Parents Television Council Is Confused
From Dennis McCauley’s GamePolitics (which is owned by the ECA, a pro videogame lobby) writes: “Recent word that the Entertainment Software Association would begin making political contributions on behalf of the video game industry brought a sharp response from watchdog group the Parents Television Council. Within days of the ESA announcement, PTC president Tim Winter issued a statement essentially threatening that his organization would target any elected official who “cashed a check” from the ESA”
Meanwhile the American Beef Association weighed in on organic vegetables, the RIAA started complaining about movies, PeTA began attacking big tobacco, and the MPAA started lobbying against guns. Who knows what the NRA is doing at this point….
The Parents Television Council (celebrating 10 years of sensationalistic idiocy) is really wading into the videogame argument like a drunken hippo. They seem to have no idea what they’re talking about when it comes to gaming, and worse they’re bringing their “culture war” to consoles and computers. Is this because you play games on a TV?
The ESA is an organization that represents the video game industry. It seems natural for them to contribute money to political campaigns on behalf of their constituents (the videogame industry). The PTC isn’t a watchdog group so much as it’s a librarian with bun hairdo pulled too tight. Want to fight them directly? Join the ECA and VideoGameVoters Network.
January 25th, 2008 at 9:25 am
I have two good friends that work as lobbyists, so I don’t have this hatred that most people feel towards them. Granted, I wish politicians wouldn’t suck up to them so much, but as long as it is out in the open, I see nothing wrong with lobbying. The ESA just seems to be doing what any other industry group is doing, so I don’t see the big deal. If the PTC is so worried, why don’t they hire their own lobbyists.
January 25th, 2008 at 9:30 am
I’d be surprised if they don’t already have lobbyists! I confess I really only know the PTC for its idiotic statements – or more accurately – inaccurate statements but I bet they send a lot of money to politicians to fund their culture war. Of course the ESA has the right to do the same. Whether you like lobbying or not, it’s how our government works. If the ESA has to pay to get politicians to look at the facts about video gaming. So be it.
January 25th, 2008 at 10:52 am
“They seem to have no idea what they’re talking about when it comes to gaming”
That’s because the don’t have an idea what they’re talking about..
January 25th, 2008 at 11:19 am
I’ll admit I know next to nothing about the PTC. GD did you get my PM over on the forum?
January 25th, 2008 at 11:53 am
I find it interesting how the posturing of groups for effect is almost always disingenuous … they are going to protest against something they are very likely doing at least as much as those they would protest against!
January 25th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Hey Steve, yep!
I’m re-focusing on my planned book and my columns start soon. That’s when I’ll be in touch. I am enjoying your presence here – especially today.
I admit I know little about them too except that every single time I see their organization make a comment – I vehemently disagree with it. They’re culture warriors, their interest isn’t really in helping parents.