Game over for the National Institute on Family and the Media
The National Institute on Family and the Media is shutting down, as the economy forces the media watchdog group to Minneapolis-based to close its doors. The National Institute on Family and the Media, founded by psychologist David Walsh and funded mostly by Fairview Health Services, is best known for its annual MediaWise Video Game Report Card, which often criticized game makers for creating and marketing mature themed games to children.
“Thank you for 14 years of amazing accomplishments and success, said a personal message on the organization’s web site today. “Though our doors will close on December 31, 2009, our important work and programs will continue through you.”
A blog post by David Walsh further explains why the organazation is shutting down – and most of it points to the current state of the economy.
“Two years ago, the National Institute on Media and the Family’s board of directors started strategic discussions about the organization’s evolving mission and goals. The current challenging economic environment accelerated those discussions. As a result, the Institute’s board of directors made the decision to close the Institute, effective December 31, 2009 and to begin transitioning the programs to other organizations who share our mission and values.”
The National Institute on Family and the Media says that it will transition many of its programs and initiatives to other national organizations, and founder David Walsh promises to continue speaking out on the things he feels are important like the affects of violent media on children.
