ENVIRONMENTAL MEDIA ASSOCIATION - HISTORICAL TIMELINE

EMA is founded by Lyn & Norman Lear and Cindy & Alan Horn with a simple but powerful idea – that through television, film and music, the entertainment industry can reach millions of people with a message of concern about our environment and examples of concrete action individuals can take to make a difference.

EMA sponsors “An Evening in Brazil” to benefit the work of the Rainforest Foundation. Over one million dollars is raised to help the Indians of the Amazon Rainforest in their struggle to protect their homeland. EMA Founding Board members Ted and Susie Field host the event, with special performances by Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Billy Crystal and many others.

EMA sponsors a television industry briefing, emphasizing the need for the creative community to become more involved on behalf of the environment.

EMA receives the President’s Environmental and Conservation Challenge Award from President George H.W. Bush at a Rose Garden Ceremony. The award recognizes outstanding individuals, organizations, or groups who have made a substantial contribution to environmental quality.

EMA publishes 30 Simple Energy Things You Can Do to Save the Earth geared for the entertainment community and offering new tips on how to conserve energy.

The 1st Annual EMA Awards, honoring exemplary television and film projects that effectively incorporate environmental themes, are held at Sony Studios. Diane Sawyer is Master of Ceremonies; Robert Redford gives the keynote address, with special musical performance by David Crosby & Graham Nash.

EMA co-sponsors an entertainment industry briefing entitled Environmental Child Abuse focusing on the growing threat to children posed by environmental pollution.

EMA co-sponsors a forum entitled Energy Policy and Environmental Quality: A Sustainable Energy Strategy, featuring a panel of the nation’s leading energy experts.

The 2nd Annual EMA Awards are held at Sony Pictures Studios. Luanne and Frank Wells receive the inaugural EMA Ongoing Commitment Award for their outstanding efforts on behalf of the environment.

EMA sponsors a special screening of HBO’s powerful environmental documentary Earth and the American Dream in Washington, DC with a delegation of actors lending their support, and arranges a briefing with President Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, congressional members, environmental leaders, and other top environmental officials, to discuss environmental issues facing the administration.

EMA introduces a new series of workshops entitled Environmental Dialogues. These salon style briefings bring writers and producers together with environmental leaders to discuss, question and debate specific and timely environmental topics.

EMA launches an initiative to encourage the messaging of on-screen recycling.

The 3rd Annual Environmental Media Awards are held at Fox Studios. Vice President Al Gore delivers the keynote address stating, “I greatly admire the work of this organization … because I can say with no exaggeration no group has had a larger impact on the thinking Americans bring to the environment and on the way we as a nation converse with one another about the problems that beset the environment.

EMA sponsors a briefing for over 200 television writers, producers, performers and executives on Population and Consumption, moderated by Jane Fonda.

The 4th Annual EMA Awards are held at CBS Television City. Dr. Maya Angelou delivers the opening remarks and Mikhail Gorbachev delivers the keynote address, with a musical performance by Carole King. The National Audubon Society receives the Board of Directors Ongoing Commitment Award and a Special Music Award goes to Greenpeace and Greenpeace Records.

EMA launches an on-line resource, the Environmental Production Guide, featuring environmentally friendly information and product alternatives for film and video production.

EMA hosts a briefing on The State of the Environment moderated by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who describes the “Contract with America” as a “stealth attack” on current environmental safeguards and urges the audience to use the power of television to help Americans understand the connection between protecting the environment and protecting their health.

EMA combines forces with NRDC to help protect rainforests in British Columbia.

The 5th Annual EMA Awards present the Ongoing Commitment Award to Josh Brand & John Falsey, for their compelling environmental themes on Northern Exposure. Paul Hawken delivers the keynote address focusing on how the business sector – including the entertainment industry – can and must be part of a sustainable future.

Working with Heal The Bay and NRDC, EMA launches the “The Forty Day Fight” to win a critical battle for storm water permits to help clean up Santa Monica Bay.

EMA works with the Coalition for Clean Air to develop a major media campaign to refocus public awareness on the poor air quality in Southern California.

EMA joins forces with NRDC for an environmental justice battle waging in Athens Park, noting that hazardous waste dumps are most often located near people of color.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. returns for another TV industry briefing providing an update on the wrangling in Congress, particularly how it affects our most important environmental laws, one year after the “Contract with America.”

