Parents Television Council

New PTC Study of Streaming Services Finds Hulu Among the Most Cost-Effective, but the Worst with Parental Controls

Mary Streep

Advisory BoardFamily and activism are the two words that come to mind when talking about Mary Streep. Raised in a close knit family in Summit, New Jersey, she married her high school sweetheart and went on to raise four children. Graduating from New England College with a degree in Elementary Education she became involved in the foster care system, adopting a child and becoming a court-appointed Special Advocate. Not settling merely for one challenge, she has helped renovate a battered women's shelter in Newark.But talk about television and its impact on children, and her true passion becomes evident. Even her friends realize that Mary is worried about the lack of responsibility in television. She is outraged by the content of television programming and that those in charge seemingly do not take responsibility for what they send over the airwaves. She often says that television, though a potent product for change, is also "polluting the minds of our children."But she's realistic enough to realize that not all television programming is bad. Children, she believes, are impressionable, and that means that television programming must take that naiveté into account. "I am determined," she says, "to do everything I can to bring back that responsibility because we are all in this together. We all will raise the next generation of children, whether we like it or not. That's why I'm a part of the Parents Television Council."

Connie Sellecca

Advisory BoardTalented and beautiful, Connie Sellecca has it all...... a successful marriage to Emmy-Award winning musician John Tesh, two beautiful children, Gib, 23 and Prima, 10. Born in the Bronx, Connie moved with her family to the upstate New York town of Pomona at age 12. She became involved in student productions at Ramapo High School and with the encouragement of her speech teacher, she withdrew from Boston College, signed with a New York agent and pursued an acting career. After moving into a "one bedroom/ one bathroom/ one closet apartment with four girls," Connie quickly garnered top fashion and commercial assignments in New York and in Europe to support her acting studies. Her very first screen test won her first starring role in ABC's "The Bermuda Depths," with Burl Ives and Carl Weathers. A string of television movies and series followed, including the highly rated "She's Dressed to Kill," with Jessica Walter and Eleanor Parker (NBC); "Captain America"; a short stint in the NBC series "Beyond Westworld" (inspired by the "Westworld" feature film); and starring roles in three other television series: "Flying High" (CBS), "The Greatest American Hero" with William Katt (ABC) and "Hotel" (ABC), in which she co-starred with James Brolin for five seasons. Her Portrayal of Christine Francis, general manager of the fictitious St. Gregory Hotel, won her praise from the critics, a loyal following and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Television Series (Drama). In 1987, Connie starred in two additional movies made-for-television: "The Last Fling," a romantic comedy co-starring John Ritter (ABC) and "Downpayment on Murder," co-starring Ben Gazzara (NBC). Following that, she travelled to New Zealand to film "Brotherhood of the Rose," a four-hour mini-series for NBC-TV's two-hour telefilm "Turn Back the Clock," a remake of the 1947 feature "Repeat Performance." In 1991, Connie starred in "Miracle Landing," a CBS telefilm based on the true story of the Hawaiian airplane disaster and "People Like Us," a four-hour mini-series for NBC-TV, based on Dominick Dunne's best-selling novel of the same name. She also starred as Danielle Powell in CBS-TV's "P.S. I Luv U," a one-hour, romantic-comedy, adventure series. The outrageous character she portrayed gave Sellecca the opportunity to display her considerable comedic talents heretofore kept under wraps (by far her favorite series character). That same year, Sellecca launched a six-year deal with Montgomery Ward for her own line of clothing, jewelry, accessories and intimate apparel. On April 4, 1992, Connie wed then ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT hostJohn Tesh. Immediately following their honeymoon, Connie left for Budapest to film "Passport to Murder" for NBC-TV. Immediately upon its completion, Connie returned to Los Angeles to executive produce and star in " A House of Secrets and Lies" for CBS.Connie then starred in "Second Chances," a romantic mystery drama series on CBS that canceled following the destruction of the production facilities and set in the January 17, 1994 earthquake. Following the birth of her daughter in 1994, Connie completed four movies back to back..."A Dangerous Affair," co-starring Gregory Harrison for ABC, "She Lead Two Lives," co-starring Perry King and A. Martinez for NBC, "The Surrogate," with Alyssa Milana for ABC and "A Christmas Love," co-starring Randy Travis for CBS. In 1997 Connie starred in Mary Higgins Clark's "While My Pretty One Sleeps," based on the novel of the same name, which aired on The Family Channel and was the second highest-rated movie in the history of the channel. That same year, she also starred in "Something Borrowed, Something Blue" for CBS. She later starred in the original thriller, "The Doomsday Rock," also for the Family Channel. With Tesh, Connie hosted "Hidden Keys", an infomercial dealing with communication skills as a key to successful relationships. She is also the "S" in Tesh's GTSP RECORDS label. In 1997, Connie and John founded theSellecca/Tesh Foundation For The Forgotten Generation, dedicated to addressing the needs of the elderly. For eleven years, Connie served as national spokesperson for Mothers Against Drunk Driving "Tie One On For Safety"/Red Ribbon Holiday Campaign. She is currently the national spokesperson for MADD's new parenting project,The Key, which will feature an interactive CD ROM program to guide families through a discussion about the serious responsibility of being a young driver. Connie's son, Gib, joins her in her efforts to make roads safer. Connie lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two children. Website: www.selleccasolutions.com

