May 25, 2005
For Immediate Release
Contact:

Francesca Jensen
Interim Director of Communications
National Coalition for the Protection of Children & Families
513/521-6227, ext. 102

Cincinnati— Dr. Jerry Kirk, founder and chairman of the National Coalition for the Protection of Children & Families, and Rick Schatz, president and CEO of the organization, met with Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin and four members of the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau on May 23. 

The meetings, requested by the National Coalition and the Religious Alliance Against Pornography, also included delegates from RAAP, the National Law Center for Children & Families and Long Island Citizens for Community Values.

Schatz and Kirk met first with the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, including Catherine Seidel, deputy chief of the Bureau.  The WTB handles nearly all FCC domestic wireless telecommunications programs, policies and outreach intiatives and deals with issues concerning licensing and regulations on cell phones, PDAs, iPods, Game Boys and other emerging technologies.

“We shared our concerns about the production and distribution of pornography and live pornographic acts over new communication vehicles such as PDAs and iPods,” said Schatz.  “The WTB recognizes that this is a serious problem, especially for children. They are committed to taking whatever action is appropriate and legal to control content over new technologies.”

The WTB also acknowledged they are just learning about these issues and continuing to do significant research and education. “It was encouraging to interact with the members as they asked for our input and potential solutions we have seen,” Schatz added.  “We shared that we believe the solution is a combination of parental education, industry discipline and support and enforcement of laws and regulations by government agencies like the FCC.  The members agreed that it would take a multifaceted approach to win the battle. They are committed to partnering with us and we indicated our support for their enforcement efforts.”

The second meeting with FCC Chairman Martin focused on the National Coalition’s concerns regarding the distribution of obscenity and indecency over cable and satellite TV and satellite radio.  Currently, these systems are not under the regulatory responsibility of the FCC. 

“Chairman Martin recognizes this is a serious problem.  Not only are these communication vehicles unregulated, but also network TV continues to push the envelope of sexual content and language in order to compete,” noted Schatz.  “Chairman Martin indicated a number of possible solutions have been discussed, but need further clarification and thought.”

Possible solutions include an equal decency standard for all media and communication systems for network TV, cable, satellite and satellite radio.  Martin also suggested “unbundling” cable and satellite programming so parents can choose the content that comes into their homes.  Lastly, a family-friendly package for cable and satellite TV was suggested, which would exclude programs like MTV and FX.

“Chairman Martin and the WTB were very encouraged that we stand behind them. It is likely that new legislation and regulations will be needed and the National Coalition will work with our legal experts and other pro-family groups to help develop the most effective legislation possible,” Schatz said.

The National Coalition has previously met with six attorneys general, President Ronald Reagan, President George H.W. Bush and numerous Senators and Congressmen.