Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 8370)
The official title is the "Children's Television Act of 1997."
A child is defined as all persons below eighteen (18) years old.
Child-friendly programs refer to television programs and other materials broadcast that are specifically designed for children and serve to further their positive development without elements that may cause physical, mental, or emotional harm.
The NCCT is established to promote and protect children's interests in television programming by formulating policies, monitoring programs, and encouraging production of child-friendly television content.
The Council is composed of five members appointed by the President for a term of three years.
Members must represent the academe, broadcast media, child development specialists, parents, and child-focused non-government organizations.
A minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of the daily total air time must be allotted to child-friendly shows.
The Council may petition the proper government agencies or self-regulatory bodies to suspend, revoke, or cancel the license of television stations found violating the Act.
The Fund is created to promote the development and production of high-quality, culturally relevant, and developmentally appropriate children's television programs.
Copyright for programs developed with assistance from the Fund will be jointly owned by the Council and the producers.
The Council must submit this within one (1) year from the effectivity of the Act.
Broadcasters, together with the Council, must formulate and implement a set of standards for programs aired during child-viewing hours.
It is a set of standards guiding the content, quality, cultural relevance, and scheduling of children's television programs to promote development without exploitation or gratuitous violence and sex.
The Advisory Committee assists the Council in policy formulation and monitoring implementation of the Act's provisions on children's broadcast programs.
It takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two newspapers of general circulation.