MPAA Says Industry Ready “To Do Our Part” In Wake Of School Shootings
Hollywood was quick to respond to last Friday’s horrible school shooting in Newtown, Conn, cancelling red carpets and postponing TV programs that showed anything close to violent behavior involving guns and kids. But the greater industry bodies have been mostly mum. Maybe that will change now that the Obama Administration is asking for all hands on deck to address the broader issues of violence in America and politicians are beginning to focus on an entertainment culture — TV, movies and video games specifically — that many believe contributes to violent behavior. Case in point: Here’s today’s statement by MPAA chairman (and former Connecticut senator) Chris Dodd, saying the film and TV industry is ready to help.
WASHINGTON — The following is a statement from Senator Chris Dodd, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA):
“As a citizen of Connecticut and having represented the people there for 36 years in Washington, I have been shocked and profoundly saddened by this tragedy. My heart goes out to the community as I know they will carry this pain with them long after the spotlight on Newtown has dimmed.
As chairman of the MPAA and on behalf of the motion picture and television studios we represent, we join all Americans in expressing our sympathy as well as our horror and outrage at this senseless act of violence. Thus, I have reached out to the Administration to express our support for the President’s efforts in the wake of the Newtown tragedy. Those of us in the motion picture and television industry want to do our part to help America heal. We stand ready to be part of the national conversation.”
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