Dove Foundation
Encyclopedia
The Dove Foundation is a registered United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
tax deductible non-profit organization based in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city is located on the Grand River about 40 miles east of Lake Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 188,040. In 2010, the Grand Rapids metropolitan area had a population of 774,160 and a combined statistical area, Grand...
known among other programs for its activities of rating, reviewing and endorsing films and for campaigning against the portrayal of sexual activity and violence
Violence
Violence is the use of physical force to apply a state to others contrary to their wishes. violence, while often a stand-alone issue, is often the culmination of other kinds of conflict, e.g...
in Hollywood films.
It has also been identified for its partnership with a for profit entity that engaged in telemarketing activities that were held to be in violation of the Missouri Do-Not-Call Implementation Act.
Despite their similar logos, The Dove Foundation has no relation to Unilever
Unilever
Unilever is a British-Dutch multinational corporation that owns many of the world's consumer product brands in foods, beverages, cleaning agents and personal care products....
, manufacturer of Dove brand soap
Dove (brand)
Dove is a personal care brand owned by Unilever.Dove products are manufactured in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Ireland, Netherlands, Thailand, Turkey and United States. The products are sold in more than 35 countries and are offered for both women and men.. The Dove...
nor has it ever claimed such a relationship.
Description
The organization was founded in 1991 as a not-for-profit organization. According to the organization's website, its stated mission is "to encourage and promote the creation, production, distribution and consumption of wholesome family entertainment". It screens movies for suitability for family viewing, and endorses acceptable ones with the Dove "Family-Approved" Seal. The organization has also commissioned independent studies completed by the Seidman School of Business at Grand Valley State University to analyze the comparative profitability and return on investment of MPAA rated films in 1999 and 2005. Additionally, Dove has sponsored its Family Film Festival in partnership with local theaters featuring films with its Family Approved Seal and pioneered a pilot project, "The Dove Movie Channel", to bring free movies to hospitalized children.Dove's web site states that review standards and criteria are based on Judeo-Christian values gauging the amount of sex, language, violence,drug and alcohol abuse, nudity and other (antisocial behaviors)contained in films it reviews. The website shares that Dove's fund raising strategy of not soliciting contributions from the film industry for its operations eliminates commercial pressure as a factor in its reviews. However, the Dove Foundation's former association with Feature Films for Families, an on-line retailer of home entertainment, has caused some to question their freedom from commercial influence.
National Opinion Poll and Telemarketing
The organization previously conducted a national telephone opinon poll regarding movie content. As of July 31, 2007 the telephone survey had been concluded. The opinion poll's results and motivation were questioned: The methodology was cited as having a sampling bias in which respondents were screened for participation that might suggest they generally agreed with The Foundation's mission. The surveyor requested to speak with "The lady of the house..." while disqualifying households without children as part of the study for not meeting the requirements of the sample population. Additionally, Dove and its partner were accused by the state of Missouri of violating its "Do Not Call Implementation Act" (Missouri No Call suit nets $70,000 settlement. St. Louis Business Journal. August 22, 2006.) by using the opinion poll as a means of circumventing the Act to allow Feature Films For Families to market its products.The national opinion poll was further criticized for using a set of pre-recorded scripts which were played in different sequences according to the responses received and as chosen by an operator listening to the calls. Responses choices were presented in a yes or no format together with several multiple choice questions. Respondents' continuation was limited by a finite number of scripts based on responses to qualifying questions. The use of a single operator monitoring four calls simultaneously was also seen as a methodological weakness. In addition, the pollster asked for permission for a follow-up call. In the follow-up call respondents were solicited to buy films by the for-profit partner, Feature Films for Families. Although the foundation did not directly sell films, DVDs or Videos, it was closely associated with the for-profit partner, which paid for call center expenses.
Over four and one half million participated in the survey and there were complaints on blogs and bulletin boards. The Missouri Attorney General
Attorney General
In most common law jurisdictions, the attorney general, or attorney-general, is the main legal advisor to the government, and in some jurisdictions he or she may also have executive responsibility for law enforcement or responsibility for public prosecutions.The term is used to refer to any person...
's office received some 300 complaints. Many of those telephoned by Dove were annoyed by the way the call was conducted, at any hour of the day and regardless whether the family was on the United States National Do Not Call Registry
United States National Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry is intended to give U.S. consumers an opportunity to limit the telemarketing calls they receive. To register by telephone , consumers may call 1-888-382-1222. The registry was set to begin in 2003, but a court challenge delayed its implementation until 2004. The...
. Some complaints cited the bluntness of the telemarketers, and their aggressive interviewing techniques.
The Attorney General of Missouri ascertained that their mode of operation was a means to bypass the FCC do-not-call list restriction and imposed a restraining order on these activities in Missouri in March 2006.
As a result of court action brought by the state, Feature Films for Families
Feature Films for Families
Feature Films for Families is a privately held entertainment company based in the United States. According to the company, Feature Films for Families makes films that reinforce traditional family values and morality, are suitable for all ages and contain no profanity, sexuality, violence, or...
Inc. of Murray, Utah
Murray, Utah
Murray is a city situated on the Wasatch Front in the core of Salt Lake Valley in the U.S. state of Utah. Named for territorial governor Eli Murray, it is the state's fourteenth largest city. According to the 2010 census, Murray has approximately 46,746 residents.Murray is close to Salt Lake City,...
, and the Dove Foundation reached a settlement agreement in the amount of US$70,000 in August 2006 for the alleged violation of state "No Call" laws.
During this period, The Dove Foundation's call center was listed by whocalled.us as
their most-reported telephone number
The Dove Foundation currently has no active relationship with Feature Films For Families. It remains one of the most recognized voices advocating for wholesome family entertainment today. Its reviews and Family Friendly Seal awards continue to be relied upon by tens of thousands of families each month as they choose theatrical and in-home movie entertainment.