News Corporation Joins The $350 Million MPTF Campaign With $20 Million Commitment

LOS ANGELES, July 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF) announced today a gift of $20 million from News Corporation for its MPTF Campaign.  In making the announcement Jeffrey Katzenberg, MPTF board member and chairman of the MPTF Campaign, was joined by Michael Douglas, MPTF Foundation committee member, whose family have been long time supporters of MPTF.  The annual Michael Douglas & Friends celebrity golf event has raised millions for the charitable programs directed to the active industry workers at times of need.

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"Rupert Murdoch has been a major donor to MPTF for nearly twenty years," said Katzenberg. "He was one of the first people I approached when I became involved as Chairman of the MPTF Foundation in 1991. He said yes then and has never stopped, and now this incredible commitment from News Corporation is the ultimate expression of generosity."

"The MPTF is vital to the long-term health of the entertainment industry and provides crucial support to many valued members of the creative community," said Rupert Murdoch, Chairman and CEO of News Corporation.  "I'm so pleased we can play a role in its ongoing success and hope that this commitment will spur others within the entertainment community to get involved and join this important mission."

The $350 million MPTF Campaign is focused on meeting the needs of current industry workers as well as current and future retirees with charitable programs and services ranging from financial assistance for rent, mortgage, food and extraordinary healthcare crises to counseling and health care support for uninsured and underinsured members of the entertainment community through a new MPTF program called Bridge to Health.

MPTF President & CEO Bob Beitcher, in recognizing the donation, said, "Everyone knows the unpredictable nature of working in the entertainment industry and the needs that can arise as a result.  MPTF is only able to continue to provide a safety net because of generous donations and the gift from News Corporation is extraordinary and will surely impact thousands of lives for years to come."

About the Motion Picture & Television Fund
For 90 years, the MPTF has served as a beacon of hope for entertainment industry members in their time of need.  As a charitable organization, the MPTF provides financial assistance and services essential to the wellbeing of the community and is a leader in the development and implementation of services and programs for seniors and those who care for them.  The charity is supported by the generosity of corporate donors and fellow entertainment industry members who contribute their time and money knowing if they were ever in a tight spot, the MPTF will be there for them too.  For more information, visit www.mptvfund.org

SOURCE Motion Picture & Television Fund