MPAA Chairman/CEO Chris Dodd is going to head up the Free Speech Week Advisory Council, which will be populated by a number of other prominent communications industry leaders, including NAB’s Gordon Smith and Clear Channel’s Bob Pittman.
The bulk of the council is filled by leaders of various trade associations. Included are two former senators (Dodd and Smith) and former FCC Chairman Michael Powell, now heading NCTA.
The Media Institute is the driving force behind the event, which will take place 10/21-27 this year.
“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,” said Dodd. “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.”
In addition to Dodd, the council membership includes:
* Senator Gordon Smith, president and CEO, National Association of Broadcasters
* Michael Powell, president and CEO, National Cable & Telecommunications Association
* Caroline Little, president and CEO, Newspaper Association of America
* Bob Pittman, chairman and CEO, Clear Channel (last year’s chair of the FSW Advisory Council)
* Cary Sherman, chairman and CEO, Recording Industry Association of America
* Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Electronics Association
* Walter McCormick, president and CEO, USTelecom
* Mindy Hutchison, executive director, National Press Photographers Association
