Representative Heath Shuler (D-NC) has introduced a bill, called The Family Friendly Flights Act, that would require airlines to install special seating sections for children to block viewing of adult-themed movies on flights. Co-sponsored by Representative Walter Jones (R-NC), the bill would bar airlines from showing in general seating films rated PG-13, R, NC-17 or that are unrated, as well as TV shows that get a "V" for violence rating.
That pretty much leaves only G or PG movies as appropriate in-flight fare. Thankfully, the bill would not apply to planes that offer individual screens in backrests.
The concern, it seems, is that small children are captive audiences on airplanes and are forced to watch films containing "graphic" content. Although it's tough to argue against the idea of protecting children from forced exposure to content that parents don't like, it's probably not a good idea to start forcing content-related regulations on non-communications industries (it's actually not a good idea to restrict even communications providers, such as broadcaster and cable operators, from showing certain kinds of content, but that's water under the bridge.)
It's only a hop, skip and jump from extending this kind of regulation to bars, restaurants and public places. How much better it would be if the proposed rules were content-neutral, say, force airlines to stop showing general seating films or TV shows altogether.
Cynthia Brumfield at 9:09 AM|Comments(0)
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