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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
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Dear Friend,
When was the last time you experienced the “lunge moment?” I bet
you’ve had one recently.
The “lunge moment” happens when you are sitting with a child,
watching television, and you see or hear something on the TV that is
too graphic or shocking for young eyes or ears. And you “lunge” for
the remote control to change the channel or hit the mute button,
hoping that you’ve preserved the morsel of childhood innocence that
might have been lost. Sound familiar?
We make the “lunge” for the remote control instinctively;
intuitively; immediately. And this past year the scientific
community delivered powerful new evidence in support of what most
parents and grandparents instinctively, intuitively know to be true:
that graphic sex, violence and profanity on TV can cause long-term
and irreparable harm to children.
If most Americans believe that children can indeed be harmed by
explicit, age-inappropriate content in entertainment media; and if
the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence corroborates that
concern; then what can be done to protect children today when they
are literally bombarded by electronic media each and every day?
That’s why the Parents Television Council is here, leading the way
to help you and your family.
I’m proud to say that 2008 was a year of marked achievement for the
PTC and its mission. With a team of less than two dozen dedicated
and highly-trained staff members – and the help of over one million
unpaid volunteer members – the PTC secured monumental victories in
the face of the most dramatic economic downturn in decades.
Though the PTC’s financial resources are a mere pittance compared to
the wallets of the entertainment industry, we were able to educate
and enlighten the public with our research; hold broadcasters,
producers and advertisers accountable for their actions; and join
countless voices together at the same time and at the same place to
fight for positive change.
In these pages, we’ve shown you why the PTC is the most effective
media advocacy organization in America today. NO OTHER ORGANIZATION
ACCOMPLISHES AS MUCH AS THE PTC WITH AS FEW RESOURCES.
We achieved great momentum in 2008, but in order to capitalize on
these victories we must have the generous investment of time and
financial resources from friends like you. And no investment pays
dividends like the investment we make in our children and
grandchildren. Their childhood is worth preserving. That sense of
unjaded, unselfconscious wonder that stays with them for
all-too-brief a time – it is a precious gift, too valuable to
sacrifice at the altar of popular culture.
Thank you for reading this Annual Report. We know the PTC’s mission
is important to you, and we hope you will continue to support our
efforts. Because our children are watching.
Sincerely,
Tim Winter
President |
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