Cheryl Felicia Rhoads

Advisory BoardRecently seen in the romantic comedy Americanizing Shelley for American Pride Films, Cheryl Felicia Rhoads also appeared in Washington DC in her one-woman comedy show The Mother Goose Diaries. Ms. Rhoads is a veteran of Chicago's famous Second City Touring Comedy Troupe. She was the only woman comedy writer on NBC's The Motown Revue, while also co-starring with Arsenio Hall & Smokey Robinson. As an actress, Ms. Rhoads has guest starred on numerous TV shows like the ABC sitcom Rodney. She also guest-starred with Annie Potts on the hit series Any Day Now. Ms. Rhoads has also been seen on Married…with Children and Saved By The Bell, The Client to name just a few. She was also a regular on two TV series for NBC. Ms. Rhoads had a recurring role on a family drama with Ben Affleck on Against The Grain. She won the Drama Logue Award for Best Actress in Los Angeles for The Fine Line Comedy revue, and the Joseph Jefferson award for Best Actress in Chicago. Ms. Rhoads is best known to children as Mother Goose in The Mother Goose Video/DVD Treasury. She directed and co-wrote a comedy revue with Accompanied By Adults at The Groundlings in Hollywood. Ms. Rhoads was a Segment Producer for ABC's America's Funniest People, finding comedians all over the United States. Her Comedy Troupe for kids & teens was praised by New Times Los Angeles Magazine. Ms. Rhoads wrote two films. One is the comedy, Candidate 2008: The Constituencies and a drama, After Once Upon A Time was produced by Shenandoah Creek Productions. Now on Amazon. cherylrhoads.typepad.com

Mel Renfro

Advisory BoardMel Renfro, a Former pro football great and Pro Football Hall of Famer, is a native of Portland, Oregon. He attended the University of Oregon and was All-American in football and track. In 1964, Renfro was the number-two pick in the college football draft, kicking off his 14-year career as a safety and cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys from 1964-1977. Renfro was all-NFC for three seasons and played in the Pro-Bowl each year from 1964-74.Since his retirement from professional sports, Renfro has committed himself to building up the inner-city community through the efforts of the Mel Renfro Foundation. The foundation's mission is "to restore today's youth and family unit back to the basic values that were built on godly principles through a Christian based inner city 'Bridge Community Center.'" In keeping with his belief that community improvement begins with youth, Mel Renfro is excited to be part of the PTC's effort to hold Hollywood and advertisers responsible for the content of prime time TV. Website: www.melrenfrofoundation.org

