President Clinton reaches accord with TV executives on children's programming

President Bill Clinton, with legendary entertainer Bill Cosby at his side, recently announced that a deal has been made with the television industry that will require stations to broadcast three hours of educational shows a week for children.

The president made the announcement during a meeting at the White House with 50 TV executives, program producers and children's advocates and actors, which included Cosby, who has been outspoken on this issue of better television programming.

"The agreement says to America's parents you are not alone. We are all committed to working with you to see that educational programming for your children makes the grade," Clinton said.

Under the deal, stations risk losing their broadcasting licenses if they fail to meet guidelines. The stations may broadcast "somewhat less" than the requirement if specials and public service announcements are in its place.

To be accepted as an educational program, the segment must be 30 minutes in length and air between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. It must focus on a particular ago group and have a stated purpose for reaching certain intellectual or emotional needs.

Some TV executives complained that it would be too difficult to produce entertaining educational shows.

Cosby responded, "There are hundred things that are funny about geometry."