WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Chairman of the House Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittee, today released a letter he received from Robert A. Iger, President and CEO of the Walt Disney Company, laying out the company’s new commitment regarding cigarette smoking in films.

Last month, Chairman Markey held a hearing focused on the images children see on screen, during which he called upon media companies to join the anti-smoking effort and help dissuade children from starting to smoke.

Rep. Markey said, “Disney’s decision to take a stand against smoking is groundbreaking and I commend CEO Bob Iger for this important commitment. Now it’s time for other media companies to similarly kick the habit and follow Disney’s lead.”

Mr. Iger’s letter to Chairman Markey conveyed that Disney expects ‘that depictions of cigarette smoking in future Disney branded films will be non-existent.’ The letter also contained Disney’s pledge to place anti-smoking public service announcements (PSA) on DVDs of any forthcoming film that includes cigarette smoking and a pledge to work with theatre owners to place similar PSAs before the showing of any new Disney Company film that includes smoking.

“We know that the presence of smoking in a movie significantly influences a child’s decision to start. This is troubling given the fact that a vast majority of smokers begin smoking before their 18th birthday,” Markey added. “I am pleased that Disney is embracing a policy that is consistent with the long term public health of the nation and my wish upon a star is that other studios and theater owners follow suit.”

Disney Co. letter to Rep. Markey