The 6th Annual EMA Awards are held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The Board of Directors Ongoing Commitment Award is presented to Rob Reiner. The Ermenegildo Zegna International Environmental Award is presented to Ted Danson, with a special performance by Joni Mitchell.

EMA participates in a trip to Laguna San Ignacio with Pierce Brosnan and Glenn Close to help save the last pristine nursery for Pacific Gray Whales.

EMA co-presents a conference The Stories Kids Care About. The conference discusses how research proves kids care more about the environment than any other issue and turn to TV and movies more often than any other source for information. Over 150 writers, producers and executives attend, representing TV networks, major studios and production companies that reach millions of kids worldwide.

The 7th Annual EMA Awards are held at Will Rogers State Park. The Ermenegildo Zegna International Environmental Award is presented to John Travolta, with a special performance by Kenny Loggins.

EMA works with the Los Angeles Unified School District and DWP in the Cool Schools Program to “green” the city’s schoolyards, as part of a larger initiative by DWP to promote energy-efficient measures to reduce pollution and enhance the quality of the environment.

The 8th Annual EMA Awards are held at Will Rogers State Park. Lauren Shuler Donner and Richard Donner receive the Board of Directors Ongoing Commitment Award and Jim Fowler receives the Lifetime Achievement Award.

EMA works on the California Integrated Waste Management Board’s Finish the Job Public Service campaign to encourage proper disposal of used motor oil.

EMA introduces a new campaign on Earth Day for tape recycling called “Review, Rewind, Recycle.”

The 9th Annual EMA Awards celebrate EMA’s 10th Anniversary with a special salute to EMA Founders Cindy Horn and Lyn Lear.

EMA receives an honor from the White House 2000 Millennium Green Project by Hillary Rodham Clinton.

EMA begins an ambitious new program of one-on-one environmental briefings with creative teams in production, pitching “green ideas” to work into a creative team’s story vision.

EMA hosts a series of briefings: The Greening of Hollywood is held at Disney Studios and presents an expert panel discussing products designed as alternatives to the tropical rainforest hardwood lauan.

Too Hot for Television, is an industry briefing on global warming designed to education, inform and expose the tools the industry needs to become role models to the millions who tune in each week. How Television Can Save The World features a keynote address by Norman Lear.

EMA works with the Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund, the Endangered Species Coalition and Dr. Jane Goodall in launching a four-city simultaneous Press Conference calling for repeal of the “Extinction Rider” in the 2001 Budget Proposal.

EMA partners with The Alaska Rainforest Campaign, Earthjustice, NRDC, Sierra Club, U.S. Public Interest Research Group and The Wilderness Society to save the landmark Roadless Area Conservation Rule.

The 10th Annual EMA Awards are held at Barker Hanger and co-hosted by Wendie Malick and David Spade. The Board of Directors Ongoing Commitment Award is presented to Keely Shaye Smith & Pierce Brosnan. A special Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to Jayni & Chevy Chase and Olivia Newton-John receives the Ermenegildo Zegna International Environmental Award.

EMA launches the “gen e” program – an opportunity for Young Hollywood to become involved with environmental concerns and role model sustainable lifestyles. Vanity Fair and GUESS? co-host the launch party as part of “Campaign Hollywood” introducing EMA’s first “gen e” PSA campaign with Amy Smart.

EMA delivers the keynote speech on how to inform and educate the public via the global entertainment industry at the Organic Farming Research Foundation’s Conference.

Hollywood Squares hosts EMA on “Protect Our Planet Week,” dedicating five shows to the environment with participants including Jane Fonda and Rob Reiner. The viewership was estimated at 30 million people.

The 11th Annual EMA Awards are held at The Ebell of Los Angeles. Chevy Chase is Master of Ceremonies and the Board of Directors Ongoing Commitment Award is presented to Lisa Simpson (Fox’s The Simpsons.)

EMA works with the Alaska Coalition and The Wilderness Society enlisting support in a bipartisan endorsement to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil exploration and drilling.

As part of Campaign Hollywood, Vanity Fair and Bebe co-host an event celebrating the launch of three more “gen e” PSA’s, starring Cameron Diaz and Gwyneth Paltrow; the cast of Will & Grace; and REM.

EMA and Ed Begley, Jr. work with the Alaska Coalition on the Alaskan Rainforest Project and PSA campaign, reaching 80 million listeners.

