by Joan Dykstra

About the author: Joan Dykstra is the former president of the National Parent- Teacher Association (PTA).

Editor's Note: This viewpoint was originally testimony given before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

Mr. Chairman and members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. I am Joan Dykstra, president of the National Parent- Teacher Association (PTA). The National PTA is comprised of almost 6.8 million parents, teachers, and other child advocates concerned about improving the quality of television programming for children, youth, and their families. Thank you for this opportunity to present the views of many parents nationwide who have been frequently frustrated in their attempts to influence children's television programming while respecting First Amendment free speech protections. In addition, I would also like to thank Senators Kent...