LA Times Interview With Jim Steyer

The LA Times has an interview online with  Common Sense Media's founder, Jim Steyer.

An educator and author, Steyer started the nonprofit five years ago because he didn't think the entertainment industry's rating systems adequately helped parents decide what their kids could -- or should -- watch, listen to or play. He also saw the need for a public policy organization that focused on children, parents and media.

Steyer doesn't consider himself rigid as a parent or CEO, and the Common Sense motto is "Sanity, not censorship." He says his approach is to help parents by nudging them to talk to their kids about the latest violent YouTube video and to teach them to become their own filters. After all, they are the ones immersed in it.

(Not that his philosophy makes much of a difference when he tells his own children they can't buy "Grand Theft Auto IV." Nor when he reminds them as they kvetch, "I don't write the reviews.")

In the last year, San Francisco-based Common Sense has seen its registered user count mushroom from 45,000 to about 200,000. Time Warner Inc., Comcast Corp. and Cox Communications Inc. now buy Common Sense reviews and tips for parents and make them part of their cable services.

If you aren't familiar with Common Sense Media- the site is worth a look.  They review all forms of media including movies, music, TV shows, video games, and books.

Here is a link to the Common Sense review of the new Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian movie. The review is very detailed and should help parents not only make a viewing decision but also provides talking points for a post-viewing discussion.