Television content rating systems give viewers an idea of the suitability of a television program for children or adults. Many countries have their own television rating system and each country's rating process may differ due to local priorities. Programs are rated by either the organization that manages the system, the broadcaster or by the content producers themselves.
A rating is usually set for each individual episode of a television series. The rating can change per episode, network, rerun and per country. As such it is impossible to state what kind of rating a program has, without stating when and where this rating applied.
In Argentina, television ratings are the same as those used by the local film bureau. Nevertheless, the rating is not of compulsory use on TV. The ratings are as follows:
Armenia's rating system was introduced in 2007. The armenian ratings are:
Commercial television stations in Australia are required to comply with the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice, which is governed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
The following classification codes apply:
These time zones are further governed by the Children's Television Standards 2005, over and above the commercial Code of Practice. Both are similar to the G and PG classifications respectively in terms of allowable content, but are specifically targeted at children, whereas G specifies programming content that is suitable for all audiences, but may not necessarily be of interest to children.
With the exception of the AV15+ rating, which is only used by commercial TV networks, the ratings are intended to be equivalent to the Australian Classification Board classifications of the same name. They're usually presented with the same shape and sometimes colour as their ACB counterparts.
Several programmes that air before the PG timeslot of 7.00pm do still contain PG content such as The Simpsons and Neighbours, although nothing is edited to fit a G rating. Shows such as Home and Away, which is always rated PG now did more or less always feature the same amount of content when it was G rated. On DVD, however, shows do receive the actual ratings that they are intended to have. Years ago when shows were rated G would receive a PG, possible an M rating on DVD, older and current episodes of Home and Away would be PG, most likely M if released on DVD. Shows such as Packed to the Rafters is rated PG on TV and M on DVD. Children's programmes which are G rated mostly always remain the same rating on DVD.
The two government-owned TV networks, ABC and SBS, are not bound by the same regulations as their commercial counterparts, and are instead each bound by their own Codes of Practice.[1][2] The guidelines provided by these Codes are similar but not identical to the Codes of Practice for commercial stations. For example, SBS refers to the rating MAV15+ instead of AV15+,[3] while ABC does not use the AV/MAV rating at all; instead programs rated MA15+ must not start before 9:30 pm, instead of 9:00 pm. While the ABC recognizes the G rating, its code of practice does not require that it display its classification symbol on-air in respect to G-rated programming.
Pay television networks also have a different system[4] to the free-to-air networks. In general, all content on pay TV must still be given one of the above ratings; however, there are not usually restrictions on the time of day any particular programming can be broadcast. There is an R18+ rating for pay TV, but its use is strictly limited to special interest channels. FOXTEL, a pay TV company, has a parental lock-out system which can be programmed by parents to stop children from seeing certain programs. In 2009, the system malfunctioned, allowing children access to violent TV shows and films. The restrictions on R18+ rated programming have been increased since then, and those programs can now only be shown on the two adult channels.
Consumer advice is compulsory for all MA15+ and AV15+ programs, and one-off programs and very short series classified M or higher (such as feature films, miniseries and documentaries). A classification disclaimer may be displayed for PG material if the broadcaster believes the material is of an intensity that parents and/or young children may not expect.
Consumer advice takes the form of a full-screen written and verbal announcement at the start of the program announcing the classification as well as listing the type and strength of any mature content. Examples include "frequent coarse language", "a sex scene", "strong violence", "adult themes" and so on. In addition, where a program carries consumer advice, appropriate abbreviations are displayed along with the classification symbol after each commercial break. They also usually appear in programming guides, usually in lower case to distinguish from primary classifications. In general, these abbreviations are as follows:
Sometimes, more specific consumer advice is issued, such as:
In other cases, a network may include more specific advice at the start of a program, but then substitute one of the more widespread categories when using the abbreviated form. Others may not use the above examples at all and simply list the content as violence, adult themes, etc.
Unrestricted:
Restricted:
The latest version of the Brazilian Informative Classification system was made official on television in mid-2007, although it was already used on motion pictures, video games, and some television networks since 2006. Since then, the television networks themselves rate the shows, while the DJCTQ, the Department of Justice, Classification, Titles and Qualification (Departamento de Justiça, Classificação, Títulos e Qualificação in Portuguese), also known as Dejus, acts as a judge, to guarantee that the rating is appropriate for that specific show.