Paul Porter

Advisory BoardPaul Porter is the founder Rap Rehab which is comprised of a consortium of industry leaders and media professionals whose broad range of experiences offer unique benefits to their clients. Paul Porter has served as a Program Director and talent for BET; consulted for AOL Music, the NBA and Sound Exchange; and negotiated licensing deals with Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, Good Morning America and ESPN. As an expert in the music business with over thirty years of experience, he has been featured on CNN, Fox News, the New York Times, LA Times, and Entertainment Tonight. Regarded as a music rights activist, Porter is also on the Advisory Board of the Parents Television Council. Paul Porter, has even been summoned to testify before Congress. America's music industry has changed drastically in recent decades. Nowadays, music production is a very small component of what determines success for an artist. The numbers of independent artist and separation from the pack is now harder than ever. Brand building is a complex matrix of relationship-building, social media, marketing, promotion and multimedia production that very few people have a clear and comprehensive knowledge of. Rap Rehab was created to be a one-stop shop situated in this ever-changing cultural landscape known as "the music business." From artists to fans, our information and perspective will keep you well-informed. We’re here to help you turn your music into self-sustaining streams of revenue. From our "Free 15" video chat series to our emphasis on cost effective strategies, Rap Rehab is enhancing your knowledge and maximizing your value. Take advantage of Rap Rehab 30 years in the music industry today. With Paul Porter as its guiding light, Rap Rehab is guaranteed to offer the best that the music industry has to offer. See more about Paul's work at http://raprehab.com/

Father Val J. Peter

Advisory BoardFor 20 years from 1985 to 2005, Father Peter was Executive Director and now is Executive Director Emeritus of Girls and Boys Town, the original Father Flanagan's Boys' Home. He presided over the expansion of Boys Town from little house on the prairie to sites in 17 states and the District of Columbia. Besides the Village of Boys Town, Nebraska, which includes more than 70 homes, 500 youth, two schools and a vocational career center, Father Peter oversaw programs stretching from coast to coast, directly caring for more than 43,000 troubled boys and girls each year, directly assisting 250,000 children and families through the Girls and Boys Town National Hotline and indirectly assisting more than 1 million children and families. These programs were initiated to make Father Flanagan's dream of changing the way America cares for his children a reality. Father Peter is now in a position as Emeritus to spend more time working with wonderful organizations such as the Parents TV Council and the thousands of alums around the country. Father Peter stresses, "the most important thing we can do here at Girls and Boys Town is not only to heal the wounds, but to make these children whole again – so they can become a strong, positive force to touch other lives." Father Peter has served on the boards or committees of more than 20 national and local organizations and has published 11 books and more than 50 scholarly articles. He holds doctorate degrees in canon law and theology. His service to children as a youth advocate, educator and friend, has spanned more than four decades.

