David Hartle at the U.S. Capitol
Earlier this month, the Television Academy brought members to Washington, D.C., for the first time as part of a broader effort to ensure the voices of television professionals are heard directly by federal policymakers. Representing the Academy's nearly 30,000 members, the delegation met with lawmakers and staff to discuss issues affecting the television industry and creative workforce.
Among the delegates was David Hartle, Governor of the Production Executives Peer Group and a member of the Television Academy's Advocacy Committee, which helps guide the Academy's government affairs strategy.
A veteran production executive and producer with more than 30 years of experience in television, Hartle met with legislators to discuss the potential impact of a federal production tax incentive, an issue currently gaining traction in Congress. Drawing on decades of production experience, he offered firsthand insight into how incentives influence filming decisions and support job creation and retention.
Members of the Advocacy Committee along with a representative from the Coalition for American Production meeting with Representative Nathaniel Moran to discuss the potential impact of a national production tax incentive. (L to R: Christina Lee Storm, David Hartle, Rep. Nathaniel Moran, Brian Papworth, and Renard Jenkins.) 
As momentum builds around proposals to strengthen domestic production, the Television Academy serves as a unique voice in Washington, representing professionals across every corner of the television ecosystem, from camera operators, editors, and hair and makeup artists to producers, executives, writers, and performers.
Speaking about the experience, Hartle said:
"It was an honor to represent all Television Academy members on Capitol Hill and bring a hands-on production perspective to the federal incentive conversation. I was pleased with the positive engagement from so many Congressional offices and left DC feeling like we have real momentum."
Members of the Advocacy Committee pose on the Capitol steps before a full day of meetings with congressional offices. (L to R: Renard Jenkins, Chair Christina Lee Storm, and David Hartle.)
The Academy's visit to Washington reflects its growing commitment to advocacy on behalf of its members and ensuring policymakers understand the real-world impact of decisions affecting the television industry
Members seeking advocacy support at the federal, state, or local level can learn more and submit a request here.
