Also Praises Disney for Advertising Practices but Raises Concern for ABC Family Channel Programming

 

NEW ORLEANS (March 8, 2007) – At the annual Walt Disney shareholders meeting today, Parents Television Council™ President Tim Winter praised the company for its family-friendly original programming on the Disney Channel and presented its Seal of Approval™ to the company.  Mr. Winter also applauded Disney for its corporate advertising practices, but he also expressed concern for some programming on its ABC Family Channel.  The following excerpts are taken from a statement made by Mr. Winter to Disney CEO Robert Iger and other corporate executives attending the meeting:

 

"The PTC frequently attends shareholder meetings in order to communicate directly with the chief executive, the board and the shareholders of publicly-traded corporations which produce, broadcast or advertise on television.  And usually our message is one of concern or condemnation for what we see as irresponsible behavior.  But this morning I'm here mostly to applaud you, sir, and to applaud this corporation for doing some very good things.

 

"On behalf of the PTC's growing membership which now exceeds 1.1 million people, I am here to personally give you this award, together with our gratitude, for the absolutely superb programming on The Disney Channel.  From your meteorically successful High School Musical – which I can personally attest has been viewed in its entirety 51 times in my home – to The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Hannah Montana, That's So Raven and its spin-off Cory in the House, the Disney Channel continues to embody the essence of this corporation's visionary namesake.  And it is apparent that Disney Channel's commitment to quality programming extends to what I would call the Whole Child, meaning children of all ages, as reflected by age-appropriate programming for all its dayparts.

 

"There is more good news to report.  The PTC monitors every advertiser on every primetime network television program.  The various Disney subsidiaries collectively ranked as one of the top-ten best sponsors during the 2005-2006 television season, maintaining high standards in selecting appropriate programming when spending their advertising dollars.  Disney was the only major media company to perform so admirably in this regard.

 

"The PTC also thanks the ABC Television Network for recently moving the program Lost to a later time period more appropriate for its adult-themed content.  We would, however, urge you to consider doing the same with some of your other more graphic, adult-themed programs.

 

"Lastly, we are concerned that the ABC Family Channel has become a misnomer.  While some of the programs on that basic cable network are indeed appropriate for family viewing, much of it is not.  We would welcome an opportunity to meet with you in person to discuss this matter further.

 

"But again, Mr. Iger, our message to you today is mostly one of appreciation.  I wish to thank you for what we see is an over-arching commitment to family-quality entertainment.  It would be my pleasure to present this award to you after the meeting."