Robert W. Peters

Advisory BoardRobert W. Peters is president of Morality in Media, Inc., a nonprofit organization founded in New York City in 1962 to combat obscenity and uphold standards of decency in the media. During his 14 years as president, Mr. Peters has been a speaker and lecturer at numerous conferences, debates, seminars and other events sponsored by pro-family and religious organizations, colleges and law schools, and professional societies. He has written articles for various publications and has been interviewed by local, national and international print media, including newspapers such as: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Chicago Tribune, The Dallas Morning News, Detroit Free Press, Los Angeles Times, The Miami Herald, The New York Times, New York’s Daily News and Newsday, New York Post, The Philadelphia Inquirer, San Francisco Chronicle, The Washington Post and USA Today. Mr. Peters has also appeared on numerous television shows such as: CNN’s “Larry King Live” and CNN Headline News' "Glen Beck;" Fox News Channel’s “Hannity & Colmes” and “The O'Reilly Factor”; MSNBC’s “Hardball with Chris Matthews” and “Scarborough Country;” PBS’ “The News Hour with Jim Lehrer”; ABC Evening News and “PrimeTime”; CBS Evening News and “48 Hours”; and NBC Nightly News and “Today” show; and been interviewed on hundreds of local and national radio programs and by nationally syndicated radio news networks. Mr. Peters is the author of “It Will Take more than Parental use of Filtering Software to Protect Children from Pornography on the Internet” (31 N.Y. University School of Law Review of Law & Social Change 829, 2007); “Once Again, U.S. Supreme Court Thinks It Knows Better Than Congress” (Spring 2005 issue of NEXUS: A Journal of Opinion, Chapman University School of Law); "'Marketplace of Ideas' or Anarchy: What Will Cyberspace Become?" (Spring 2000 issue of the Mercer Law Review); and "Information Superhighway or Technological Sewer: What Will It Be?" (December 1994 issue of the Federal Communications Law Journal). A graduate of New York University School of Law, Mr. Peters joined Morality in Media in 1985 as a staff attorney and in two years was named Assistant Director of the National Obscenity Law Center, a project of Morality in Media that serves as a clearinghouse in obscenity law. He was appointed President of Morality in Media in 1992. Mr. Peters has drafted state and local obscenity and related laws and testified before state and local legislative bodies. He has prepared official Comments to the FCC on the subjects of broadcast indecency and the TV ratings and testified at a public hearing of the FCC on the subject of TV violence. Mr. Peters has also authored amicus curiae briefs for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court in support of federal Laws regulating indecent material on broadcast and cable TV and by means of telephone ("dial-a-porn") and computer. Mr. Peters has testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee in support of the Pornography Victims Compensation Act, and in 1992 Congress enacted legislation, patterned in part after a proposal submitted by Mr. Peters, to address the problem of indecent programming on cable TV leased access channels. In June 1996, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the 1992 law. In 2003, the U.S. Senate enacted Senate Concurrent Resolution 77, which Mr. Peters proposed and drafted. Resolution 77 expresses the will of Congress that “the Federal obscenity laws should be vigorously enforced throughout the United States.” Mr. Peters was born in LaSalle, Illinois in 1949 and graduated from Dartmouth College in 1971. While at Dartmouth, he co-captained Dartmouth's 1970 undefeated football team and also spent a semester teaching at a Catholic elementary and high school that served Clarksdale, Mississippi’s black community. He graduated from New York University School of Law in 1975 and was admitted to the New York Bar in 1976. Following law school, Mr. Peters spent a year representing indigent tenants in Manhattan’s landlord-tenant court and later worked in a non-legal capacity with a New York City nonprofit organization to curb the decline in morality. For this work, he received an Effective Citizenship Award from John Cardinal O'Connor for translating "concern for the welfare of children into effective action on their behalf."

Jim Otto

Advisory BoardIn 1980, Jim Otto was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, on the 20th anniversary of his first American Football League season. He was the first Oakland Raider and only the third AFL graduate to be so honored—a remarkable feat considering that he wasn't even offered a contract by any National Football League team. It was no surprise that Otto was elected to the Hall in his first year of eligibility. For 13 straight years, he was All-Pro, the only all-AFL center in the league's history, followed by three years as an all-AFC-NFC Pro Bowl selection. He played in each of the AFL's all-star games and in the first three AFC-NFC Pro Bowl games. Altogether, Otto played 308 games as a Raider, including 210 straight regular-season games as a starter, 73 pre-season contests, 12 all-star matches and 13 playoff games, among them Super Bowl II.

