For Immediate Release: May 16, 2006

Bill Encouraging Family Friendly Programming Signed

A measure to encourage cable television providers to offer a "family tier" of programming has now been approved by Governor Brad Henry. That's according to Sen. Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, principal author of SB 1697. The measure was co-authored by Rep. Lance Cargill, R-Harrah.

"Basically, this bill gives cable providers the option to provide customers with family friendly programming," said Coffee. "This includes programming that is suitable for the entire family to watch together, with shows for everyone from very young children to programs for general audiences."

Under SB 1697, cable television providers receiving a new or renewable franchise license can be required to provide assurances of adequate public, educational and governmental access channels, or in lieu of those assurances, the provider can provide a "family tier," which is a group of channels defined by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) regulations, containing family oriented programming that primarily carry ratings of TV-Y, TV-Y7 or TV-G.

Coffee explained that by offering viewers the option of a family-friendly tier, cable companies would make it easier for parents to ensure their children can watch wholesome, age appropriate programs.

"There's a lot of programming out there that is simply not appropriate for children and families. Certainly parents need to be vigilant and play an active role in supervising what their kids are viewing," Coffee said. "But anything we can do to encourage cable companies to help make that job a little easier is going to be good for our children and for our families. We want to thank Governor Henry for signing this legislation."

The legislation will take effect November 1, 2006.

For more information, contact:
Senate Republican Leadership Assistant's Office: (405) 521-5654