New York, New York
For Immediate Release                                       March 29, 1996



                  FCC COMMISSIONER CHONG OFFERS PROPOSAL
                    ON CHILDREN'S EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION

       At a luncheon speech today to the New York City Chapter of the American Women in
Radio and Television (AWRT), FCC Commissioner Rachelle B. Chong offered her proposal
to strengthen and improve the FCC's rules regarding children's educational and informational
television programs.  In light of the statutory language of the Children's Television Act of
1990 (CTA), Chong said the FCC should consider the "total efforts" of the broadcaster
relevant to children's educational and informational needs.  "It is important to evaluate a
broadcaster's performance in context and not according to a preset 'one size fits all' standard,"
she said.
   
       Chong offered a proposal that would provide for the following:  (1) a stricter
definition of "core" educational programming that makes clear that regularly scheduled, 
educational and informational programs shown when children are awake are needed for
compliance with the CTA; (2) an improved information flow from the broadcaster to its
audience that promotes broadcaster accountability and community dialogue; and (3) a renewal
process that calls for each broadcaster to submit a detailed narrative statement explaining how
it complied with its obligations under the CTA where it could include other efforts such as
public service announcements, community activities or support for educational programs aired
on other stations.  This plan would allow the Commission to evaluate the broadcaster's total
efforts, give broadcasters flexibility to be creative and responsive to their community, yet
provide guidance as to the types of efforts that will be credited.  A broadcaster's commitment
to core educational programs would be an important factor the FCC would consider in
renewing a broadcaster's television license, she said.  

       Chong rebutted claims that without a quantitative standard broadcasters could "get
away" with doing very little core programming.  Chong reemphasized that the CTA obligation
is "substantial and important."  Broadcasters whose performance shows a lack of commitment
could be subject to sanction, she said. 

       Chong also applauded AWRT for joining with other women's communications groups
for the purpose of lobbying Washington policymakers on telecommunications issues related to
women.