Michael Medved

Advisory BoardMichael Medved is a film critic, best-selling author and nationally syndicated radio talk show host. His daily three-hour program, emphasizing the intersection of politics and pop culture, reaches more than 1.8 million listeners in 124 markets, coast to coast. Born in Philadelphia, raised in San Diego, Mr. Medved graduated with honors from Yale and then attended Yale Law School-where his classmates included Bill and Hillary Clinton. After working as a screenwriter in Hollywood, he reviewed movies for CNN, and later as chief film critic for the New York Post. He also served for twelve years as co-host of "Sneak Previews," the nationally televised weekly movie review show on PBS-TV. Mr. Medved is the author of eight non-fiction books, including the national bestseller What Really Happened to the Class of '65 (the basis for a popular TV series on NBC), as well as the definitive history of the White House chiefs of staff, The Shadow Presidents. His most influential-and controversial-work was a best-selling indictment of the entertainment industry, Hollywood Vs. America. England's prestigious Guardian newspaper wrote: "Just Occasionally, a book changes the way the world thinks. Michael Medved's Hollywood Vs. America is such a book." Most recently, Mr. Medved collaborated with his wife, Dr. Diane Medved, a clinical psychologist and author in her own right, on Saving Childhood: Protecting Our Children from the National Assault on Innocence. In October, 1998, the Wall Street Journal wrote: "If Saving Childhood isn't an important book, I don't know what one would look like." Mr. Medved has been a frequent guest on all the major TV talk shows, including Larry King Live, Nightline, Oprah, David Letterman, Good Morning America and countless others. His columns on media and society appear regularly in USA Today, where he serves as a member of the Board of Contributors. The Medveds live in the Seattle area with their three children. Michael Medved's Website

Holly McClure

Advisory BoardHolly McClure is a media personality who has successfully maintained current exposure on television, radio and in print. She is the featured film critic for Crosswalk.com and for the past decade, her unique and informative family friendly movie reviews have enlightened moviegoers in The Orange County Register. Holly has been a radio talk show host since the early 90's hosting a variety of programs such as Holly McClure Live, Holly on Hollywood, For Women Only and others. Holly is frequently asked to speak about how our culture is influenced by the entertainment and media industry from her recent book, Death by Entertainment: Exposing Hollywood's Seductive Power Over You and Your Family (Lionshead Publishing). Holly has made numerous appearances on Politically Incorrect, The Montel Williams Show, FOX NEWS and CNN, as well as national talk radio shows. She is known for her conservative position on various political, social and entertainment issues, as well as being an advocate for family values. Holly serves on The Biola University Film Task Force, The Parents Television Council, The Dove Foundation and is a member of The Broadcast Film Critics Association. Holly is a dynamic speaker and for the last decade has passionately and humorously brought her message to a variety of groups including, "Women of Faith," singles conferences, MOPS, church events, youth groups and has even lectured and served on media panels at USC and Biola University. Website: www.hollymcclure.com

Seth Matlins

Advisory BoardSeth Matlins is a former CAA Agent, former Global Chief Marketing Officer of Live Nation, former President of Rock the Vote, and Founder/CEO of Feel More Better. He currently serves as the Founder of That Was Then Enterprises, which provides advisory services to major brands and organizations embracing pro-social marketing as a growth accelerant and as a means of driving double bottom-line impact. Mr. Matlins is the creator and lead sponsor of federal legislation now in Congress - The Media and Public Health Act - requiring truth-in-advertising labeling to be put on any ad altering a model’s physical appearance in post-production. fashionista.com/2014/05/truth-in-advertising

Jerry Mathers

Advisory BoardJerry Mathers is best-known for his iconic role as Theodore “the Beaver” Cleaver on the classic television program Leave it to Beaver, appearing in all 234 episodes of the six-season series. The original sitcom has been shown in over 80 countries and in 40 languages. In addition to his numerous appearances on television, in film, on Broadway, and over the radio airwaves, Mr. Mathers served in the United States Air Force Reserve and pursued a successful career in real estate development. He is a respected and frequent spokesperson on helping people who are dealing with major healthcare issues. His affinity for the PTC’s mission is demonstrated by his frequent comparison to the mythical Cleavers of the 1950’s to critique the entertainment industry in general with an emphasis on early television and the impact of current media and popular culture upon our society. www.jerrymathers.com

Coleman Luck

Advisory BoardColeman Luck is a writer and producer with decades of experience in the entertainment industry of Hollywood. After attending Northern Illinois University and the University of Southern California, Luck entered the film industry with the sale of a script to United Artists. During the years that followed, he sold his work to Twentieth Century Fox, MGM, Disney, and others. Along with his wife, writer/producer Carel Gage Luck, he was contracted to write an animated musical feature film entitled The Greatest King, based on the life of Jesus. Luck’s television experience includes writing and producing such series as The Equalizer, Gabriel’s Fire, Matrix, The Burning Zone and others. Recently, he finished writing his first novel entitled Wind Sunday. With an extensive background as a magician and mental illusionist, coupled with his knowledge of Hollywood, Luck travels and lectures on The Power of Misperception. Luck was decorated six times for his actions in combat including the Bronze Star for valor, while serving as an Army officer in Vietnam.

