[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 28, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1379-S1380]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY SHOULD PROVIDE QUALITY PROGRAMMING

  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, it has been nearly 9 months since I made a 
speech in Hollywood suggesting that our entertainment industry has a 
responsibility to look beyond the bottom line and to not pollute our 
culture and our children.
  That speech ignited a national discussion--a discussion which has 
continued to this day.
  This discussion will take what I hope will be an important step 
tomorrow, when a delegation of entertainment industry leaders will meet 
with the congressional Republican leadership here at the Capitol, and 
then with President Clinton at the White House.
  It is reported that the industry leaders will use these meetings to 
inform us of their decision to voluntarily create a rating system for 
television programs.

[[Page S1380]]

  I certainly hope these reports are true, and that the meetings are 
not just publicity stunts for all involved.
  While previous commitments will prevent me from attending tomorrow's 
meeting, I did want to take a moment to add a few thoughts to the 
discussion.
  First, I wish to congratulate the entertainment industry leaders for 
their decision. Every parent knows that some television programming 
goes over the line--way over the line--of decency.
  And I believe a voluntary rating system, if honestly implemented, 
will help parents in making informed decisions about what programs 
their children should and should not watch.
  Second, let me urge the entertainment industry not to spend too much 
time patting themselves on the back.
  It is one thing to produce programs that children should not watch, 
and to inform parents of the content of those programs.
  But it is another thing entirely to produce programs that parents are 
proud to let their children watch.
  That is an important distinction I hope Hollywood understands, and 
one they can respond to only by producing quality, family friendly 
programming.
  Third, let me emphasize that if a rating system is to work, then it 
must be designed and implemented without any Government meddling or 
interference.
  While I have taken Hollywood to task, I have also made clear that the 
answer is good corporate citizenship, and not Government censorship.
  If the era of big Government is truly over, then the President, the 
Congress, and the Federal Communications Commission cannot be in the 
business of reviewing and rating television programs.
  Finally, I believe it is very worthwhile to note that the industry's 
decision to voluntarily rate television programs is proof that the 
voice of concerned Americans is being heard.
  We learned that when outraged citizens forced the Calvin Klein Co. to 
withdraw ads that were nothing more than child pornography, and we 
learn it each time a movie that assaults our values sinks at the box 
office.
  The bottom line is that shame does work, and it will continue to 
work, as long as concerned Americans speak out.
  And I am just one of countless concerned Americans who intend to 
continue to speak out for decency, for civility, and for the future of 
our children.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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