LOS ANGELES (October 22, 2007) - The Parents Television Council™, the nation’s most influential advocacy organization protecting children from graphic sex, violence and profanity in the media, announced John and Monie Thompson as the directors of the Omaha Chapter.  This is first PTC chapter to be led by a husband and wife team.

Monie joined the Parents Television Council in 1995 after seeing Steve Allen’s “Clean Up TV” ad in her local newspaper.  In 2007, the Thompson’s attended a PTC Grassroots Convention in Los Angeles, and soon became more active in their efforts to educate and empower the people of the Omaha metro area to take back control of television programming and help bring cable choice to families everywhere.  They hosted a booth at the 2007 Luis Palau Festival in Omaha and after a warm reception; they decided there was enough interest for them to start a local chapter.

PTC Advisory Board Member Father Val Peter shared his enthusiasm for the new area chapter, stating, “The American heartland is filled with people like John and Monie whose strength of character and commitment to their community are what make this country great.  Nebraska families now have the Thompson family working on their behalf to clean up entertainment and I expect to be able to boast of having one of the strongest grassroots chapters in the nation here in Omaha before long.”

According to Tim Winter, President of the PTC, “The PTC is built on a foundation of people like John and Monie.  They are outstanding volunteers with a passion for protecting children against today’s graphic and grotesque programming.  The Omaha Chapter will be a beacon of hope to parents, many of whom have given up on TV in the past.”

Monie and John are excited about the future of the PTC, and specifically, how their chapter can help parents find positive programming alternatives.  “As a parent, I have grown cautious of watching TV with children; programming has become more and more rancid with shows like Family Guy that are syndicated as early as 6pm,” said John Thompson.  “With the help of the PTC and local residents, we can stand up and fight.”

John and Monie Thompson are Nebraska natives who met in Aspen, Colorado, with the University of Nebraska Ski Club.  The Thompson’s wed in 1971 after John returned from San Diego where he was stationed with the U.S. Navy.  John is currently a director on the Omaha Public Power District board and Monie has worn many hats including preschool teacher, office manager and mother.