[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 31, Number 38 (Monday, September 25, 1995)]
[Page 1589]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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.