Simon said audits of TV shows done by the television industry or private sector would be better solutions than the V-chip, a device installed in television sets to filter out coded programs considered to be inappropriate for young people.

The V-chip can help when parents are able or willing to use it, but labeling violence is no substitute for reducing the amount of violent programs on television, Simon said.

Simon said the audits are a new cornerstone for ongoing self-regulation by the television industry.

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Ken Keller, associate professor and assistant chair of the Radio-Television department, said broadcasters may change as a result of the audits, but the effects of the audits remain to be seen.

The industry will react to whatever sells, Keller said.