TV ratings are provided by the TV companies themselves. The FCC is the ultimate TV censor but this group does not organise the TV ratings system. It just steps in when the nutters and moralists complain loudly enough. Audience Labels:
- TV-Y : All Children
This program is designed to be appropriate for all children. Whether animated or live-action, the themes and elements in this program are specifically designed for a very young audience, including children from ages
2-6. This program is not expected to frighten younger children.
- TV-Y7 Directed to Older Children
This program is designed for children age 7 and above. It may be more appropriate for children who have acquired the
developmental skills needed to distinguish between make-believe and reality. Themes and elements in this program may include mild fantasy violence or comedic violence, or may frighten children under the age of 7. Therefore, parents may wish to consider
the suitability of this program for their very young children.
- TV-Y7-FV Directed to Older Children
Fantasy Violence For those programs where fantasy violence may be more intense or more combative than other programs in
this category, such programs will be designated TV-Y7-FV.
- TV-G General Audience
Most parents would find this program suitable for all ages. Although this rating does not signify a program designed specifically for
children, most parents may let younger children watch this program unattended. It contains little or no violence, no strong language and little or no sexual dialogue or situations.
- TV-PG Parental Guidance Suggested
This
program contains material that parents may find unsuitable for younger children. Many parents may want to watch it with their younger children. The theme itself may call for parental guidance and/or the program may contain one or more of the following:
- some suggestive dialogue (D),
- infrequent coarse language (L),
- some sexual situations (S), or
- moderate violence (V).
- TV-14 Parents Strongly Cautioned
This program contains some material that
many parents would find unsuitable for children under 14 years of age. Parents are strongly urged to exercise greater care in monitoring this program and are cautioned against letting children under the age of 14 watch unattended. This program may
contain one or more of the following:
- intensely suggestive dialogue (D),
- strong coarse language (L),
- intense sexual situations (S), or
- intense violence (V).
- TV-MA Mature Audience Only
This
program is specifically designed to be viewed by adults and therefore may be unsuitable for children under 17. This program may contain one or more of the following:
- crude indecent language (L)
- explicit sexual activity (S), or
-
graphic violence (V).
| 
