MIAMI, FL – (May 26, 2006) The Miami chapter of the Parents Television Council™ today announced the formation of a local chapter Advisory Board and welcomed Miami Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez as its founding member. Mayor Alvarez, along with the Advisory Board, will assist in increasing local awareness and implementation of PTC programs, strategic planning and fundraising efforts.

"The Parents Television Council provides a resource for parents to better protect their children from some of the negative influences coming into their homes every day through the television," said Mayor Alvarez. "I am honored to have the opportunity to be the first member of this board, which will soon be a ‘who's who' of citizens who put the interests of Miami's children first and demand responsibility from local broadcasters."

Miryam Knigge, the Miami chapter director, asked Alvarez to be part of her chapter because, "as a father of three, Mayor Alvarez sees the effects of television on children daily, and he has the power to make a positive change in our society. He and other members to be confirmed soon will work to help us ensure that Miami residents are aware of the negative impacts of graphic and gratuitous entertainment. They will work to reduce the negative influence it has on our children."  Knigge added, "Pediatricians and researchers agree that exposure to graphic media depictions of sex, violence and profanity have a long-term and harmful effect on children. They become desensitized, they often perceive their world as fearful, and they are more likely to engage in harmful and risky behavior."

PTC Executive Director Tim Winter added, "The more than 500 members of the Miami Chapter are a growing reminder to broadcasters that the public has had enough of the filth that our children are exposed to on a daily basis. Local advisory boards are one more way that citizens can improve the volume of their concerns and be heard by those who make the decisions about what programs make it on the air and when."