By Mike Markarian
George Clooney commented recently on the similarities between Hollywood and Washington: both are one-industry towns, one making television and films, the other making laws. Residents of both cities will often spot local celebrities, whether filmmakers or lawmakers. And as I write this column on a flight from Washington to Los Angeles to attend the 20th Anniversary Genesis Awards this weekend in Beverly Hills, I am struck by how much the news and entertainment industry influence our public policy and legislative work for animals.
When animal cruelty is brought to light by the entertainment industry, or by the news media, it creates public discussion of the issue, often opening the door for legislative action or other reforms. The Genesis Awards was founded two decades ago to honor writers, producers, directors, editors, and others who shine a spotlight on humane issues. This year's winners helped to advance some of our highest priority issues, including:
- CBS's drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation for an episode about surplus zoo animals used in canned hunts.
- CNN's Larry King Live for looking at the Chinese dog and cat fur industry, leading to a federal bill which would close the fur labeling loophole.
- KGO-TV in San Francisco for a report on caged hens.
- American Conservative for a cover story on factory farming.
- The Washington Post for articles exposing trophy hunters who cheat the government for big tax breaks, leading to legislation to shut down this taxidermy tax scam.
- DreamWorks' Academy Award-winning Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit for its storyline on humane solutions to urban wildlife conflicts.
- ABC's sit-com Rodney for an episode that made humorous points about eating meat.
- ABC's World News Tonight for spotlighting several animal issues including horse slaughter and elephant culling.
- Japan Times for articles about the slaughter of dolphins.
- A special feature on The Heroes of Katrina, hosted by Ben Stein, which will salute the news media for drawing attention to the plight of the disaster's animal victims.
"The news media continues to do a sterling job of spotlighting animal-protection issues, but when it came to Katrina, they surpassed themselves," says Gretchen Wyler who founded the Genesis Awards. "Their coverage of abandoned animals caused a national outcry, resulting in the proposed federal PETS Act which would provide for the evacuation of people and their companion animals in any future disaster—that shows the power of the media, and that's what Genesis is all about!"
The Genesis Awards is the brainchild of Gretchen, a Broadway star and passionate animal advocate. Under her leadership, the show has grown from a small luncheon with a few dozen people to a gala event attended by hundreds and later seen by millions when it airs each year as a primetime special on Animal Planet. Gretchen is a pioneer in the humane movement for focusing on the importance of the news and entertainment industry in making social change.
"I thought the best key to a more humane world was working with the major media and its awesome power," she once said, describing her vision of the awards. "I was very passionate about creating an award that would be given to members of the media who threw a bright spotlight on animal cruelty."
This year's Genesis Awards will be a grand finale for Gretchen, who decided to retire after a long and successful career that includes 39 years working to protect animals. Because of her vision and her legacy, more films, television shows, and news outlets will highlight the need for animal protection, and more laws will be passed to provide just that. As Gretchen says, "Cruelty can't stand the spotlight!"
Michael Markarian is Executive Vice President of The HSUS.
