MPAA chief Dodd warns against regulating violent content in film

Published reports say MPAA chairman Chris Dodd, in an appearance at the National Press Club, warned against efforts to regulate violence in films and instead suggested that the film industry will work with the White House on voluntary steps to help parents decide what movies and TV shows are appropriate for children. Parents organizations s and state lawmakers have suggested limiting marketing of violent movies and videogames.

Asked whether Hollywood there is too much violence in videogames and movies, Dodd said the industries give people enough "choices across the spectrum," but warns that "if you start to get into the business of trying to regulate content, that is a very slippery slope." Dodd said that the focus should be on "giving people the information they need to make their choice" of what to watch, adding that "we are working to provide whatever support and assistance we can" to the White House. Dodd said more attention should be paid to mental health, noting "that is the space where we really need attention In the wake of the shootings in Newtown, Conn., Dodd met with Vice President Joseph Biden last month, along with other industry leaders, to come up with ways to combat violence. They came up with a proposal and a $10 million study by the Centers for Disease Control on the impact of violence in the media and videogames.

This was Dodd's first speech before the Press Club since he took the job as MPAA.

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