Parents Television Council Turns 50 in Philadelphia

Parents Television Council Launches Metro New Orleans Chapter

First Chapter Led by Sister Duo

LOS ANGELES (June 20, 2008) - The Parents Television Council™, the nation’s most influential advocacy organization protecting children from graphic sex, violence and profanity in the media, announced Debbie Hopkins and Simone Lewis as the directors of the new Metro New Orleans Chapter. This is the first chapter in Louisiana and the 31^st state to join the PTC’s growing network of grassroots chapters.

As proud parents and Louisiana natives, Hopkins and Lewis joined the PTC as they became concerned over adult content airing earlier and earlier on TV. “Blocks of tasteless programming like ‘Adult Swim’ on the Cartoon Network air as early as 9:00 pm and it is alarming to see your children stumble upon these shows and ask questions of things that they are not ready, developmentally, to deal with,” said Hopkins. “I am not asking to get rid of mature programming, but push it back later in the night or allow me to not have to pay for it,” she said. Hopkins attended the University of New Orleans attaining her bachelor’s degree in general studies and her paralegal certificate. She worked at a legal firm and as a realtor before becoming a full-time stay at home mother.

The Metro New Orleans Chapter will give a voice to parents and concerned citizens by calling out advertisers who support offensive programming, filing FCC complaints and contacting local government representatives about cable choice. The chapter will be a resource for parents to find family-friendly programming through the PTC Seal of Approval™ and Best of the Week guide. Lewis believes that her community can take on this challenge head first. “Metro New Orleans and the state of Louisiana have some of the most involved PTAs in the nation. People here are dedicated to our community and our voices, when focused, cannot be ignored,” she said. Lewis received her nursing degree from LSU Medical and is currently a practicing nurse.

PTC President Tim Winter said, “The Metro New Orleans community has shown the world their unparalleled heart and dedication after the terrible disaster of Katrina. With their community still in the rebuilding stages, Simone and Debbie have taken the time and energy to create this chapter to help combat the growing epidemic of lewd programming airing when children are most likely to be present. Simone and Debbie’s experience coupled with their desire for positive change make them the perfect team.”

► Chapter Web Page

To speak with a representative from the Parents Television Council, please contact Gavin McKiernan at (213) 403-1300 ext. 2866.

The Parents Television Council™ (www.parentstv.org®) is a non-partisan education organization advocating responsible entertainment. It was founded in 1995 to ensure that children are not constantly assaulted by sex, violence and profanity on television and in other media. This national grassroots organization has more than 1.3 million members across the United States, and works with television producers, broadcasters, networks and sponsors in an effort to stem the flow of harmful and negative messages targeted to children. The PTC also works with elected and appointed government officials to enforce broadcast decency standards. Most importantly, the PTC produces critical research and publications documenting the dramatic increase in sex, violence and profanity in entertainment. This information is provided free of charge so parents can make informed viewing choices for their own families.