FCC weighs new labels for transgender content on TV

Federal regulators are asking whether television keeps parents in the dark about what their children watch.

The Federal Communications Commission opened a formal inquiry this week into the television ratings system. The agency is considering whether shows that include transgender topics should carry clearer labels. It could change how networks rate children’s programming.

The current ratings system is voluntary and run by the television industry. It uses labels such as TV-Y and TV-G to signal age appropriateness. Parents can rely on those ratings and use tools like the V-chip to block inappropriate content.

Now, the FCC says the system might not provide enough information to families.

“Recently, parents have raised concerns that controversial gender identity issues are being included or promoted in children’s programs without providing any disclosure or transparency to parents,” the FCC said in a public notice.

The agency noted how the ratings system classifies some shows with transgender or nonbinary themes as suitable for young audiences. That has raised questions about whether the ratings match what families expect.

“Specifically, the industry guidelines that parents rely on are rating shows with transgender and gender nonbinary programming as appropriate for children and young children and doing so without providing this information to parents, thereby undermining the ability of parents to make informed choices for their families,” the notice said.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr said the review aims to restore trust in a system meant to help parents.

On social media, Carr said some families believe the standards have drifted over time.

“Specifically, they argue that New York and Hollywood programmers are promoting controversial issues in kids programming without providing any transparency or disclosures to parents,” Carr posted on X. “This undermines the whole point of the law and the ratings system parents rely on.”

The inquiry also asks whether the board overseeing these ratings reflects a broad set of viewpoints. Regulators are considering including faith-based voices on the ratings board.

The FCC is also looking at whether streaming platforms apply ratings differently from broadcast networks. Streaming services are not regulated the same way. However, many still use the same labels. Regulators want to know whether those platforms apply looser standards.

Meanwhile, FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, the five-member panel’s only Democrat, downplayed the issue.

“The FCC’s own record shows the existing system is working fine,” Gomez said. “The most recent annual report found only 11 pieces of public correspondence relevant to the board’s work, and spot checks turned up just two instances where a rating actually needed to be changed. This is a solution in search of a problem and another example of this commission prioritizing culture war politics over the real issues that affect consumers every day.”

The FCC is accepting public comments through May 22. The outcome could reshape how television handles sensitive topics in children’s programming and whether parents receive clearer notice before transgender themes appear.