MUMBAI: On the heels of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) stepping up its attack on indecent programming in the US the National Cable & Telecommunications (NCTA) has launched a ControlYourTV.org website.

This is a a part of the NCTA's efforts to help parents and care givers control the flow of television programming into their homes.

The site provides information about tools and resources cable provides so that families can control programming that comes into their homes and make educated and responsible decisions about television viewing. Cable companies and programming networks are working to make it easier for families to monitor and block programming they may choose not to view.

The site was launched during the annual forum of the Cable Television Public Affairs Association a few days ago. Cable companies including the 10 largest NCTA member companies and many smaller cable companies a group representing about 85 per cent of all cable subscribers will make available upon request, at no additional charge, channel blocking technology to any cable customer who doesnt already possess the equipment necessary to block channels.

In addition, NCTA member cable networks reaffirmed their commitment to apply TV ratings and content labels to their programming, put the appropriate rating icon on-screen at the beginning of rated programs, and encode the ratings in programming so that they can be interpreted by a V-Chip equipped television set.

The ControlYourTV.org website includes specific instructions about how to programme parental control technology, descriptions of the TV ratings system and V-chip. There are also descriptions of a sampling of TV shows appropriate for children and family viewing, and a list of media literacy resources.