In an unusual two-hour meeting held in Beverly Hills Thursday, White House officials and top television executives met to discuss how Hollywood could help support the war on terrorism.
Roughly 25 people from the entertainment industry were in attendance, including Oscar-winning actress Sally Field, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences chairman Bryce Zabel and CBS president Leslie Moonves.
Four White House representatives were there, including deputy assistant to the President Chris Henrick and associate director of the Office of Public Liaison Adam Goldman.
“It was a meeting about what Hollywood could do for the nation,” Moonves told Reuters. “We talked about shows, and how we could contribute to the fabric of America.”
“We all share the mutual interest of wanting to do whatever is best for our country, and communication is a powerful tool,” Zabel added.
The meeting is the first step in forming an “arts and entertainment task force” to bring the Bush administration together with the entertainment community, according to a report in Daily Variety. Some of the initiatives talked about involved ways to mobilize the communications systems, such as satellites and cable TV, to promote more of a global understanding. As well, short films may be aired to educate viewers about biological weapons like anthrax or other tools of war.
However, no specifics were decided Thursday. Zabel also stated that no one suggested launching any sort of propaganda campaigns.
“The message of America is reflected by what television shows and films they’re watching. I don’t think anyone is looking for Hollywood to make another Frank Capra ‘Why We Fight,'” Zabel explained, referring to the war documentary made by the famed director during World War II.
“I think those times are gone, and we have a more sophisticated audience and entertainment industry,” Zabel said.