The Brazilian system:
People under the minimum age indicated by the rating can watch the TV show accompanied by their parents, except for pornographic shows. No "parental guidance" ratings are used.
On broadcast networks, where the system is mandatory, the ratings are also translated in LIBRAS—Língua Brasileira de Sinais (Brazilian Sign Language)—and may also carry content descriptors. The icons must be shown at the start of each block of the show, and their respective promos. Each network uses the system with slight differences:
The system also regulates when certain programming may air on broadcast television:
On cable networks, the system is voluntary, and also used differently for each network:
Programming on cable networks can air at any time, regardless of its rating.[5]
The Canadian TV Classification System was created in late 1997[6] for English-language programmers to use in conjunction with the V-chip. The upper-right corner of the Canadian age rating symbols are shaped like the corner of a maple leaf, like the national flag. The rating is intended to be shown once an hour lasting 15 seconds, although in the case of longer programs that do not start on the hour, some broadcasters show the rating at the start and at the top of each subsequent clock hour, while others show the rating at the start and again precisely one hour later. However, there are some networks like Global that only display the television rating at the beginning of the show.
The ratings are displayed in upper-left corner and the size should be a minimum of 52 scan lines tall.[7]
Additionally, should a program contain content potentially unsuitable for some viewers, such as violence, coarse language, or nudity, members of the self-regulating Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (which does not include the CBC) are required to air a disclaimer at the beginning of the program and at the end of each commercial break, advising viewer discretion (such disclaimers are only required for the first hour if airing after 9:00 pm). This disclaimer is technically required even if the final commercial break comes immediately before the closing credits, and some (but not all) channels in fact observe this.[8]
Notably, the television rating given may depend on the level of cable and satellite, or if the program is broadcast over-the-air. Also, television ratings are generally considered more restricted than movie ratings.
French-language broadcasters use the Quebec film ratings system.
An E (no rating will appear on screen) is given to exempt programming, in the same classes used for English Canadian programming above.
In 1993, the National Association of Television (Asociación Nacional de Televisión—ANATEL), created this system as a way of auto regulate and label television programming, as follows:
Since 1997 Colombian television channels must show at the beginning of every program in the so-called family and adult fringes a notice telling the audience, via audio and video, the minimum age required to watch the program, if it contains sexual or violent content, and if parental company is needed.[9] In order to fulfill this requirement, the channels create and broadcast a bumper. The channels must also broadcast an "institutional message" every day at 21:00, inviting children 12 years-old or less to "not to stay exposed to contents which have no essentially child[-oriented] nature."[10][11] A message (most networks show a scrolling text) must be broadcast at 22:10 Mondays to Fridays (22:30 Saturdays and Sundays) explaining the viewers that the adult fringe has started.[11]
The fringes (franjas), as defined by the National Television Commission,[12] are as follows:
Pornography (defined as the "degraded portrayal of sex") is forbidden in broadcast over the air television in Colombia, even in the "adult" fringes.[13]
In Denmark, there are no regulations on what can be shown on Danish television.
Green Logo: Allowed for everyone at every age and can be showed on all channels at all times.
Yellow Logo: Allowed for children accompanied by an adult and may only be broadcast after 6 pm. Short erotic scenes in movies, for example, belong in this category.
Red Logo: Used for more hardcore sexual content and for extreme horror movies. Hardcore pornography is allowed from 00:00/12:00 am until 05:00/5:00 am.
Blue Logo: Extremely suggestive content and strictly for adults only.
Television ratings were introduced in Finland in 2004. The initial ratings system for television programs shown on Finnish television channels consisted of ratings K11, K15, and K18. In 2007, K13 was added due change of applicable law. The current ratings are:
If a program is classified as K15 or K18, a notification must be shown before transmission. Example: the following program is rated K15 or K18; again if nothing appears it is usually G.
French Television Ratings, as advised by Conseil Supérieur de l'Audiovisuel (CSA):
Please note: if nothing appears it is most likely G (General).
