Parents Television Council Charters 50^th Chapter

Philadelphia Becomes the Latest Chapter to Join 1.3 Million Member National Network of Grassroots Activists and Concerned Parents

 

LOS ANGELES (June 11, 2008) — The Parents Television Council™, a non-partisan education organization advocating responsible entertainment, is pleased to celebrate the opening of its 50^th grassroots chapter in Philadelphia.  There are chapters in 31 states from California to Rhode Island and in each of the top 11 media markets.

 

PTC President Tim Winter said, “I am humbled by the dedication of our volunteers who have built this network to 50 chapters nationwide.  Our grassroots chapters are one of the most vital initiatives undertaken by the PTC and our chapter leaders are the heart and soul of the organization.  Every day our grassroots volunteers are working to improve their communities and protect America’s children by advocating responsible entertainment.”

 

Through the power of a national movement exerted in local communities, the PTC’s 50 chapters are leading the fight to protect children from television, films, and videos games that contain overt sex, violence and profanity.  Chapters are a powerful voice in many ways: they provide a source of information on the latest news and research; they work with local television affiliates to ensure community standards are considered; they encourage advertisers to support socially responsible shows; they educate their community about PTC initiatives; and they increase the general awareness of the harmful impacts of sex, violence and profanity on children.

 

PTC National Grassroots Director Gavin McKiernan added, “Our chapter directors and volunteers run the gamut of religion, race, and political background with the common vision that enough is enough when it comes to indecent entertainment that targets our children.  Chapter directors are not recruited.  Instead, they find the PTC and volunteer on their own - creating a citizen army that has achieved positive change and will continue to create more positive change.”

 

PTC grassroots chapters have been the catalyst for great change in the entertainment industry.  Chapters helped to bring about the law that increased fines for indecent TV programming.  PTC chapters have held advertisers accountable for their sponsorships of raunchy programming such as “Family Guy,” “Nip/Tuck,” and “Dexter.”  The chapters have also brought about the creation of laws in multiple states intended to prevent the sale of adult video games to minors.

 

Miryam Knigge, director of the PTC Miami Chapter since 2001, rejoices when a parent knows they can make a difference in what their children are exposed to on television.  “It’s thoroughly refreshing and inspiring to have seen the tremendous growth in our grassroots movement over the years.  I am encouraged by so many others who share our vision to protect children from the negative effects of the media and spread the word that through the PTC we are able to bring a positive change to these matters,” she said.

 

“We look forward to the continued growth of our grassroots network in the future as we continue to advocate more responsible entertainment,” concluded Winter.