MTRCB requires TV rating pictograms on show plugs

Going beyond the agency’s iconic pre-show advisory.

In recent weeks, free-to-air television viewers have begun to notice changes on teaser plugs and even on-screen graphics before and during programs.

One of the visible modifications include the not-so-subtle placement of pictograms for ‘PG’ (parental guidance) and ‘SPG’ (strong parental guidance) ratings at the start of each teaser plug.

Another notable part of the revamp is the on-screen dynamic graphic that displays the rating and the themes of the program.

To be credited for these reworked TV rating advisory is the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), which recently implemented a new memorandum concerning the matter.

In its Memorandum Circular No. 01-2024, it enjoined all television networks, blocktimers, program producers, and distributors to follow the new guidelines.

Foremost, all kinds of TV plugs, especially those for serialized programs, full-length film plugs, and specials must bear the pictogram corresponding to their approved rating.

Next, the rating must be shown one (1) second before the start of these teasers, with a footnote that indicate that these ratings may still change during the broadcast of said program itself.

The MTRCB also directs that the same pictogram must be imposed on the lower right part of the screen, spanning the whole duration of the plug’s broadcast.

Another important detail in this memo reads that ‘SPG’-rated teaser materials may only air during episodes of shows that bear the same rating.

The implementation began in March 2025, with networks gradually adopting the new guidelines since then.

In spite of the new memorandum, the iconic pre-show and mid-show advisories for all TV programs, which have been airing since 2011, remain in place with no updates.

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