Greece did not have television rating system before 2000. Greece's television rating system are divided to five white shapes in five different colored background:
The color-coded ratings are mandatorily displayed and verbally announced at the beginning of each broadcast. These provisions are enforced by the National Radio and Television Council (ESR), an independent authority, the executive members of which are appointed by the leaders of all parliamentary parties, preferably by unanimous consent and in extremis by an 80% supermajority.
The Hong Kong television rating system is since by generic code of television programs standard of the Broadcasting Ordinance (Cap.562) on December 11, 1995. The current ratings are:
Programs that are classified as either PG (Parental Guidance Recommended) or M (Mature) should not be broadcast between 4:00 pm and 8:30 pm every day, as this broadcast time is only suitable for Family Viewing Hour programs.
The Hungarian television rating system has changed frequently during the last few years. The ratings of the shows broadcasted often caused interferences because the radio and television authorities have stricter guidelines about age appropriate rating categories for programs. If a show is not marked with the television authority's choice of rating symbol, the airing channel often has to pay a large penalty to the authorities.
Before the year 2002 the Hungarian television rating system was pretty simple. Channels could range their programs into three categories:
Rating programs and displaying on-screen symbols was not strictly compulsory for the channels; eventually the television authority found this system inappropriate.
In 2002 a new rating system was created. Ranking programs and displaying the rating symbols became compulsory on every Hungarian television channel. The new rating system caused problems because the channels were required to display the ranking symbols during the entire duration of their programs. The symbols were distracting, and viewers feared that their constant presence could damage the television screen. Because of the complaints, the television authority allowed channels to choose to show the rating symbols on the left or on the right side of the screen. Later, channels were also allowed to increase the transparency of the symbols.
In the current system there are four rating categories.
It should be noted, that these ratings also apply to films shown in cinemas, however unlike in other countries a viewer cannot be denied access from entering a screening if they are not the age of the rating. Law concerning TV ratings (in Hungarian)
In Iceland, the channel's logo in the top-right corner is colored either yellow (12) or red (16). Nothing appearing is G but all of a sudden it does not. all unrestricted (EC, Y8 and 10) all mean children, kids and all ages may watch, here some restricted ones (PG, R, AO) all mean unstitable for children may contain violence, sex and language.
In Ireland, RTÉ displays a banner in the top right-hand corner (previously on the left-hand corner) of the screen during the opening screen of a program. The banner will display either -
These content ratings only apply to the RTÉ channels (RTÉ One, RTÉ Two). Other television channels will make an announcement about whether or not a show's content is appropriate for family viewing.
In Israel, since April 2003 the shows on the broadcast channels (Channel 2 and Channel 10) are showing the age limit to every show. Later the rating was available at all of the channels, such as cable channels and more. Originally the limit tags came in three colors—Yellow, Orange and Red—but in cable or satellite it is designed differently.
In 2010, a new content system is about to replace the current. Instead of the regular format, 12 years old will be the minimum rating for programs (without news or young children shows that will remain G) and followed by 15 and 18 with the addition of an explanation in case of sexual content, strong violence and scenes of drug abuse. Eventually the new content system was never adopted and the old system remained as it was.
Italy does not have an official television content rating system, and classification systems may differ from network to network. Generally a colored logo system is used:
Major television networks respect a "Protected Time Schedule" (from 14:00 to 19:00), similar to the old family viewing hour used in the United States, in which objectionable content is not allowed to air during the hours when children may be watching. For films and TV series, usually the Italian motion picture classification system is observed. If a film rated V.M.18 (restricted to an older audience) in the theaters airs during the Italian prime time period (about at 10:45 pm/11:00 pm or later), the film will be shown edited to fit a V.M.14 (suitable for viewers between the ages of 14 and 17) rating.
Censorship's official television media in Japan, but on television, including animation, here is unlimited, and sometimes follow a rating system for Eirin: D, E, F.: Here, B, C, and possibly D, and is limited in several.
Shows inappropriate for children have a little red notice on the bottom right corner: a 13+ or 17+. Here some logos are appropriate for children kids and may watch: Green, Pink, Purple; and here are some inappropriate logos: Blue, Yellow and Red.
