Media Resource Team works with entertainment industry

from the AAP Department of Communications

For more than 10 years, the Academy has had a group of Los Angeles-based members who serve as liaisons to the entertainment industry.

Founded in 1994, the Media Resource Team (MRT) aims to improve the quality of television, film and other media programming, and to make a positive impact on the way children are influenced by what they watch. About 20 MRT members work with writers, directors, producers, network programmers and others in the entertainment industry to provide current, accurate information about the health and well-being of children, adolescents and families.

To increase awareness of the MRT, an ad touting its services ran in the Los Angeles Times on Oct. 20.

The team:

Provides accurate depictions of health situations that uphold the welfare of the child and enhance the professional status of the pediatrician.
Attempts to change depictions that might inspire or promote: violence by and against children; unsafe behavior that might lead to injury if modeled; dangerous or irresponsible sexual behavior and substance abuse.
Encourages and assists producers to include positive health and behavior messages, and recognize those who do.
Urges producers to include appropriate, socially acceptable and accurate depictions of child behavior, including interactions with parents and peers.
Works to ensure that AAP policies and positions influence program content.

“Since its inception, the MRT has consulted on many programs, including `ER,' `Law and Order,' `West Wing,' and children's shows such as `Goose-bumps' and the `Magic School Bus',” said MRT Co-chair Tanya Remer Altmann, M.D., FAAP. “Members also have assisted with such feature films as `Dances with Wolves' and `Parent Trap'.”

On a proactive level, MRT members contact representatives in the entertainment industry to ask them to cover important pediatric issues such as immunizations, the medical home and mental health, according to MRT Co-chair Michelle Shuffett, M.D., FAAP. “We then follow up and provide them with background information on the subject. It's really a fun and great way to be an advocate on behalf of children and the AAP.”

Writers and producers also contact MRT members for suggestions prior to script development on pediatric and/or family issues to cover in a show. Industry representatives also may contact MRT members during script development to ensure the editorial content is appropriate and medically accurate.

The MRT is a subcommittee of the AAP Committee on Communications and is staffed through the AAP Department of Communications.

AAP members can help the MRT by letting it know about a program or film they feel deserves recognition for its depictions of child health issues.

Members also can provide the team with the names of contacts they may have within the industry, such as producers, directors, writers and actors. To do so, e-mail MRT{at}aap.org or call the AAP Department of Communications at (800) 433-9016, ext. 7877.