On November 25, 1947 (the day after the House of Representatives approved citations of contempt for the Hollywood Ten- the ten blacklisted entertainers), Eric Johnston, President of the Motion Picture Association of America,called for a press release for the heads of the major studios that was known as the Waldorf Statement. This statement announced the firing of the Hollywood Ten and said: "We will not knowingly employ a Communist or a member of any party or group which advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States[...]" This was the beginning of the Hollywood blacklist. Despite the fact that hundreds would be denied employment, the studios, producers and other employers did not publicly admit that a blacklist existed.
Private loyalty-review boards and anti-communist investigators began to show up to fill a growing demand among industries to prove that their employees were 'safe'. Companies that were worried about their business or who ,like the entertainment industry, felt vulnerable to public opinion used these services. These teams would investigate employees and question them about their political views and other such matters. At hearings, the subject would usually not have a right to the an attorney, and as with HUAC, the interviewee might be asked to defend himself against accusations without being allowed to cross-examine the accuser. These agencies would keep cross-referenced lists of leftist organizations, publications, rallies, charities, etc, as well as lists of individuals who were known or suspected communists. Books such as Red Channels and newsletters such as Counterattack and Confidential Information were published to keep track of communist and leftist organizations and individuals. As the various blacklists of McCarthyism were actual physical lists, they were created and maintained by these organizations.
Private loyalty-review boards and anti-communist investigators began to show up to fill a growing demand among industries to prove that their employees were 'safe'. Companies that were worried about their business or who ,like the entertainment industry, felt vulnerable to public opinion used these services. These teams would investigate employees and question them about their political views and other such matters. At hearings, the subject would usually not have a right to the an attorney, and as with HUAC, the interviewee might be asked to defend himself against accusations without being allowed to cross-examine the accuser. These agencies would keep cross-referenced lists of leftist organizations, publications, rallies, charities, etc, as well as lists of individuals who were known or suspected communists. Books such as Red Channels and newsletters such as Counterattack and Confidential Information were published to keep track of communist and leftist organizations and individuals. As the various blacklists of McCarthyism were actual physical lists, they were created and maintained by these organizations.