newsmakers

newsmakers

Obama to introduce ‘Cosmos’ debut

LOS ANGELES

The Fox TV network says President Barack Obama will introduce the debut episode of the science series “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey.”

The 13-part program is a reboot of astronomer Carl Sagan’s groundbreaking 1980 “Cosmos” series. It debuts at 9 tonight on stations including Fox and National Geographic Channel.

In Obama’s taped video message, he invites viewers to embrace the spirit of discovery and imagine limitless possibilities for the future, Fox said Saturday.

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson is the host of “Cosmos,” which also will air on Fox International Channels and National Geographic Channels International.

Connecticut moves to curb loud movies

NEW HAVEN, Conn.

Connecticut could become the first state to curb loud movies under proposed legislation that’s drawing opposition from the Motion Picture Association of America.

The Legislature’s Public Safety and Security Committee is considering the bill, which would prevent theaters from showing a film or preview that exceeded 85 decibels. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends noise should be kept below 85 decibels for workers for eight hours to minimize hearing loss.

Jon Griffin, a policy specialist with the National Conference of State Legislatures, said he believes Connecticut would be the first state to regulate the maximum decibel level at movies. Vans Stevenson, a senior vice president with the MPAA, also said the issue is not regulated.

Dr. Robert Dobie, a professor at the University of Texas who is an expert in noise-induced hearing loss, said the 85-decibel standard is for workers’ prolonged exposure, not occasional loud sounds from a movie.

Associated Press