*Pages 1--1 from Microsoft Word - 55918.doc* STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN KEVIN J. MARTIN Re: Children’s Television Obligations of Digital Television Broadcasters, MM Docket 00- 167 Both Congress and the Commission have taken steps to ensure that television can help to educate and inform children and that broadcasters are mindful of the unique needs and vulnerabilities of children. Most recently, in 2004, the Commission revised its rules governing children’s television to ensure that they reflected changes in technology, such as digital television broadcasts. A number of parties, representing diverse interests, took issue with our revisions to the rules. Working together, these parties recently reached an agreement and submitted a joint proposal with recommended changes to the rules to the Commission. I am pleased that the children’s advocates and the industry have come together to develop recommendations which ensure that the interests of children are well protected. The Commission will consider these proposals carefully. 1