    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book II)]
    [September 18, 1995]
    [Pages 1378-1379]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to the Chair of the Federal Communications Commission on the
    Children's Television Act of 1990
    September 18, 1995

    Dear Chairman Hundt:
        The Children's Television Act of 1990 recognizes the power and value
    of television's influence on our nation's children. The Act sets forth a
    reasonable exchange--it requires commercial broadcasters to honor their
    public trust by offering programming that enhances children's learning.
    The dissemination of true educational programming across the public
    airwaves is a priceless gift to our children.
        The American public had every reason to believe that when the
    Children's Television Act was signed into law, programming specifically
    designed to benefit children would become an

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    important part of the choices on every broadcast channel. The American
    public has been disappointed, and American children have lost countless
    opportunities to learn and to be challenged intellectually.
        I urge you again to review the purpose of the Children's Television
    Act and the broadcast programming our children are offered today. To
    paraphrase former FCC Commissioner Newton Minow, if we can't figure out
    how the public interest standard relates to children, the youngest of
    whom can't read or write, and all of whom are dependent in every way on
    adults, then we will never figure out the meaning of the public interest
    standard.
        I believe the public interest should require broadcasters to air at
    least three hours per week, and preferably more, of quality children's
    programming at reasonable times of the day. The FCC and the broadcast
    industry have an unequaled opportunity to redefine how television can
    serve the public interest, especially with respect to our children. I
    urge you to do so.
            Sincerely,

                                                                Bill Clinton

    Note: This letter was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    September 19.