NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D. C.  20554
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
TTY: 1-888-835-5322
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
October 31, 2008 Amy Blankenship at (202) 418-2500
COMMISSIONER DEBORAH TAYLOR TATE APPLAUDS SENATOR LAMAR 
ALEXANDER FOR CHILDHOOD OBESITY HEARING
I applaud Senator Alexander, Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, and ranking 
member on the Senate Subcommittee on Children and Families, for holding a hearing regarding 
the national epidemic of childhood obesity in Nashville, Tennessee. This follows on the heels of 
another national forum held by the FCC and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, specifically 
focused on the science behind childhood obesity, as well as the roles of the media and 
advertising.  As a member of the Joint Task Force on Media & Childhood Obesity, I appreciate 
the work of Congress, as well as many state and local government leaders, seeking to find new 
ways to promote healthy foods and active lifestyles.  I continue to challenge and encourage 
media, advertising, and food and beverage companies, to work toward self-regulatory solutions 
to this very real health threat.  I believe we must continue to focus national attention on this 
pressing public health issue which reportedly costs our already overburdened healthcare system 
approximately $14 billion annually.  Ten million American children are depending on us --
government leaders, parents, teachers, industry representatives, and advocates -- to work together 
to solve this epidemic.