NAB Expresses Support for Rockefeller Violence Research Bill

On the news that Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D- WV) planned next week to mark up his Violent Content Research Act of 2013 -- it was referred to committee July 24 and is scheduled for a July 30 markup -- National Association of Broadcasters president Gordon Smith, himself a former senator, said his members support the inquiry.

"Given the conflicting scientific data, NAB supports chairman Rockefeller's bill requiring more research to determine whether a link exists between violent content and real-life violence. Broadcasters support community decency standards attendant to our broadcast licenses," Smith said. "In response to horrific acts of violence, NAB has worked with the White House, the Department of Health and Human Services and a bipartisan group of lawmakers to produce public service announcements focused on youth mental health issues. We have done so in hopes that greater civility can be restored to society and that incidences of societal violence can be reduced."