ECA's Halpin Weighs in on Universal Ratings

ECA's Halpin Weighs in on Universal Ratings

September 1, 2009

Late last week the Federal Communications Commission announced that it would look into the potential for a universal content rating system to span various forms of media.

Hal Halpin (left), president of the Entertainment Consumers Association, has now weighed in on the topic:

Like the respective trade associations which represent the entertainment industry’s various media, we were surprised to hear of the FCC’s interest in exploring the possibility of a universal ratings system. It is odd that video and movies were not included, which would have then been encompassing and more valuable to consumers, in theory.

 

As for if the ECA is in favor of such an endeavor, it would be too early to speculate, not knowing anything more than the cursory details. Our position remains that we fully support the ESRB and believe it to be an important component in the product purchasing process.

FULL DISCLOSURE DEPT: The ECA is the parent company of GamePolitics.

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Comments

Re: ECA's Halpin Weighs in on Universal Ratings
Submitted by ZippyDSMlee - September 1, 2009 at 8:11 am -0500

No you are not surprised its a given we will have one in time if just to align TV,film,DVD and game ratings.

 

Now if the FCC wants to control or create on its own a uni rating system that would be surpsieing since there are many things that would make it imposable if done from that direction but if like the ESRB the FCC and other bits of government want to get the ball rolling and make a new system or push the ESRB to expand what it rates that would be a good thing. This conversation needs to start now so it will build momentum, I just hope the ESRB is willing to take on the task otherwise everything is put off a decade until everyone gets on the same page again........

Until lobbying is a hanging offense I choose anarchy! Stop supporting big media and furthering the criminalization of consumers!! http://zippydsmlee.wordpress.com/

Re: ECA's Halpin Weighs in on Universal Ratings
Submitted by GoodRobotUs - September 1, 2009 at 10:54 am -0500

I'm just not happy with it unless it's completely universal, otherwise it isn't a universal rating system, regardless of how the FCC try to sell it.

I can't help wondering how much of the decision to not include movies and videos is genuinely down to enforcability, and how much is down to the considerable lobbying power of the Movie industry.

Re: ECA's Halpin Weighs in on Universal Ratings
Submitted by Cheater87 - September 1, 2009 at 11:09 am -0500

The movie industry prob paid them off to not have them in the new rating system.

Re: ECA's Halpin Weighs in on Universal Ratings
Submitted by KayleL - September 1, 2009 at 2:23 pm -0500

I like the ESRB. I am worry that we will get a worse rating system.

Re: ECA's Halpin Weighs in on Universal Ratings
Submitted by Cheater87 - September 1, 2009 at 2:26 pm -0500

As long as the new rating system and console makers allow adults in America to have a rating for ourselfs and not censored games I'd be happy.

Re: ECA's Halpin Weighs in on Universal Ratings
Submitted by MonkeyPeaches - September 1, 2009 at 3:25 pm -0500

A Universal System wouldn't work, considering normally a R rated movie is alot more violent than a M rated game.

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