The task force consists of representatives of consumer advocacy groups, the food and beverage industry, media companies, and advertisers, as well as healthcare and academic experts. The participants include: American Diabetes Association, American Society for Nutrition, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychological Association, Kraft Foods, Coca-Cola Company, General Mills, The Grocery Manufacturers Association, Kellogg Company, McDonald's, PepsiCo, Ion Media Networks, Viacom, Discovery Channel, Walt Disney Company, Sesame Workshop, Black Family Channel, Telemundo, The Beverly LaHaye Institute, The Benton Foundation, Children Now, Common Sense Media, The Center for Screen Time Awareness, PTA, Parents Television Council, The Ad Council, Association of National Advertisers, American Association of Advertising Agencies.
The task force is a bipartisan effort initiated by the FCC and members of the US Senate. The Commission is represented by Chairman Kevin J. Martin and Commissioners Deborah Taylor Tate and Michael Copps. They are joined by Senator Sam Brownback and Senator Tom Harkin. The goal of the task force is to provide a forum for the public and private sectors to jointly examine the impact of the media on childhood obesity rates and collaborate on voluntary recommendations to address the alarming rise in the rates of obese children.
Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate enthusiastically comments. "I am elated that so many diverse stakeholders will be participating in this timely and important task force. The overwhelming response from family groups, health experts, food and beverage companies, as well as the media and advertising industry, clearly indicates that we all recognize childhood obesity as a societal problem. Government cannot and should not be responsible for solving every societal problem; however, this affects not only our nation's health but our budget as well. I am looking forward to joining these discussions as we seek solutions that educate and inspire Americans to live healthier and more active lifestyles."
While the Federal Communications Commission participates in the Task Force, it does not manage or control its activities. For more information about the Task Force please visit its website at http://www.fcc.gov/obesity
