TV Content Ratings Board Reconnects Phone Line

Viewers can once again dial the TV Parental Guidelines Monitoring Board if they have an issue with how a TV show is rated for content.

Big Tech’s Shifting Lobbying Army

 Lines are blurring or becoming more stark among different tech, media and telecom companies. Telecom companies are producing content, while platform companies are exploring new services like internet connections. That means sectors are no longer staying in their lanes, and regulatory scrutiny is shifting.

Netflix Joins MPAA As First Streaming Member

NEW YORK (AP) — On the same day Netflix scored its first best picture nomination from the Oscars, the steaming company is also joining the lobbying group the Motion Picture […]

MPAA: TV, Digital Content Surge Adding Jobs

Hollywood is adding jobs and giving a boost to small businesses around the country as studios continue to ramp up production of TV series and digital content, according to a report released Tuesday by the Motion Picture Assn. of America.

MPAA Wins Copyright Case Vs. Chinese Streamer

MPAA’s Dodd Out, Rivkin To Replace Him

Chris Dodd is stepping down as head of the Motion Picture Association of America. He will be replaced by Charles Rivkin, the former assistant secretary of state for economic and business affairs under President Barack Obama. Though not as well known as Dodd, Rivkin boasts film business and Beltway ties. He was president of The Jim Henson Co. and ambassador to France and Monaco, and is considered to be well connected in Washington. He will join the organization on Sept. 5.

NAB Among Groups Supporting Copyright Bill

A bill introduced in Congress Thursday that would give Donald Trump and all future presidents the authority to appoint the head of the U.S. Copyright Office has received the endorsement of the Directors Guild of America and Motion Picture Association of America as well as the NAB, whose CEO Gordon Smith said: “As representatives of both significant owners and users of copyrighted material, NAB supports passage of this bill and will continue to work with lawmakers on broader efforts to modernize the copyright office.”

NCTA, MPAA Slam FCC’s Set-Top Do-Over

Bennett New MPAA Communications EVP

Matt Bennett takes over the movie trade association’s top public relations spot in Washington.

Chris Ortman New MPAA Chief Spokesperson

The government and public policy expert becomes VP of corporate communications, succeeding Kate Bedingfield who left in August. The trade group also promoted Sam Newton to deputy director, corporate communications.

MPAA Exec Michael O’Leary Steps Down

TV, Film Launch Violence Info Campaign

A multimedia public service effort is designed to raise parental awareness of TV and film ratings, parental controls, media literacy and mental health issues.

Interim MPAA Head Bob Pisano Exiting Sept. 30

MPAA Names Chris Dodd New Chairman

The moguls have finally chosen the new chief of the Motion Picture Association of America. It is former Connecticut Senator Christopher Dodd, named Chairman and CEO on today. Dodd, 66, will replace interim head Bob Pisano.

Chris Dodd Front-Runner For MPAA Chief

Hollywood’s seemingly endless search for an industry lobbyist appears to be zeroing in on former Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.). Dodd, a former U.S. Democratic presidential hopeful who recently retired from the Senate, has long been a candidate to head the Motion Picture Association of America, replacing former Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman, who resigned as chief executive a year ago.

Tom Davis Next Up For MPAA Chairman

Republican Tom Davis is currently the front-runner candidate to become chairman of the Motion Picture Association of America. Thomas Milburn Davis III, 61, is a former representative to the House of Representatives for northern Virginia. He is a moderate who resigned from Congress in 2008.