TV programmes may get cinema-style ratings

According to BBC News online, Ofcom is currently researching the idea of introducing a common ratings system, with which to inform viewers of a programme's content. Such systems are currently used by Five and Sky Movies, and the BBC is also looking into the idea with the other Public Service Broadcasters. See the full story.

What do you think about this? I personally think it's a good idea, especially now that things like Sky+ and TiVO are around. Probably the simplest and easiest thing to do would be to just use the existing film ratings - U, PG, 12, 15 and 18. This way, everyone already knows the system and the symbols are easily recognisable.

As long as not too big a deal is made about each programme's rating - a small, discrete, symbol at the bottom of the screen, on-screen for the first 5 seconds of a programme would be sufficient, IMHO. I suppose they could even be on each ident but I'm sure some people on here might object to that!

Personaly, i'd prefer an american style rating system to be used. Example [HERE] & [HERE]

Well it could go on underneath the Subtitles logo or something like that,

There is a ratings system in use on RTE One and Network 2 over here. A little certificate design appears beneath the dog with two letters in it for a few seconds at the start of the programme. Can't remember any of the codes right now though.

EDIT: Here they are:

MA: Mature (Adult) Audience
Ch: Children
YA: Young (teenage) Audience
PS: Parental Supervision
GA: General Audience.

Not a huge fan of it myself. Remember the red triangle? It's also been pointed out that many TV programmes would have different ratings for different editions.

Don't think it be a problem for films on TV though, but the watershed apparantly is recognised by 92% of the population, so why change it.

I think it would be a good idea, they could just simply use the BBFC's ratings as everyone knows what they are and what they mean, then stick them on the first 5 seconds of the programme, like American TV.

Perhaps I'm missing something but don't we already do this without actually realising it?

I mean we all know that anything that goes out before 9pm on all channels bar Sky Box Office has to be suitable for children to watch even if its not aimed at children. That's your certificate U and certificate PG right there with the odd 12 rating in the evening.

Therefore stuff after 9pm (8pm on Sky Movie channels) including feature films can include stronger language and adult features and what not - certificates 15 and 18 accordingly.

Why actually announce it?

I totally agree with you.
It might be handy at the begining of movies to show bffc certificates but what about channel hoppers who'll join a fil or programme once it's started?
Ch 4's triangle mentioned earlier actually boosted audiences on the tease on dodgy european films. In actual fact imo they were second rate "art" films which I've not seen sreened elsewhere.
It was also annoying to have a dog on sreen all the time.
Now before some says that's what we have now, that's my point.
No one will pay any attention to yet another dog even if it said the world was ending.
To be honest I would rather ofcom looked at other more pressing issues in the world of broadcasting like the loss of regions, etc.

Also who and how would thie be enforced?

On the other hand, if it stops announcement like "This programme contains sexual content" after ever ad break in the programmes like the 100 Greatest Sexy Moments, it might be worth thinking about.

Well it would probably mean infinitly more of that.