A method for decoding a service guide associated with a bitstream comprising: (a) receiving a service announcement within said service guide; (b) specifying a content advisory ratings element within said service announcement that indicates advisory ratings for content of said bitstream; (c) specifying content advisory rating data based on said content advisory ratings element, wherein said content advisory rating data includes (i) a first part that includes a region identifier specifying a rating region, (ii) a second part that includes a rating description representing a rating suitable for on-screen display, and (iii) a third part that includes at least one tuple including a rated dimension followed by a rating value; and (d) decoding said service guide.