Coverage and program submission model
- The procedural changes govern the registration and review of all television programs, including motion picture prints and trailers intended for television broadcast.
- Television programs are not reviewed or classified on a per-episode basis.
- Producers/blocktimers/distributors must submit to the BOARD a sample episode representing the program’s line-up for the coming season (three months).
- Sample episodes for the coming season are scheduled for review on a first-come, first-served basis.
Application conditions and payment controls
- The BOARD does not act on any application for review unless the applicant has fully paid the prescribed application fee.
- The BOARD does not act on any application for review unless the applicant has settled all current accounts.
- Credit lines are no longer extended.
Regular review schedule and committee approvals
- Regular review sessions run 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon and 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday to Friday.
- The MTRCB Chairman determines the composition of the Review Sub-committees and approves the schedule for review.
- After the schedule is approved, changes based on the approved application require the prior approval of the Chairman.
- Any schedule change is allowed only once; after that single change, the application fee is considered forfeited and the applicant must re-apply for a new schedule.
- Switching of schedules is not allowed.
Special reviews, deadlines, and surcharges
- Special reviews outside the regular schedule are allowed only in exceptional circumstances.
- Special reviews require the prior approval of the Chairman.
- Requests for special reviews—including requests for 2nd reviews—must be received at least twenty-four (24) hours before the special review schedule.
- Special reviews are imposed with the appropriate surcharges.
Broadcast permit term and airing fees
- Television programs that are reviewed and approved receive a broadcast permit for three (3) months.
- Fees for each airing are charged on a Pay Before Broadcast (PBB) basis.
Record-keeping duty for consistently violating programs
- Program producers must make immediately available to the BOARD the tapes of the program that the BOARD identifies as having consistently violated the RULES.
- Those tapes must be kept for a period of three months from date of broadcast.
Classification rule when multiple categories apply
- When a television program episode may fall under two different classifications, the stricter one applies to the whole program.
- If there is doubt regarding an episode’s classification after the program has been classified, television program producers must submit the episode for proper review.
- Review of specified episodes is treated as special review sessions and is subject to the appropriate charges.
Amendments to earlier circulars
- Earlier Memorandum Circulars that are inconsistent with these rules are amended, superseded, or revoked accordingly.
- The revised workflow for application of television programs is issued for reference through the attached workflow chart.