Television Academy Foundation Hosts Virtual Event on March 24

The Television Academy Foundation has announced an upcoming virtual event, The Power of TV: Pregnancy, Birth Control and Choice, set to take place on Monday, March 24, from noon to 1 p.m. PDT. This marks the eighth year of the Foundation’s highly regarded Power of TV series, which explores the influence of television in shaping cultural and social narratives. To participate in this discussion, attendees can register at TelevisionAcademy.com/power-of-tv/tickets.

Television has long played a crucial role in bringing reproductive health issues to the forefront of public discourse. The launch of MTV’s groundbreaking docuseries 16 and Pregnant in 2009 sparked national conversations about birth control, pregnancy, and the realities of young motherhood. Since then, numerous television series across networks and streaming platforms have followed suit, exploring these critical issues with depth and nuance. Hulu’s East Los High, for instance, not only addressed reproductive health but also provided audiences with resources to advocate for their well-being.

“As the first children featured on 16 and Pregnant now turn 16 themselves, the discussion around reproductive rights and choices remains more important than ever,” said Anne Vasquez, executive director of the Television Academy Foundation. “We are thrilled to kick off 2025 with a live virtual event, opening up the conversation to a national audience.”

Panelists and Discussion Highlights

The event will feature a distinguished panel of television creators, writers, and reproductive health experts, including:

-Lauren Dolgen, Creator, 16 and Pregnant

-Lynn Renee Maxcy, Staff Writer (Seasons 1-3), The Handmaid’s Tale

-Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley, CEO, Power to Decide

-Katie Elmore Mota, Showrunner, Director, and Executive Producer, East Los High

Anne Vasquez will moderate the discussion, which will focus on how television storytelling has evolved to address pregnancy, birth control, and reproductive rights, and why these narratives are essential in today’s media landscape.

“Television has the power to inform, inspire, and shape cultural narratives,” said Tina Perry, chair of the Television Academy Foundation. “By bringing together storytellers, experts, and advocates, we hope to foster meaningful discussions about representation, challenge societal stigma, and highlight the real-world impact of reproductive health portrayals in the media.”

The Power of TV: A Platform for Change

The Power of TV series, presented by the Television Academy Foundation, continues to examine how television influences social change and fosters greater cultural awareness. This latest installment promises to be a compelling and insightful discussion on one of the most pressing issues in modern storytelling.

For more information and to register for the event, visit power-of-tv .