In Malaysia, a television rating system was introduced on November 1, 2011 alongside a movie ratings for movies. The ratings used are as follows:
Ratings are shown at the beginning of the show and after every break (with the exception of news programs), for 10 to 15 seconds. Pornography is prohibited in Malaysian television. Please note that 18 rating icon, did not shown for the duration of the program, as did in South Africa and South Korea, mandatorily.
Astro only uses U and 18, and programs under both classifications can be shown anytime.
Television stations in the Maldives display a classification rating at the beginning of each program. News is an exception. Displaying classification rating after commercials is optional. Each television station uses different classification rating for their respective programs. Usually, all television stations use the following classification age groups.
The Mexican TV ratings are similar to the Mexican movie ratings. The ratings are as followed:
In December 2010, the Latin American channel, Canal Fox, started using TV ratings. Also, the channel XEIMT-TV in Mexico City shows them.
The television rating system in the Netherlands was created in 2001 by the Dutch Institute for the Classification of Audiovisual Media (NICAM) and is known as Kijkwijzer (ViewingGuide or WatchWiser). The same rating systems are used for both television programs and films, and serve partly as guidelines (Programmes with the classification 12 years may only be broadcast from 8pm and with the classification 16 years from 10pm. Cinemas and theaters in the country cannot provide films with the classification 16 years to people under the age of 16). Animated versions of the icons used are also utilized in visual mediums. They are the same as Dutch film ratings.
The following icons are in use for age rating:
There are also six descriptor icons used:
New Zealand has two separate content rating systems, one for free-to-air channels and one for pay TV services.
New Zealand's free-to-air TV content rating system has been in place since 1989 and is based on the system Australia was using from the early 1980s until 1994. There are three classifications:
G (General Programmes): These exclude material likely to harm children under 14 and can screen at any time. Programmes may not necessarily be designed for younger viewers, but must not contain material likely to cause them undue distress or discomfort.
PGR (Parental Guidance Recommended): Programmes more suited to more mature viewers. These are not necessarily unsuitable for children, but viewer discretion is advised, and parents and guardians are encouraged to supervise younger viewers. Programmes rated PGR can screen between 9am – 4pm and between 7pm – 6am.
AO (Adults Only): AO programmes contain material of an adult nature handled in such a way that it is unsuitable for children. Such programmes are directed primarily at a mature audience and can screen between noon and 3pm on a school day (except during school and public holidays as designated by the Ministry of Education), and between 8:30pm – 5:00am. A special sub-class of this rating, denoted AO 9:30 pm or later, is reserved for programmes with a "greater degree of sexual activity, potentially offensive language, realistic violence, sexual violence, or horrific encounters" and are considered unsuitable for viewing before that time. www.bsa.govt.nz.
The rating for each programme is shown at the start and after each commercial break. Some PGR programmes and most AO programmes have an advisory before the programme begins to advise of any specific content that could offend viewers such as language, nudity, sex and violence. For instance, The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror episodes (on FOUR) are advised and rated PGR for low-level violence.
The system for pay television is as follows:
Any programme of any rating can air at any time, but care should be taken to observe the following guidelines (as per the Broadcasting Codes of Practice):
The age rating system in the Peru television came into force in 2005 as President of the republic Alejandro Toledo and the Congress passed this law for radio and television. The open-signal channels that show their age rating are: América Televisión, ATV, Frecuencia Latina, Global TV and La Tele. Nevertheless, the channels: TV Peru, Panamericana Television, etc. do not show their classification.
The ratings for television programs are available on some Peruvian channels. The rating system used in Peru is listed below.
| Symbol | Characters used | Meaning in Spanish | Translation into English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apt | apto para todo publico | suitable for all public viewers | |
| 14 | apto para mayores de catorce años | suitable for people aged 14 and above only | |
| 18 | apto para mayores de dieciocho años | suitable for people aged 18 and above only |
However, América Televisión is the only channel that uses its own rating system with four categories:
| Symbol | Characters used | Meaning in Spanish | Translation into English |
|---|---|---|---|
| PG | público en general | general audience | |
| GP | guía paterna | parental guidance | |
| TV-14 | apto para mayores de catorce años | suitable for people aged 14 and above only | |
| TV-18 | apto para mayores de dieciocho años | suitable for people aged 18 and above only |
In the Philippines, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board or the MTRCB regulates and implements television content rating systems. But way back since November 1995, MTRCB has implemented two television ratings.