The 12th Annual EMA Awards are co-hosted by Amy Smart and Andy Dick at The Ebell of Los Angeles. The Board of Directors Ongoing Commitment Award is presented to Blythe Danner and the inaugural EMA Missions in Music Award is presented to the Dave Matthews Band.

EMA co-hosts “Investing in Media that Matters,” a gathering in Sundance Village with the goal of creating more social mission/environmental independent feature film and television projects. Robert Redford delivers the opening remarks and Pierce Brosnan delivers the keynote address.

EMA participates in Creative Artist Agency’s first environmental symposium helping attendees learn about the growing environmental movement and the latest advances in hybrid technology.

EMA works with BP, Inc. on A+ For Energy. The program awards 2 million dollars in grants and scholarships to 300 of California’s educators for teaching energy education and conservation in the classroom.

Dr. Jane Goodall enlists EMA’s help in ending the abuse of chimpanzees and other great apes performing in film and television productions.

The Sierra Club and EMA partner on a “Get Out The Vote” celebrity print campaign. The campaign delivers a parent/child message and includes Pierce Brosnan and his son Sean, Robin Williams and his daughter Zelda, and Joanne Woodward with her daughters Clea Newman-Soderlund and Melissa Newman.

The 13th Annual EMA Awards are hosted by Rob Schneider at The Ebell of Los Angeles. The Futures Award is presented to Edward Norton and Alanis Morissette receives the Missions in Music Award.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and EMA partner on an informative Town Hall meeting entitled Hollywood Ocean Night, bringing together celebrities, producers, directors, journalists, ocean scientists and environmentalists to discuss ocean conservation.

EMA takes Earth Day “global.” CNN Headline News showcases green lifestyles and dedicates an entire week profiling a celebrity a day regarding their environmental behaviors. The segments air several times each day and deliver 1.7 billion impressions.

Eddie Bauer and Condé Nast Publications help bring national attention to the environment and the work of six non-profit organizations, including and organized by EMA. The print campaign appears in the August and September issues of 14 high profile magazines and reaches nearly 69 million readers.

EMA launches an ad campaign led by Board Member Hart Bochner, soliciting the Hollywood industry in support of reversing the widespread industry use of the rapidly vanishing rainforest wood, lauan.

EMA partners with the Campaign for Old Growth in support of the Heritage Tree Preservation Act to protect the biggest and oldest of California’s trees.

The 14th Annual EMA Awards are held at The Ebell of Los Angeles. Daryl Hannah receives the Board of Directors Ongoing Commitment Award. Willie Nelson receives the Missions in Music Award. Fritz Coleman accepts a special Community Service Award for KNBC’s “4 Our Planet” PSA campaign. EMA hands out our Inaugural EMA Green Seal Awards.

EMA forms a Corporate Advisory Board with representatives from many of the most influential companies in our country. The Board’s common goal is improving their bottom lines through aggressive “green” options for the consumer.

Ed Begley, Jr., Danny DeVito and Rhea Pearlman, Daryl Hannah, Salma Hayek, Edward Norton, and Brad Pitt celebrate the BP Solar Neighbors Program™ with EMA and the Enterprise Foundation. EMA recruits celebrities to purchase solar for their homes. For every home, BP Solar donates a system to a lowincome family in Los Angeles.

EMA Board members guest on KNBC’s “Green Eats,” communicating sustainable choices to support The Heritage Tree Preservation Act and the Campaign For Old Growth, protecting California’s oldest and biggest trees.

EMA hosts the “Green Power Baby Shower.” The Briefing educates future and current parents about ways to keep their families as healthy as possible in their homes. Panelists include Ed Begley, Jr., Blythe Danner, Dr. Alan Greene, Dr. Harvey Karp, Bob Scowcroft of the Organic Farming Research Foundation, and Nancy Chuda.

EMA attends the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies in Aspen, chairing the Entertainment & Advertising Panel for the awe-inspiring group of 60 politicians and businessmen including Hon. Al Gore and Hon. John Kerry.

The 15th Annual EMA Awards are held at The Ebell of Los Angeles with keynote address by The Honorable Al Gore. EMA Co-Founders Cindy Horn and Lyn Lear receive the Board of Directors Ongoing Commitment Awards. Futures Awards are given to Cassidy Horn, Cody Horn and Ben Lear.

EMA and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics co-host a Hollywood Forum on Safe Cosmetics moderated by Amy Smart. The gathering brings together entertainment industry makeup artists and hairstylists to learn about the issue of chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products.

