MPAA’s Dodd To Chair Free Speech Week Council

The Media Institute and the Motion Picture Association of America, announced today that MPAA Chairman-CEO Chris Dodd will be the chair of the 2013 Advisory Council for Free Speech Week (FSW), a nationwide celebration of free speech.

Free Speech Week is an annual event celebrated during the third week of October. It has traditionally featured panel discussions, events and other programs sponsored by the many participant organizations and intended to celebrate, promote and protect free speech in America. This year’s Free Speech Week will take place Oct. 21-27.

Dodd served in the U.S. Congress representing Connecticut for 36 years — six years in the House of Representatives and 30 years in the Senate. In 2011, he was named chairman-CEO of the MPAA, which serves as the voice and advocate of the U.S. motion picture, home video, and television industries around the world.

“I am honored and delighted to head the Advisory Board and advocate for a cause that affects so many Americans in so many different industries, and remains fundamental to the core values of our country,” Dodd said in a statement. “The motion picture and television industry has always and will continue to be at the forefront of advancing free expression and encouraging creativity and innovation through the First Amendment; we welcome this opportunity to celebrate our steadfast commitment to these important principles.”

“Coming from an industry where creative expression is paramount, Senator Dodd brings a special appreciation for the value of free speech in our society,” said Media Institute President Patrick Maines.

Dodd will be joined on the Free Speech Week Advisory Council by several other representatives of the media and entertainment industries, including:

• Senator Gordon Smith, president-CEO, National Association of Broadcasters

• Michael Powell, president-CEO, National Cable & Telecommunications Association

• Caroline Little, president-CEO, Newspaper Association of America

• Bob Pittman, chairman-CEO, Clear Channel

• Cary Sherman, chairman-CEO, Recording Industry Association of America

• Gary Shapiro, president-CEO, Consumer Electronics Association

• Walter McCormick, president-CEO, USTelecom

• Mindy Hutchison, executive director, National Press Photographers Association

Partner organizations in 2012 included a diverse collection of companies, educational institutions, trade associations, and advocacy groups such as The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of  Free Expression, Bill of Rights Institute,Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, AOL, the American Bar Association and many others. Companies, nonprofit groups, educational institutions and individuals are encouraged to celebrate Free Speech Week by conducting their own free-speech activities during that week.