With this Winter 2010 edition of The Caucus Journal, we welcome back Bill Blinn as this edition’s Editor. Bill, a multiple award-winning writer/ producer, also serves as a Co-Chair of the Caucus and is a past Chair. At the same time, Roger Gimbel steps into emeritus status having served as Editor for fourteen Journal editions over the past seven years – eight of those with Fay Kanin as co-editor. We thank Roger for his past service as Editor, his ongoing service as a Steering Committee member, as well as service as past Chair of our organization.

One of the Caucus’ main commitments is to mentor and support new filmmakers and provide student film grants through the Caucus Foundation, overseen by its President, Chuck Fries. In this Journal issue, Bill has assembled a number of intriguing articles taking a look into the multifaceted area of the mentoring of a new generation entering the entertainment field by seasoned entertainment industry craftsmen. We veterans of television and film have accumulated a host of experiences and lessons, both good and bad, over the years. Sharing what we have learned, answering questions and giving guidance to our younger colleagues can help them in plotting their own roadmaps to their career objectives and, perhaps, avoid a few potholes along the way. Mentoring is a great experience for both the mentor and the mentee – both sides learn and are stimulated in a win-win experience.

In the past months, the Caucus has continued its successful program of activities. In April, our 5th Annual American Spirit Awards honored two of the most prominent members of the US Congress, both with great interest in our industry – Congressman Edward Markey of Massachusetts and Congressman Eric Cantor of Virginia.Also honored was Hollywood icon, activist and SAG officer, Connie Stevens. In December, our 27thAnnual Awards Dinner will again honor eight outstanding members of our entertainment community.

This year our series of Caucus Panels has brought together a cross section of network and production leaders covering topics including "The Reality Bytes", the "3-D TV: The Revolution Begins", and September "Television: A Preview of 2009/10". We are also very proud of our past association with N.A.T.P.E. and our new association with Emerson College in presenting these panels. Thanks to Chuck Fries, Albert Fisher, Vin Di Bona - and their colleagues for all their work on these activities.

We are just entering a new season of television programming. We see quite a bit of continued creative achievement in Cable television in both series and made-for-television motion pictures. The particular success and quality in many scripted programs on cable is something to note and salute.

Still, the mainstay of television is found in the broadcast networks. It is interesting to note that the breakdown of original, first-run programs on the five broadcast networks yields 55 hours of scripted programs (but no regular MOW’s), 18 hours of reality comedy" with the new Jay Leno Show, 8 hours of sports and 4 hours of news magazine shows. So, more reality, less scripted, a creative programming shift toward Cable, and an increase of product placement everywhere. Will this creative mix bring the networks better ratings and economic success? Only the months ahead will tell. What we do know is that this mix makes for less work in the Hollywood community. That sadly noted, we still all must hope for a successful new season for all the television outlets. After all, we are all in this business together.

Beyond Bill, Roger, Chuck,Albert and Vin, I also thank my fellow Caucus Officers, Steering CommitteeMembers, all our membership, Administrator Penny Rieger, Counsel Ed Blau and Public Relations Advisor Dale Olson for their work and support these past months. We all hope you enjoy this new edition of the Caucus Journal.