| Pictogram | Classification rating |
|---|---|
| None | General Patronage |
| Only plain text | Parental Guidance |
However, on October 6, 2011, in order to encourage parents to supervise and be responsible with their children in watching television, one additional television rating was added, increasing the latter to three. These are: [14][15][16]
| Pictogram | Classification rating | English name | Filipino name | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | General Patronage | None | Programmes with this rating could be watched by all ages, but viewing with older people is also encouraged. | |
| PG | Parental Guidance | Patnubay at Gabay | Programmes with this rating could be unsuitable for children, and parental guidance is advised. | |
| SPG | Strong Parental Guidance | Striktong Patnubay at Gabay | Parents need to exercise "strong" parental guidance on their children while watching programmes with this rating. This may be too intense for children. |
The new ratings were supposed to be composed of G, PG, SPG, and M, but sometime before the implementation of the new system, the set was revised into today's ratings.
The new ratings system is similar to the old one, but the look and the ratings itself was completely revamped. The new system consists a new full-screen advisory of the program's rating and is shown strictly before a program, whatever the rating of such program is. A DOG then appears at the bottom right of the screen during a program if it was rated as such.
The full screen advisory is regularly aired before the program, unlike in the case of the SPG rating: the rating must be aired after every commercial break.[17]
Poland before 2000 did not have any uniform classification system for television programs. Some stations, however, applied their own system of signs: in front of the selected films TVP board applied the "Adult Only" or "film for adult audiences only." in Canal + before the film to show in chart with key Canal + in the appropriate color (green, yellow, red). Until 27 February 2000 decided to mark the so-called TVN "adult movies" with a pulsating red 18+ logo . March 1, 2000 an agreement was Polish television broadcasters as "friendly media" in order to introduce in Poland a uniform system of classification of television programs. The signatories of the agreement were nine television broadcasters: TVP, Polsat, TVN, our TV, Canal +, Vision TV, Poland and Cable TV Niepokalanow. They had time until 31 March 2000 on the introduction of the signs. March 1, 2000 the system runs on TV and our TV, TVN system appeared in mid-March 2000, while the other stations on March 20, 2000, Canal + after 2000 used the characters from the film. This system consisted of three signs are displayed in the lower right corner of the screen.
Prior to August 2005 the ratings system consisted of three icons and 3 age groups:
| Symbol | Age restriction |
|---|---|
| General Viewing. | |
| Parental Discretion Advised, May Contain Mild Sex, Violence Or Swearing. | |
| Adults Only, May Contain Strong Sexual Content, Violence And Sexual And Violent References |
Signs displayed on the first three minutes of the film if the sign flashed ads for the next three minutes after each advertising break if not advertising signs flashed for three minutes every 20 minutes. The current Polish television rating system was introduced on 28 August 2011 and consists of five icons:
| Symbol | Age restriction | Broadcast restriction | Possible contents | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| None | none | positive or neutral view of the world, little to no violence, non-sexual love, and no sexual content. | ||
| 7+ | none | as above; may additionally contain some foul language, bloodless violence, and a more negative view of the world; minimal rating for live broadcasts. | ||
| None But Recommended for 12+ | none | may contain some foul language, some violence, and some sexual content. | ||
| Mature 16+ | only 8 PM–6 AM |
deviant social behavior, world filled with violence and sexuality, simplified picture of adulthood, display of physical force, especially in controversial social context (against parents, teachers, etc.), immoral behavior without ethic dilemma, putting the blame on the victim, excessive concentration on material possessions. | ||
| 18+ (Adults) | only 11 PM–6 AM |
one-sided display of the joys of adult life without showing responsibilities (e.g. work), social justification of violent behavior, excessive vulgarity, use of racial slurs and social stereotypes, explicit sexual content, praise of aggression or vulgarity. | ||
Unlike the previous rating symbols icons in the revised system are seen continually during movies and TV programs (except commercials). News, weather forecasts, sports, and commercials are exempt from classification.
