Southeast Michigan Chapter

Rich Coleman, Chapter Director
P.O. Box 13052
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48113
(800) 849-5631
southeastmichiganchapter@parentstv.org
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CHAPTER DIRECTOR BIO:

Rich Coleman, a Certified Crime Prevention Practitioner, is helping the PTC lead the fight against violence and indecency in both television and video games in the Southeast Michigan community and beyond. Founder and leader of the "Washtenaw Knights", a crime and drug prevention musical group formed in 1991, Coleman's dedication to making the world a safer place for our children has certainly not gone unrecognized. In October 2000, the Crime Prevention Association of Michigan selected him as the "Outstanding Crime Prevention Practitioner of the Year." Additionally, the FBI awarded Coleman with the Director's Community Leadership Award in 2002.

Educated at Eastern Michigan University of Interdisciplinary Technology, Coleman has served on the Pittsfield Township Department of Public Safety for 12 years as Public Safety Coordinator, responsible for crime, fire prevention and media relations. In August 2001, Coleman launched "Prevention Corner", a television program that airs in more than a million households on Ann Arbor's Community Access Television. The program focuses on violence, substance abuse prevention, parenting for prevention and the impact of negative music and video games on youth.

Coleman and his PTC chapter played a crucial role in getting state representatives to pass legislation protecting children from violent video games. His work was recognized by Governor Granholm who personally invited him to appear at the bill signing ceremony.

Rich Coleman is very passionate about his role as a PTC Chapter Director saying: "The broadcast airways belong to us, the citizens of this community and the utterances of blatantly profane words do not represent our community values ….We must stop this proliferation of profanity on our airways, particularly when children are likely to be watching."

Chapter Director Rich Coleman hosts a radio talk show on 1600 AM WAAM

In July 2007 Rich Coleman hosted a radio talk show on 1600 AM WAAM. This was a great opportunity to promote his work for the Parents Television Council which he did with great enthusiasm. PTC President Tim Winter was interviewed on the program and talked about a number of PTC issues including Cable Choice and the recent court ruling regarding the F-word on broadcast television.

► To listen to Rich and Tim's interview click here.

CHAPTER EVENTS:

Chapter Dinner, October 2007

Winners at the Everest Movie Screening and Community Event

National Night Out

Victory!

Michigan Governor Signs Violent Video Game Bill into Law

Surrounded by law enforcement officers, from LR in the center, State Senator Hanson Clarke, PTC SE Michigan Chapter Director Rich Coleman, Governor Jennifer Granholm, State Rep Kathy Angerer

The PTC recently urged members who live in Michigan to contact their state representatives to express support for SB-249, a bill that would keep violent video games out of the hands of children. Thanks to their activism, we are happy to report that the bill has been passed by both houses of the Michigan legislature and signed into law by the governor.

This is a stunning victory for Michigan families and a true testament to the power of grassroots activism.

Free Movie Screening and Community Event in Dearborn

Parents Television Council to Present Seal of Approval to "Everest"

The Parents Television Council hosted a free screening of the giant screen film Everest. Everest, from MacGillivray Freeman Films, was awarded with the PTC Entertainment Seal of Approval™ at this event. The event was held at The Henry Ford IMAX Theatre on Saturday morning November 4th.

PTC Southeast Michigan Chapter Director Rich Coleman thanked The Henry Ford IMAX Theatre and MacGillivray Freeman Films for making this screening free for local families. "This is a unique opportunity to experience Michigan's largest IMAX Theater for free with a movie that the entire family will enjoy. Family entertainment is difficult to come by today, that is why the PTC works to partner with companies like MacGillivray Freeman Films. Those who came to this event will learn about some of the good guys in the entertainment industry and what families can do to fight those who show no concern for the adult content they put forward when children are in the audience," said Coleman.

Michigan Chapter Movie Screening of "Yours, Mine, & Ours"

On November 19^th, the SE Michigan chapter worked with Grace Hill Media and Showcase Cinema's to host a free screening for 175 chapter members of the new PTC Seal of Approval winning movie "Yours, Mine & Ours."

A number of items were raffled off to the crowd including a complete Clear Play system.

Pictured is Mrs. Denise Mack, Secretary Harvest Elementary School, Saline MI with chapter director Rich Coleman.

Denise brought her grandchildren to the free screening. Out of 175 attendees Denise won the raffle for the free Clear Play System, She was ecstatic! She talked about how much she enjoyed the movie and is looking forward to helping with the chapter.

PTC SE Michigan Chapter in the News:

Video games zapped: School officials call off tournament over concern - Ann Arbor News (Michigan)

A 17-year-old Saline High School junior's plans for hosting his first video game tournament where zapped at the last minute by school officials over concerns raised by local police about the game's content.

Zach Wigal says he spent nine months planning a "Halo 2" tournament for players of the popular first-person shooter video game, which is rated "M" for mature by the Entertainment Software Rating Board. … Pittsfield Township Public Safety Director John Phillips said he became aware of the event after Wigal's father, Rusty, inquired about the availability of an uniformed officer to provide security.

That raised concerns with departmental community coordinator Ritchie Coleman who serves on the Southeast Michigan Chapter of the Parents TV Council, a national group concerned about content in television, movies and the video game industry.

Video-game sex, violence spurs call for regulation (Interview with PTC Michigan Chapter Director Rich Coleman) - The Ann Arbor News

Violent games targeted - Monroe News

LOCAL NETWORK AFFILIATES:

WDIV 4 NBC 550 W Lafayette Blvd Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 222-0444 Fax: (313) 222-0471 Email www.wdiv.com	WJBK 2 FOX 16550 W 9 Mile Rd Southfield, MI 48075 Phone: (248) 557-2000 Fax: (248) 557-1199 www.wjbk.com	WWJ 62 CBS 26905 W Eleven Mile Rd Southfield, MI 48034 Phone: (248) 350-5050 www.wwjtv.com
WWJ 60 UPN 26905 W Eleven Mile Rd Southfield, MI 48034 Phone: (248) 350-5050	WXYZ 7 ABC 20777 W Ten Mile Rd Southfield, MI 48037 Phone: (248) 827-7777 Fax: (248) 827-9444 talkback@wxyztv.com www.detnow.com	Detroit Public TV PBS 7441 2nd Ave Detroit, MI 48202 Phone: (313) 876-8356 Fax: (313) 876-8118 email@dptv.org www.detroitpublictv.org