Media Groups Talk Parental Tools for Addressing Violent Content

Statement suggests White House meeting with VP was not contentious

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/11/2013 8:44:01 AM

Media trade group heads issued a joint statement late Thursday following their meeting with Vice President Joe Biden on the issue of gun violence and it sounded like the meeting squared with their expectations of a conversation rather than an accusation.

"The entertainment community appreciates being included in the dialogue around the Administration's efforts to confront the complex challenge of gun violence in America," they said. "This industry has a longstanding commitment to provide parents the tools necessary to make the right viewing decisions for their families. We welcome the opportunity to share that history and look forward to doing our part to seek meaningful solutions."

There was no pool coverage, but according to source speaking on background, the meeting was being viewed from the media side as the beginning of a conversation about what the federal government can do about gun violence and what input the entertainment industry can provide about what, if any, impact media violence has on behavior, as well as how the industry provides education and awareness about entertainment content -- ratings, parental controls.

The statement was issued by the Directors Guild of America, Independent Film & Television Alliance, Motion Picture Association of America, NAB, National Association of Theatre Owners and NCTA.