Joint Statement Regarding White House Nomination of Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 25, 2009) – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), Directors Guild of America (DGA), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada (IATSE), Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) today released the following statement:

“We welcome the announcement today by President Obama of the nomination of Victoria Espinel to the position of this Administration’s Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator. There is no issue more important to our unions than the protection of the films and television programs that our members create. Too often in public debate these works are given the abstract labels of ‘content’ or ‘information.’ In reality however, they are much more than that—they are one of our country’s greatest economic and cultural contributions loved by both the American public and by billions around the world. And, most importantly, they are not abstractionsP they represent real jobs and real income to millions of people in this country. We look forward to working with our Administration, Congress and the new IP Enforcement Coordinator to ensure that our films and television programs are respected and protected both here and abroad so that our children and grandchildren may enjoy them as we do today.”

About AFTRA
The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, AFL-CIO, are the people who entertain and inform America. In 32 Locals across the country, AFTRA members work as actors, journalists, singers, dancers, announcers, hosts, comedians, disc jockeys, and other performers across the media industries including television, radio, cable, sound recordings, music videos, commercials, audiobooks, non-broadcast industrials, interactive games, the Internet and other digital media. The 70,000 professional performers, broadcasters, and recording artists of AFTRA are working together to protect and improve their jobs, lives, and communities in the 21st century. From new art forms to new technology, AFTRA members embrace change in their work and craft to enhance American culture and society. Visit AFTRA online at http://www.aftra.com.

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