EMA hosts the “Green Power Family Hour,” celebrating the environment and teaching tips to adults and children on ways to keep a greener lifestyle.

EMA teams up again with BP America and KABC to raise awareness about BP’s A+ for Energy teacher grant campaign and supports the celebratory luncheon honoring the winning California teachers.

EMA holds an intimate dinner party hosted by Mary-Kate Olsen specifically for Young Hollywood Celebrities to introduce the guests to very manageable ways of living a sustainable lifestyle that the general public can witness and adopt as part of their own lifestyle.

The 16th Annual EMA Awards are held at The Ebell of Los Angeles and aired on E! Entertainment Network. The Red Hot Chili Peppers receive the EMA Missions in Music Award and Maroon 5 receives the Futures Award. The EMA Green Seal expands to include Corporate Offices of Studios, Agencies and other entertainment industry companies.

EMA co-hosts the “Golden-Green Party” with E! Entertainment at the 2007 Golden Globe Awards. The entire event from décor to food is sustainable. A tree is planted in honor of each person attending.

EMA partners with Global Cool to host a press conference and dinner in London at 10 Downing Street with Prime Minister Tony Blair. The topic was climate change and how to empower the general public.

EMA speaks at the Industry Insights Summit on why it is important to make your business and products environmentally conscious. The 3-day conference was attended by 150 executives/marketers who define promotional strategies and partnerships..

EMA leads a panel at the Association of Film Commissioners Conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico, focusing on creating a sustainable environment while filming on location. Attending the conference were representatives from both the United States and abroad.

The 17th Annual EMA Awards are held at The Ebell of Los Angeles, again aired on E! Entertainment Network. Trudie Styler receives the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Honorable Al Gore and Kevin Wall receive the Outstanding Achievement Award for Live Earth. Sienna Miller receives the Futures Award and Incubus receives the Missions in Music Award.

EMA debuts an organic T-Shirt line by Alexx Jae for men, women, children, and babies. Celebrities supporting and wearing the T’s include Halle Berry, Anna Faris, Heather Graham, Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Richie, Amy Smart, and Constance Zimmer.

EMA appears on the TODAY Show launching a national cell phone recycling campaign raising money to protect the environment and lowering CO2 emissions.

Lionsgate Entertainment launches a PSA campaign on behalf of EMA’s cell phone recycling campaign. Scarlett Johansson and Eva Mendes appear in The Spirit print ads, asking people to Answer the Call for the Environment and recycle old cell phones!

The 18th Annual EMA Awards are held at The Ebell of Los Angeles and streamed on msn.com. Rosario Dawson receives the Futures Award. Tiffany & Co. receives the Corporate Responsibility Award and the Philadelphia Eagles receive the Board of Directors Ongoing Commitment Award.

EMA’s 20th Anniversary.

EMA’s Young Hollywood Board is formed. Amy Smart is board chair and board members include Nicole Richie, Maroon 5, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Rosario Dawson, Maria Menounos, Emily VanCamp, Anna Getty, Olivia Wilde, Matthew Rhys, Lance Bass, Carter Oosterhouse and others.

EMA and the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) begin an ongoing partnership to support organic gardens and greenery in urban schools across Los Angeles. EMA will directly support a number of school gardens through funding and celebrity mentoring vis-à-vis EMA’s Young Hollywood Board. The kick-off press conference was held at Bernstein High School in Hollywood with Nicole Richie, Amy Smart and Anna Getty.

EMA partners with the non-profit, third party certifier Green Seal based in Washington, DC to recognize productions that implement sustainable initiatives into their production practices. Since 2004, the EMA Green Seal has been awarded to over 100 EMA recipients. The new program has been strengthened with more detailed and exacting criteria, and the Green Seal organization will provide third-party auditing services.

In partnership with our friends at Southern California Edison, EMA helps launch the California Green Communities (CGC) campaign. This community-based effort encourages cities to adopt environmentally sound practices. Working through the mayors’ offices, each participating city will strive to achieve the Green Communities certification. Criteria will include energy efficiency, waste management, water management, air quality and other issues.

The 2009 Environmental Media Awards are held at Paramount Studios for the first time and streamed online on wonderwall.msn.com. Sir Richard Branson receives the Corporate Responsibility Award. National Geographic Society receives the Legacy Award. Centropolis Entertainment receives the first ever Green Production Award and Jason Mraz receives the Missions in Music Award.