ABOUT US |
The Media Communications Association – International (MCA-I), which turned 38 in 2009, serves over 1,500 members in 36 chapters throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Becoming MCA-I . . . MCA-I was founded as the National Industrial Television Association (NITA) by Thomas F. Hatcher, Harry Kaemmerer, Merrill Lent, and Dr. Edwin Moenckmeier, and registered in the State of New Jersey as a 501 (c) (6) association on April 3, 1970. Its first home office was in Morris, NJ. Renamed the ITVA (International Industrial Television Association) in 1973, and then shortened to the ITVA (International Television Association) in 1978, it assumed its current name in 2001 to reflect the growing diversity of its membership, a result of the expansion and convergence of communications technologies in the previous decade. From the television years . . . The founders’ mission was to create recognition and opportunity for those working in the non-broadcast and industrial communication sectors. To that end, it worked to develop uniform technical standards for manufacturers, suppliers, and users of industrial television equipment and services; to forge alliances with professionals working in related fields; and to encourage professionalism in the industry. ITVA’s original members were drawn largely from the production departments of corporations, and secondarily from independent studios. Other early members included broadcast television and radio personnel, and a somewhat smaller contingent working in film. For the communications industry, the 1970’s and 1980’s were technologically unremarkable. Content delivery, although it steadily improved in quality, was essentially the same as it had been for the past thirty years. Likewise ITVA, while it continued to grow in size and prestige, remained demographically stable. To the digital age And then everything changed. The 1990’s brought the Internet, HDTV, digital technology, the widespread use of computers, convergence, and a host of other life-changing phenomena to the world of visual communication – and to the world at large. Like almost everyone else, ITVA had to adapt to this new landscape virtually overnight. Fortunately its leaders were up to the task, restructuring the organization, acquiring a more forward-thinking management company, and finally shedding its old name for one that more accurately reflected the new face of the industry and its members. Thus the Media Communications Association – International was born. MCA-I members are a truly diverse community, serving clients around the globe, and making their mark in an ever-expanding – and increasingly digital – communications universe. With writers, producers, editors, camera operators, lighting designers, graphic artists, marketing executives, performers, and several other media sub-sectors represented in that number, it is a microcosm of the industry it serves. The history of MCA-I is still very much in the making. At 36, it is still bringing innovation and excellence to the industry, and paving the way for the next generation of media communications professionals. Now headquartered in Madison, WI, MCA-I is building an organization for the 21st Century: expanding its member network, learning new ways to serve its constituents, creating a richer and more responsive presence online, and strengthening its leadership role in the world of media communications. Professional Ethics The Media Communications Association-International recognizes the power and influence of the medium in which we work. It is because of this power that we set forth the following principles for professional behavior and ethical conduct. These principles are intended to aid members individually and collectively in maintaining a high level of professionalism in the communications industry. I. Standards of Professional Conduct MCA-I professionals will abide by the spirit and letter of all international, national, state and local laws and regulations, paying special attention to those pertaining to communications. MCA-I professionals should inform their requesting clients and supervisors of the stipulations and interpretations of laws governing copyright and ownership of material, as well as other laws affecting the communications profession. MCA-I professionals should not accept gifts, gratuities or favors that might impair or appear to impair their own professional judgment and integrity, nor those of their clients, employees or employers. Nor should they offer any favors, service or item of value to obtain undue influence. MCA-I professionals should engage in fair and equitable practices and treatment of those rendering services to themselves, their clients, employees or employers and should follow sound professional procedures for evaluation and selection of materials, equipment and services. MCA-I professionals should not use any information that was generated or acquired by a business for the benefit of another business without express written permission. MCA-I professionals should not intentionally communicate false or misleading information; should use care to avoid misleading information and follow generally accepted standards of good taste. MCA-I professionals should seek to avoid content that reinforces or promotes gender, ethnic, or religious stereotypes. MCA-I professionals should seek to encourage the development of programs and media that emphasize the diversity of our society as a multicultural community. II. Professional Equity The MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION-INTERNATIONAL believes that business relationships should be conducted in an atmosphere of professionalism with the best interests of the company and client in mind. Discrimination with regard to gender, ethnic, or religious differences has no place in a professional business relationship. All reasonable efforts should be made to protect the right of people and animals to work in an environment free from conditions harmful to health and safety. |