Blanche Lincoln

Advisory BoardOn November 3, 1998, Senator Blanche L. Lincoln made history when she became the youngest woman ever elected to the United States Senate at the age of 38 – a milestone that still exist today. Lincoln made history again on September 9, 2009, when she became the first female to serve as Chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee in its 184-year history. During her 16 year career in the U.S. Congress, first as a two-term member of the House of Representatives and then as a two-term member of the U.S. Senate, she built a reputation as a results-oriented, bipartisan legislator. She served on the several Committees in Congress; including, the House Committee on Agriculture, House Energy and Commerce Committee, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Senate Special Committee on Aging, and the Senate Finance Committee and is widely recognized as a national leader in the areas of agriculture, anti-hunger, aging, healthcare, international trade, taxes, and energy policy. As one of the Finance Committee’s top-ranking Democrats, Lincoln was named the first woman Democratic Senator to lead a Finance Committee Subcommittee. During her time on the Finance Committee, she went on to Chair two Subcommittees and helped develop and pass legislation reducing taxes, improving healthcare, and expanding international trade. As a farmer’s daughter, she became known as a champion of production agriculture who fought to ensure that producers were able to continue to provide the safest, most abundant, and affordable supply of food and fiber to meet the global needs of the 21st century.Senator Lincoln is a Helena, Arkansas native where her mother, Martha Kelly Lambert, still resides. She received a bachelor’s degree from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg, Virginia and together with her husband, Dr. Steve Lincoln, are the proud parents of twin boys, Reece and Bennett. In her spare time, she enjoys duck hunting and fishing with her family.

Naomi Judd

Advisory BoardNaomi Judd's illustrious music career as "Country's Cinderella" took off in the 1980s as she and her daughter Wynonna climbed the charts. The Judds have sold over 20 million albums; won six Grammys, nine Country Music Association awards, and eight Billboard Music Awards, and recorded 14 number-one hits. In addition to her success as a singer and musician, Ms. Judd has tried her hand at acting and producing. She co-executive produced the TV biography of the Judds, Naomi and Wynonna: Love Can build a Bridge. In addition, she guest-starred in episodes of The Client, Sisters, and Touched By an Angel. She also currently hosts specials on the Family Channel, Very Personal with Naomi Judd, which features interviews with guests ranging from Jay Leno and Larry King to Rosie O'Donnell, Tim Allen, and Jane Seymour. In 1991, Naomi was forced into early retirement from music after being diagnosed with the blood disease Hepatitis C. Now free of the illness, Naomi has focused her energies on humanitarian projects including the Naomi Judd Education and Research Fund for the American Liver Foundation and serving as the national spokesperson for the Foundation. Naomi also is spokesperson and board member of the national volunteer initiative, Make-a-Difference-Day, and chairwoman for MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). Naomi also hosts the annual Naomi Judd Food Drive, and raised 35,000 pounds of food for Feed the Children last year. Naomi shares her personal struggles and triumphs in her popular motivational speaking tour. In May 1999, Naomi brought her inspirational message to a wider audience with a nationally syndicated radio show, Heart to Heart with Naomi Judd, in which she combines music, humor, and insights into faith and values. Heart to Heart can be heard on country music stations nationwide every Sunday from 8:00 p.m. to midnight ET. Ms. Judd currently lives in Tennessee with her husband, Larry Strickland. Her family includes her daughters, musician Wynonna and actress Ashley Judd, and two grandchildren. Website: www.naomijudd.com

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