Lawmaker Criticizes Number of Ads on Kids’ TV

Too many TV stations are exceeding federal rules designed to limit commercials on children’s programs, according to Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.). The author of the 1990 law that directed the Federal Communications Commission to create and enforce commercial restrictions said 28% of 465 TV stations analyzed had broken the rules. “It is time for the FCC to crack down on these renegades,” Markey said. “They give a black eye to their industry.” FCC rules forbid a station from airing more than 10 1/2 minutes of commercials an hour during children’s programs on the weekends and more than 12 minutes an hour on weekdays. The stations were not identified, and neither the National Assn. of Broadcasters nor the FCC had an immediate comment.