Dear editor, I wish to congratulate you on your Sept. 27, 2009, issue of the “Parade” insert, page 6, regarding the question, “Are TV Ads Too Loud?”

While TV can be educational and entertaining, I wish to state unequivocally that TV ads are most certainly too loud and can be very jarring.

Not only are they too loud, they interrupt programs too frequently. Furthermore, when the ads interrupt programs, often there is no separation between ad and program so that it takes a while before one can determine where the ad ends and the program begins and vice versa.

 It can be confusing. I have made it a rule not to purchase the products of advertisers who scream. In addition, the rapid succession of many pictures in the ads flashing before one’s eyes make the eyes ache.

If it can be confusing for an adult, think of the young children watching. Also, their sensitive sight could be harmed by rapidly flashing pictures.

Parents may choose the proper programs for their children, but too often the frequently interrupting ads can be so violent and scary. I hear from school teachers that many students are easily distracted and have a problem focusing on their school work. They can have difficulty learning and be disruptive in the classroom. I suggest that the “elephant” in the room could be part of the problem.

I am grateful to Rep. Anna Eshoo, D- Mountain View, for introducing the Commercial Advertising Loudness Mitigation Act, and hope that it is passed soon and require the FCC to set limits on TV ads’ volume.

It would certainly be helpful and make watching TV less irritating if the other problems mentioned above could also have bills introduced to eliminate those complaints.

Thank you for your concern.

Ester Akersloot / St. Helena