TV ratings on Portuguese television were many times refused by the audience. For a long time the only existing regulation was a red circular logo for programs with potentially shocking or harmful content.
However, in addition to this, all major TV networks decided in 2006 to apply a more specific rating system for the shows:
These logos must be shown during one minute in the beginning of any program and after every break. If a program is rated 16, it can only be broadcast between 10:30pm and 6am.
The rating system for programs and films shown on Romanian television:
In Serbia, TV stations are obliged to mark all programs that could endanger children and youth. TV programs that could endanger minors in any way must be clearly marked, and the custodians warned. Each program displayed before midnight, has to be marked with a clearly visible age limit (e.g. 12, 14, 16, 18) which warns the parents and other audience if it program is not suitable for all minors. It is displayed at the beginning (usually in a big red circle across the screen) and each 15 minutes (on a visible location, usually in a corner) of the show. On radio, this warning is presented by the speaker. a G rating is when nothing appears. an L,M,N means it's suitable for kids and children and young, and all ages may watch. Like (12,14,16,18) that they are exempt from classification, and replaced by P, Q and R.
All broadcasters have the right to classify programs on their own, but the Serbian Republic Broadcasting Agency (RBA) reserves its right to punish or warn the stations if they do not mark the programs at all, do not mark it as described or systematically estimate age categories wrongly. The broadcasters have the right to ask the agency's opinion in certain show if they are not capable of recognizing its category. They are also advised to take care of the usual children schedule and to avoid problematic material in time when it could be easily expected that minors are watching or listening the program.
Singapore has adopted the use of TV Ratings from 15 July 2011. They consist of PG and PG13 ratings. The shows rated PG may be aired anytime while PG13 airs between 10pm to 6am. StarHub TV does not show notification if a program is rated 16 or 18.
Slovenian government accepted a law in 2004[18] in which television stations are required to play a warning before a film and display on of the following logos:
However, the television stations use only the following logos:
South African ratings are issued and certified by the Film and Publication Board, whilst the National Broadcasting Commission regulates the various films and programs. All television stations, cinemas and distributors of DVD, video and computer games must display the following signage:
(The 18 rating does not refer to adult, child or animal pornography—as this is banned from television and cinema by the Film and Publication Board.)
(The R18 rating does not refer to child or animal pornography—as this is totally banned by the Film and Publication Board.)
Additional symbols:
The South Korean television rating system has been in force since 2000, and it started with only four classifications which are All, 7, 13 and 19. In February 2001, all programs except domestic dramas (which had been enforced since November 2002) has required to have a rating system. In 2007, rating 13 was changed into 12 and a new rating, 15 is introduced. Most programs have to be rated, except the "exempt" rating below. Even if it qualifies for being exempt, a broadcaster may apply a rating.
Ratings are displayed every ten minutes, lasting 30 seconds. It also has to be displayed after every commercial break. Ratings may be displayed either on the upper-left or upper-right corner of the screen, with a size of at least 1/20 of the screen, and in black writing on a yellow circle with a white outline, except for the "All" rating, which does not have an icon. A rating disclaimer is displayed on the start of the program for five seconds explaining "Because this program is not appropriate for children/youth under the X years old, parental viewing discretion is required"(이 프로그램은 X세 미만의 어린이/청소년이 시청하기에 부적절하므로 보호자의 시청지도가 필요한 프로그램입니다, I peu-ro-geu-raem eun "X: se-mi-man ui eo rin-i/cheong-so nyeon-i si cheong hagi e bu-jeok jeol ha-meu robo hoja ui si cheong-ji doga pir-yo han peu-ro-geu-raem ipnida) for 7, 12, and 15 ratings. "All" and "19" ratings have a different disclaimer, which say "This program is watchable by audience of all ages"(이 프로그램은 모든 연령의 시청자가 시청할 수 있는 프로그램입니다) and "This program is not suggested for children/youth under age 19"(이 프로그램은 19세 미만의 어린이/청소년이 시청하기에 부적절합니다) respectively.
