Washington Leaders Speak Out In Support Of Entertainment Industry At EIC'S PRISM Awards Capitol Hill Showcase -- Hosted by TV Personality Melissa

Washington, CA (Billboard Publicity Wire) February 8, 2007 -- The Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. (EIC) held the 10th Annual PRISM Awards Capitol Hill Showcase, hosted by EIC Board Director and television personality Melissa Rivers. The event showcased outstanding accomplishments in the accurate depiction of drug, alcohol and tobacco use, addiction, and related mental health issues in feature film, television and music. It featured several top congressional representatives acknowledging the important role the entertainment industry plays in addressing these issues. The event took place in the Russell Senate Office Building, Caucus Room SR-325.

"There is clearly a tremendous and unique role that the entertainment media plays in public health education through accurate depictions," said Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (D-CA). "I commend them and truly believe that these depictions in TV shows and movies can help to decrease drug, alcohol and tobaccos use, addiction, and related mental health issues, by removing their stigma, clarifying misconceptions and supporting the message for recovery. We should ensure research and development funding to protect future generations, as illnesses and conditions affecting the brain deserve the same focus and attention as any other ailment."

"I am honored once again to be associated with the PRISM Awards," said Congresswoman Diane Watson (D-CA). "TV shows, films, and other types of entertainment reach millions in a matter of minutes. I congratulate this year's PRISM Awards for recognizing the efforts of the entertainment industry to address the serious issue of substance abuse."

It was announced by Brian Dyak, president and CEO of EIC, that for the 11th Annual PRISM Awards, two separate categories for depiction of bipolar disorder and mental health are being added. "We have had great success with the PRISM Awards in recognizing productions dealing with substance abuse, and are looking toward expanding
to other issue areas. The first such expansion is going to be for entertainment addressing mental health issues."

David Rehr, president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), said, "It is important to us as Broadcasters that there be a better understanding of what we bring to the table when it comes to our role in accepting social responsibility. Our roots are in communities…radio and television has an enormous power to further the PRISM Awards message."

Rivers' participation in this event was in sharp contrast to her usual appearances on the red carpet of Hollywood award shows where she interviews celebrities about their wardrobe. Dealing with the tragic suicide of her father in 1987 when she was just 19, her eyes were opened to the consequences of substance abuse and suicide. She has committed to serving on EIC's Board of Directors with the plan of further encouraging the entertainment industry's involvement in these and other issues.

Over 200 elected and federal agency officials were in attendance. Additional speakers included Terry Cline, Ph.D., Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA); and Dr. William L. Dewey, Chair of the Friends of NIDA.

The Capitol Hill Showcase highlighted winning clips from the upcoming 10th Annual PRISM Awards telecast which includes examples of accurate depictions of substance abuse in movies and on television. The telecast will soon air on the FX Network. This event is supported by a bi-partisan Congressional Host Committee of the House and Senate. Senator Orrin Hatch is the sponsoring senator with a compliment of co-chairs from both sides of the aisle.

Co-sponsors of the PRISM Awards Capitol Hill Showcase are FX Network, News Corporation, Friends of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the National Association of Broadcasters, and the Washington, D.C. chapter of Women in Film & Video.

EIC, a non-profit organization, was founded in 1983 by leaders of the entertainment industry to bring the power of the industry to bear on health and social issues. The organization is considered to be the grand daddy and chief pioneer of entertainment advocacy outreach and one of the premiere success stories in the field of entertainment education and information resources for entertainment creators, through innovative and time-proven services and methods of "encouraging the art of making a difference" from within the entertainment industry.

Among the issues EIC addresses are: drug, alcohol, and tobacco use and addiction; firearm safety and injury prevention; sun safety and skin cancer prevention; human trafficking; terrorism and homeland security; mental health and mental illness, including bipolar disorder, depression and suicide; diabetes; seat belt use and traffic safety; and HIV/AIDS prevention. EIC's website is located at www.eiconline.org.

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