4/26/2007
Media Contact:
Justin Ohlemiller, [317] 327-3690 |
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Mayor: FCC television violence report on target with call for action to protect young people
Washington, DC -- Statement by Bart Peterson, president of the National League of Cities and mayor of Indianapolis:
“The report issued yesterday by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reinforces the importance of protecting our young people from exposure to the type of violence prevalent in media today – from video games that engage children as active participants in the mayhem to the equally disturbing images of violent acts that come to young viewers through television, films, and the Internet.
“I am deeply troubled by the culture of violence that pervades all forms of media readily available to youth. Just last week, the National League of Cities held a summit on this issue in Indianapolis, engaging local officials, entertainment industry representatives, parents and national experts on the issue of media violence and its impact on children. We sought common ground and identified steps municipal leaders can take to educate parents and their communities on this issue.
“The FCC report addresses several issues related to violence on television that deserve careful consideration as we move this critical debate forward, but there is one overriding theme made clear in the report: more must be done to protect our children from the harmful effects of media violence. We don’t have to wait for congressional action or more regulation, however, to make a difference. Mayors, neighborhood leaders, teachers and others can start now and bring this important topic front and center in their own communities.
“For the health of our communities and the safety of our children, we as parents and community leaders must act now.”
For more information on the National League of Cities’ Media Violence Summit or to view a short video “call to action”, go to www.nlc.org. Or contact Sherry Conway Appel, 202-626-3003 or Laura Sweeney, 202-626-3051.
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