South Korean television ratings do not include content descriptors or viewer advisory as they do in the United States and Australia. The ratings are therefore used in a broader sense. Based on the impact of one element, for example, an otherwise "12"-rated show with occasionally stronger violence (or other element) may receive a "15" instead of an additional advisory.
These are the symbols of the Spanish rating system for television programs:
Rating symbols are shown at the beginning of a program and after every commercial break. On '+18' rated programs, a brief warning tone can also be heard. '18' or '+18' rated programs are not allowed to be shown before 10.00 pm and after 6.00 am.
The Swiss system only contains one symbol which is used for content unsuitable for children and young teenagers. It is a red rectangle that appears next to or below the TV channel logo and for the whole duration of the show. Moreover, the following text appears on the whole screen right before the content is aired, in the language of the channel: "This program contains scenes that may hurt sensible people, therefore the red symbol will be displayed."
Those contents are usually aired after 10:00 p.m.
Taiwanese rating system for television programs was introduced in 1999 and there are four symbols:
The Television Classification System has been firstly introduced in the Kingdom of Thailand on 1 December 2006. The System is a project of the Government Public Relations Department by the Office of National Broadcasting Commission and all six Thai TV stations to set up a procedure of TV program classification. The original system used four main rating signs (each a different color) and three sub-ratings (using Thai characters) shown on screen before and during the duration of the program. However, the stations have to follow the existing laws—do's and don't's—on broadcasting programs.
The new rating system has replaced the old system since 15 October 2007 in order to remove confusion with different colors. Now only green, yellow and red are used. The ratings (translated into English) used are as follows:
Code:
The Radio and Television Supreme Council introduced a television rating system, named "Akıllı İşaretler" (Smart Symbols) in 2005.[20]
These icons can be accompanied by any of the following subratings:
Ukrainan TV content rating was adopted on September 15, in 2003. It somewhat looks like Poland's ratings. Listed below are designations of Ukraine classification:
These designations must be in the lower right corner. Green circle can be shown for only the first three minutes, but other marks must be present over the time of this programs.
In the United Kingdom there is general TV rating system as the television regulator, Ofcom, sets clear boundaries for what can be shown and when. The most obvious example of this is in the watershed, the time after which more explicit content (15, 18) can be shown. On main broadcast television channels this is 9pm, however on certain satellite channels it is 8pm.
In addition to Ofcom's requirements, some channels have also adopted their own systems:
The TV Parental Guidelines system was first proposed on December 19, 1996 by the United States Congress, the television industry and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and went into effect by January 1, 1997 on most major U.S. broadcast and cable networks in response to public concerns of increasingly explicit sexual content, graphic violence and strong profanity in television programs. It was established as a voluntary-participation system, with ratings to be determined by the individually-participating broadcast and cable networks. It was specifically designed to be used with the V-chip, which was mandated to be built into all television sets manufactured since 2000, but the guidelines themselves have no legal force, and does not apply to news or sports programming, thus precluding networks like CNN, Fox News Channel, ESPN and Fox Sports Net from applying the ratings system, along with the majority of infomercials (which are classified the same as regular commercial break advertising, which also is not rated); however recently, this rule has stopped applying to some entertainment news and newsmagazine programs such as Extra and Access Hollywood which all now carry TV-PG ratings mainly due to fair use clip content from outside sources including reality television programming which is often above the TV-G threshold.
All ages 0 and older[21]
Whether animated or live-action, the themes and elements in this program are specifically designed for a very young audience, including children from ages 0–6. These programs are not expected to frighten younger children.[21]
Directed to children 7 and older
Shows with this rating may or may not be appropriate for some children under the age of 7. They may contain crude or suggestive humor, mild fantasy violence, or content considered too scary to be shown to children under seven.
Directed to children 7 and older with fantasy violence in shows
When a show has noticeably more fantasy violence, it is assigned the TV-Y7-FV rating. Action-adventure shows may carry this rating. Most Japanese anime dubbed and aimed at children in the United States are given this rating.
General audience
Although shows with this rating are not necessarily targeted to children, they can be enjoyed by a variety of age groups. Networks that air informational, religious, how-to, or otherwise generally inoffensive content (such as the Food Network and HGTV) usually apply a blanket TV-G rating to all of their shows, unless otherwise noted. Programming directed at pre-teens and teens on Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, and TeenNick are rated TV-G for mild language and innuendo. During the 20th century, most cartoons used this rating as a sign that the show contained comic violence or animated smoking that was suitable for family viewing.
