PMRCs

The Parents Music Resource Center, commonly known as the PMRC, was an American organization founded in 1985 by Tipper Gore and other prominent political figures' wives. Its primary objective was to lobby for the labeling of music deemed to contain objectionable content, such as explicit lyrics related to sex, violence, drugs, and the occult. The PMRC believed that such music was harmful to children and adolescents and advocated for a rating system similar to that used for films.

The organization gained significant public attention in the mid-1980s through its high-profile Senate hearings. These hearings featured testimonies from musicians and industry representatives who argued against censorship and the potential for subjective labeling to stifle artistic expression. The music industry, in response to the PMRC's pressure and the threat of government regulation, voluntarily introduced the "Parental Advisory" sticker system on albums. This sticker indicated that a recording contained explicit content, leaving the decision of whether to purchase or listen to the music to the consumer.

While the Parental Advisory sticker became widespread, the PMRC's ultimate goal of government-mandated labeling was not achieved. The organization's efforts sparked a long-standing debate about artistic freedom of expression versus the protection of minors, a discussion that continues to influence discussions around media content and its impact on young audiences. The PMRC eventually became less active in the music industry advocacy landscape.