*Pages 1--1 from  Microsoft Word - 59838.doc*
 STATEMENT  OF  CHAIRMAN  KEVIN  J.  MARTIN 
 Re:  Children’s  Television  Obligations  of  Digital  Television  Broadcasters,  MM  Docket  00-  167,  Second  Order  on  Reconsideration  and  Second  Report  and  Order 
 I  support  this  Order  addressing  the  children’s  television  obligations  of  broadcasters.  It  is  important  that  television  play  a  positive  role  in  children’s  lives.  Both 
 Congress  and  the  Commission  have  recognized  television’s  potential  to  do  so  and  taken  steps  to  ensure  that  television  helps  to  educate  and  inform  children.  Broadcasters  must  be 
 mindful  of  the  unique  needs  and  vulnerabilities  of  children. 
 A  little  over  two  years  ago,  the  Commission  revised  its  rules  governing  children’s  television  to  reflect  changes  in  technology,  such  as  the  advent  of  digital  television.  1 
 These  revisions  were  challenged  by  a  number  of  parties,  representing  diverse  interests,  and  many  have  not  taken  effect.  Recognizing  the  important  issues  involved,  children’s 
 advocates  and  media  companies  came  together  to  discuss  their  concerns  with  the  rule  changes.  Working  together,  they  developed  recommendations  designed  to  ensure  that  the 
 interests  of  children  are  well  protected.  In  March,  the  Commission  issued  a  Second  Further  Notice  of  Proposed  Rulemaking,  seeking  comment  on  their  proposals.  2 


 I  am  pleased  that  the  Commission  today  adopts  these  recommendations.  I’d  like  to  again  recognize  the  efforts  of  the  children’s  organizations  and  companies  who  spent  an 
 enormous  amount  of  time  and  energy  developing  these  proposals.  These  proposals  recognize  the  business  environment  in  which  broadcasters  and  cable  programmers 
 operate  and  the  need  for  flexibility  but  do  not  sacrifice  the  interests  of  children. 


 1  Children’s  Television  Obligations  of  Digital  Television  Broadcasters,  Report  and  Order  and  Further 
 Notice  of  Proposed  Rulemaking,  19  FCC  Rcd  22943  (2004). 
 2  Children’s  Television  Obligations  of  Digital  Television  Broadcasters,  Second  Further  Notice  of  Proposed 
 Rulemaking,  21  FCC  Rcd  3642  (2006). 
1