Many of you may ask yourself what is the MCA-I? Well my friends it’s a group of digital media professionals who provide the content for and the delivery of media communications to business, entertainment, and other end user around the world; companies that employ or commission their goods and services; suppliers to the industries they serve; educators and students. Today the MCA-I is a global community with chapter across North American and Oversea's.

MCA-I: A Very Brief History
Media Communications Association – International (MCA-I) is 40 years old.

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 IITVA (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.

Mission

We are an organization of media communications professionals that provides opportunities for networking, forums for education and resources for information.

Vision

We will become the community of professional media communications experts recognized as the definitive source of current comprehensive information, skills and connections needed to succeed in a highly competitive environment.

MCA-I's Strategic Commitment to Media Communications Professionals

The Media Communications Association-International (MCA-I) reaffirms our commitment to increase awareness of mission critical functions of media communications professionals and to support - in every stage of their career - those engaged in the profession. MCA-I's Strategic Plan, focusing association efforts through 2010, comprises three key initiatives: cultivation of partnerships; establishment of an industry university and online library and building a voice for the industry. These initiatives are underway with deliverables starting this year and a culmination to these efforts to come well before the end of the decade. They are works in progress, and we welcome your participation.

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 EQUALITY

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.