Senator Markey is author of the Children’s Television Act

Washington (July 20, 2018) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, released the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced today that it would vote on Commissioner Mike O’Reilly’s update to requirements for broadcasters to air children's programming, or 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.

“The Kid Vid rules ensure that all children, including those whose families cannot afford cable or online streaming services, have access to quality, educational content to help them thrive and grow,” said Senator Markey. “American children of all income levels and in all zip codes should also be able to view educational television programming without being bombarded by advertisements. I plan to closely review these proposed changes to the Kid Vid rules and will oppose any efforts to weaken them.”

In May, Senator Markey led his colleagues in a letter to the FCC calling on it to maintain its current form of “Kid Vid” rules.

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