MPA hires Kelsey Moore as VP of Southeast government affairs
Kelsey Moore was hired by the MPA as VP of State Government Affairs in the Southeast to advance policy priorities like IP protection and content accessibility. Her role will influence state laws affec
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has hired Kelsey Moore as its new Vice President of State Government Affairs in the Southeast region. Moore will
Read Full Story at Deadline Hollywood →Why This Matters
The appointment signals a strategic escalation in the media and entertainment industry’s push to shape state-level policy agendas, particularly where intellectual property and content accessibility intersect with regulatory frameworks. As state governments increasingly draft laws that could redefine digital rights and media consumption, Moore’s role places the MPA at the forefront of advocacy efforts that could set precedents nationwide.
Background Context
The Southeast has emerged as a critical battleground for media policy, with states like Florida and Georgia passing high-profile laws that challenge federal preemption on issues from streaming taxes to content moderation. The region’s growing media infrastructure, coupled with a mix of conservative and progressive regulatory approaches, makes it a high-stakes environment for industry lobbying. Moore’s hiring follows a pattern of trade associations beefing up state-level representation to counterbalance federal gridlock.
What Happens Next
With Moore’s focus on IP protection and accessibility, expect early legislative battles in states like Alabama and Tennessee, where copyright enforcement and digital accessibility bills are already in play. Industry observers will watch whether her efforts align with broader Republican-led initiatives to restrict content distribution or if they take a more bipartisan approach to market expansion. The MPA’s success here could accelerate similar hires in other regions.
Bigger Picture
This move reflects a broader shift toward state-level policymaking as a counter to federal inaction, a trend accelerating across industries. The media sector’s focus on accessibility and IP rights mirrors larger debates over digital sovereignty, where states are increasingly asserting authority over what was once federally regulated. Moore’s role underscores how concentrated industry interests are now shaping local laws to influence national standards.
