Law Summary
Definitions
- Children: persons below 18 years old.
- Children’s television: programs specifically designed for children.
- Child-friendly programs: content aiding positive development without harm, suitable for all childhood stages.
- Child-viewing hours: times deemed appropriate for children’s balanced development.
National Council for Children’s Television (NCCT)
- Established under the Office of the President for administrative supervision.
- Composed of 5 members appointed by the President for staggered terms.
- Members selected based on integrity, professionalism, and expertise in children’s rights and responsible TV programming.
- Represents various sectors: academe, broadcast media, child development specialists, parents, and child-focused NGOs.
Council Secretariat
- Staffed by an Executive Director and up to 20 personnel.
- The Council determines staffing, duties, qualifications, and compensation following Civil Service rules.
Advisory Committee
- Supports the Council in policy formulation and monitoring.
- Comprises government officials and industry representatives, including those from children’s welfare, culture, broadcasting, advertising, and telecommunications sectors.
- Members may designate alternates when absent.
Core Functions of the Council
- Formulate and recommend policies for children’s television development.
- Promote production of developmentally-appropriate, high-quality local children’s programs.
- Monitor and classify programs aired during child-viewing hours.
- Develop standards for children’s TV programming in collaboration with broadcasters.
- Conduct research and disseminate information on children’s media.
- Promote media education in formal and non-formal settings.
- Enforce laws and recommend sanctions for violations.
- Recommend legislative measures granting incentives for quality children’s content.
- Act on complaints and initiate prosecution of violators.
Comprehensive Children’s Media Program
- Must be submitted to Congress within one year of the Act’s effectivity.
- Includes policies, development plans, priorities, and criteria for evaluating children’s programs.
- Establishes a Television Violence Rating Code.
- Adheres to the "Charter of Children's Television," ensuring quality, cultural affirmation, genre diversity, absence of gratuitous violence and sex, regular time slots, adequate funding, and support for indigenous content.
Air Time Allotment
- Broadcasting networks must allocate at least 15% of daily air time to child-friendly shows.
- This is a condition for franchise granting or license renewal.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- The Council issues implementing rules within 90 days post-effectivity.
- Consults relevant government and non-government bodies.
Penalties
- The Council may petition suspension, revocation, or cancellation of broadcast licenses for violations.
National Endowment Fund for Children’s Television
- Established with a fund of P60 million from PCSO and PAGCOR revenues.
- Supports production and development of culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate children’s programs.
- Fund access is via grant applications vetted by the Council.
- Copyright of funded programs jointly owned by the Council and producers.
- Priority given to independent producers and youth organizations.
- The Council may accept tax-exempt grants and donations strictly for the Fund.
Appropriations
- Initial operating budget of P5 million appropriated from the National Treasury.
- Subsequent budgets to be submitted for congressional approval.
Legal Provisions
- Separability Clause safeguards validity of the Act if any provision is declared unconstitutional.
- Repealing Clause nullifies inconsistent laws or regulations.
- Effectivity Clause sets the Act’s enforcement 15 days after publication in official or major newspapers.