What is E/I Programming?

According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC),  describes E/I programming (identified by the letters “E/I” in the corner of the screen) as a regularly scheduled weekly program, at least 30 minutes in length, with limits on the type and amount of commercial advertising aired during the broadcast. 

So far, so good. But there’s no definition of what kind of programming is considered beneficial for children’s learning. And without specific content requirements, anything goes.

 Tune In To The Facts

• 25 percent of shows with the E/I rating held only minimal educational value, according to an Annenberg Public Policy Center study.
• Only one in seven parents understands E/I programming, according to another Annenberg study.