Senator Markey is the House author of the Children’s Television Act

Washington May 21, 2018) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA.), a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to maintain its current form of “Kid Vid” rules, which require free, over-the-air TV broadcasters to air a minimum of three hours of children’s educational programming per week in accordance with the Children’s Television Act. Senator Markey and his colleagues sent their letter today after the FCC announced earlier this year that Republican Commissioner Michael O’Reilly will lead a review of the “Kid Vid” rules that could weaken the requirement.

Also signing the letter are Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fl.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and Jack Reed (D-R.I.).

“‘Kid Vid’ rules remain important today, especially for the many underserved families who rely on free broadcast stations for educational content,” write the Senators in their letter to all FCC Commissioners. “Many families cannot access or afford the broadband speeds necessary for streaming online video and have trouble paying for monthly pay-TV subscription services. The ‘Kid Vid’ rules (and especially the mandatory programming hours requirement) make sure that these children have access to quality content to help them learn and thrive in school.” 

A copy of the letter can be found HERE.

###