Entertainment industry groups pledge 'dialogue' on gun violence

By Richard Verrier

January 11, 2013, 5:00 a.m.

Film and television industry groups that met with the White House on Thursday evening vowed to engage in a "dialogue" over the issue of gun violence in America.

"The entertainment community appreciates being included in the dialogue around the administration’s efforts to confront the complex challenge of gun violence in America," said a statement from the Directors Guild of America, Independent Film & Television Alliance, Motion Picture Assn. of America, National Assn. of Broadcasters, National Assn. of Theatre Owners, and National Cable & Telecommunications Assn.

"This industry has a long-standing commitment to provide parents the tools necessary to make the right viewing decisions for their families,'' the group added. "We welcome the opportunity to share that history and look forward to doing our part to seek meaningful solutions."

The statement followed a two-and-a-hour meeting with the White House Task Force on Gun Violence led Vice President Joe Biden. He and other administration officials have been meeting with various groups to craft recommendations on how to stem gun violence in the wake of last month's shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut.

The tragedy has fueled debate about easy access to guns in America and whether Hollywood movies, TV shows and video games promote gun violence.

Among those who attended the meeting were Comcast Executive Vice President David Cohen; John Fithian, head of the National Assn. of Theatre Owners; MPAA Chief Executive Christopher Dodd; Jay Roth, executive director of the Directors Guild of America; Jean Prewitt, president of the Independent Film & Television Alliance; and Gordon Smith, president of the National Assn. of Broadcasters.

Those who attended the meeting declined to comment on what was discussed. It's not clear what steps, if any, industry officials are prepared to take. The MPAA, which lobbies on behalf of the major studios, has steadfastly opposed any government restrictions on content.

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Comments (18)

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dcooper0011 at 8:51 AM January 11, 2013

Government will always look at others and not themselves. War in Iraq, war in Afghanistan, war in Syria, war on women, war on drugs, war on the on the second Amendment, war on the first Amendment, war war war war debt debt debt debt. We have been at war longer then my sons have been alive. Hey Biden why don't you look in the mirror first. And by the way, What are you going to do about the Unconstitutional payments to Judges ( SBX211 ) Retro Active Immunity From Prosecution is not cutting it.

And your answer is to have cops with guns at our schools to accumulate or kids to a POLICE STATE.

twelvermp at 6:30 AM January 11, 2013

If the tv/film organizations are truly introspective, work with the government, look hard at the statistics, and come up with things they can do to stop the violence, I thank them for taking part in the overall discussion. As such a big part of American life, it is really their responsibility to do so.

Keep in mind though that based on the many variables involved, and the sheer scope of our population, these types of occurrences are impossible to completely prevent. We should not singularly focus on the media as the cause, and we must not agree to anything that would take away their rights, only for a percieved sense of accomplishment and security.

twelvermp at 6:23 AM January 11, 2013

The same ground rules should apply to everyone. Nothing should be done to infringe the film/tv industry's first amendment rights, but an open discussion with government leaders to come up with responsible solutions to stop the violence is the right move.

If this industry is truly introspective, really looks hard at the statistics, and asks their membership to voluntarily do what is in their power to help, kudos.

It should be kept in mind, however, that it was individual criminals that engaged in these acts and on the scale of our nation it is impossible to prevent such attacks from occurring again. We cannot singularly blame the media for these acts, nor can we cut back their first amendment rights for the percieved benefit of safety.

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