TELEVISION programmes will have to be labelled with warnings for parents under changes to stations' licences unveiled yesterday.
The symbols 'PG' meaning 'parental guidance recommended' or 'M' for 'mature' will appear on screens from December 11. The introduction of the scheme was announced after concerns raised by parents during a mid-term review of the TVB and ATV licences.
The Government also said the stations would have to show a minimum of 30 minutes a week of arts and culture, at least 15 minutes of which will have to be produced locally.
The warnings will take the form of a large PG or M symbol occupying the whole screen, accompanied by a voiceover, before the start of programmes considered unsuitable for children.
A small symbol will be superimposed in the corner for four seconds after commercial breaks.
Television stations will be required to classify their own programmes based on Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority guidelines.
