance so far. However, there have already been several loopholes pointed out and several child advocacy groups are already pushing for even more restrictions.
What do you think about these new restrictions? Have you noticed the lack of web addresses?
Source: Kids’ TV faces new Net restrictions
web, net restrictions, kids’ tv, television, children, Children’s Television Act, FCC, advertising
February 6th, 2007 at 5:13 pm
I ihate my kids watching commercials that is why I Tivo my kid’s shows as much as possible and FF through commercials!
February 6th, 2007 at 5:14 pm
Yes, we do the same thing Erinn!