WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, today released the attached responses from FCC Chairman Kevin Martin and Commissioner Deborah Tate (joint response) and Commissioner Michael Copps, to Chairman Markey’s April 16, 2007, letter regarding childhood obesity and media advertising to children.

“The public health implications of childhood obesity warrant action by public officials on a number of fronts, including concrete efforts to address the role that televised food advertising during children's programming plays as a contributing factor,” said Chairman Markey.

“While the recently-formed Task Force on Media and Childhood Obesity may in the future provide insightful recommendations for the television industry and the FCC to consider in confronting this issue, any proposals it makes will ultimately be non-binding. Further, the ongoing work of the Task Force does not relieve the Commission of its own statutory role and obligation to safeguard children and the public interest. I continue to believe that the Commission should begin the process of developing a public record on problematic food advertising to children. By starting such a proceeding now, the Commission can assure the public that it is developing an adequate, and timely, policy response to an important health issue.”

Rep. Markey's letter

Response from Martin and Tate

Response from Copps