Action for Children's Television (ACT)
Action for Children's Television (ACT) is an advocacy organization focused on promoting responsible and high-quality programming for children. Founded with the goal of addressing concerns about the adequacy of children's television content, ACT has actively petitioned regulatory bodies such as the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission. The organization emphasizes the necessity of a significant amount of quality children's programming each week. To support its mission, ACT has commissioned research into the effects of television on young audiences and has organized symposiums to share these findings with the public and policymakers. Furthermore, ACT members have engaged directly with legislative processes, providing testimony to congressional committees about the practices of television networks. Each year, the organization also recognizes outstanding contributions in children's television through achievement awards, celebrating those who produce content that aligns with its values. ACT represents a collective effort to ensure that children's media is not only entertaining but also educational and enriching.
Action for Children's Television (ACT)
Founded: 1968
Type of organization: American media advocacy group
Significance: ACT has worked to improve television programming for children by making it noncommercial
Made up of individual members and participating organizations, ACT is primarily concerned with the lack of responsible children’s programming. Since it was founded, ACT has petitioned both the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission to require a reasonable amount of high-quality programming for children each week. It has commissioned studies on the effects of television on children and has conducted symposiums to disseminate their findings. Members of ACT have also testified before congressional committees investigating programming practices of television stations. Each year the group honors outstanding producers of children’s television with achievement awards.
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