Parental guidance suggested
This rating signifies that the program may be unsuitable for children under the age of 9 or 10 without the guidance of a parent. Many parents may want to watch it with their younger children. Various game shows and most reality shows are rated TV-PG for their suggestive dialogue, suggestive humor, and/or coarse language. Some anime programs are given this rating, as are many prime-time series. Prime-time Cartoon Network series and all World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) programs (including those aired on pay-per-view) after 2008 were changed to TV-PG.
Parents strongly cautioned/May be 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 14 watch unattended. This rating may be accompanied by any of the following sub-ratings:
Many programs that air after 9 p.m. are rated TV-14. Certain PG-13 or R-rated feature films are rated TV-14 when edited for broadcast. Anime series may alternatively switch between a TV-PG and TV-14 rating, while most anime are TV-14. Most hour-long dramas are rated TV-14, as are prime-time sitcoms aimed at adult audiences (the shows airing on Fox have a viewer discretion advisory as well). Some shows on Animal Planet that contain gruesome animal violence hold a TV-14 rating. Some music video shows, mainly during late night hours, also have this rating. Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) programs bear a TV-14 due to violence and sexual dialogue. This is in contrast to TNA's competitor, WWE, whose shows bear a TV-PG rating.
Live programming, such as televised awards ceremonies, concerts, and some specials, is sometimes issued a general TV-14 rating because of the possibility that profanity or suggestive dialogue may be used.
Mature audience — unsuitable for audiences under 17
A TV-MA rating means the program may be unsuitable for those below 17. This rating was originally named TV-M in early 1997, but was changed because of a trademark dispute and to remove confusion with the ESRB's "M for Mature" rating for video games.[22] Programs rated TV-MA may contain extreme graphic violence, strong profanity, overtly sexual dialogue, nudity, and/or strong sexual content. The vast majority of television shows that carry this rating air on cable and satellite television; network television rarely airs any programming that would warrant such a rating due to FCC indecency and obscenity guidelines that prevent most of this type of programming from airing on broadcast television. The film Schindler's List was the first film broadcast on network television to display this rating, and the pilot episode of the CBS police drama Brooklyn South was the first series on network TV to display the rating. Original programming airing in the late evening on some cable networks generally will carry this rating.
The implications of these ratings, particularly the TV-MA rating, vary greatly depending on the situation. For example, South Park, which airs on Comedy Central, generally contains explicit language, so it carries a TV-MA rating; syndicated versions of South Park, however, are heavily censored and cut, and employ a TV-14 rating instead. Other TV-MA programs on Comedy Central have no restrictions on language. Language may still be censored by a network or air completely unfiltered, depending on such factors as creative network choices or the need to appeal to advertisers leery of placing spots on a TV-MA program. Adult Swim shows are rated TV-MA for racism and strong sexual humor. Other shows that are frequently rated TV-MA include original series on the FX cable network, as well as original programming on premium television services such as Showtime and HBO. A blanket "TV-MA" rating is also usually given to softcore pornographic films or TV series airing on channels such as Cinemax and most of the Showtime networks, due to full-frontal nudity and the depiction of simulated Sexual Intercourse.
Television content in Venezuela is regulated by the Law on Social Responsibility on Radio and Television (Ley de Responsabilidad Social en Radio y Televisión), introduced in January 2003. The law established a rating system from A to E based on evaluation of language, health, sex, and violence in a program. Content rated A contains mild content. Programs with certain ratings may only air at certain times; cable providers must block programs with a rating of E for sexual content, or be fined.[23]
Vietnam will introduce rating in June 2011. The Vietnamese rating system is based on the original Thai system except Vietnam has add a category for "20+".
The ratings are broadcast at the start of the program. HD and NL are always on the bottom-left of the screen.
The Classifications for Television Viewing introduced in the Yugoslavia in 2009. The ratings used are as follows:
All television stations in the country must clearly show the ratings at the beginning of a show (with the exception of news programs).