ABC affiliate pulls 'Saving Private Ryan?' out of fear of Government regulators

[Dave Lane]

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - An ABC affiliate in Iowa said it will not show the network's broadcast of the World War II film "Saving Private Ryan" because it fears repercussions from U.S. regulators, according to a published report.

ABC affiliate WOI-TV in Des Moines, Iowa is not alone.

The station's president Raymond Cole said affiliates in Boston, Orlando and Atlanta have also decided to pre-empt the Thursday night broadcast meant as a Veterans' Day tribute, according to Television Week.

"Would the [Federal Communications Commission] conclude that the movie has sufficient social, artistic, literary, historical or other kinds of value that would protect us from breaking the law?" Cole said in a statement, according to the report published Wednesday.

"With the current FCC, we just don't know."

Cole noted that the station is still concerned even though it has aired "Saving Private Ryan," which won five Academy Awards, in prime time on two previous occasions, Television Week reported.

The flap over indecency concerns stems from the raunchy half-time show during last season's Super Bowl and the fallout from several fines that have been levied for radio shows hosted by "shock jocks."

ABC, a unit of Walt Disney Co. (Research), has said it is proud to air the 1999 film again.

"As in the past, this broadcast will contain appropriate and clear advisories and parental guidelines, and, as customary, we will provide advance screenings for ABC affiliates and advertisers," the network said in a statement.

----

Christ what is up in the world? I know Bush won but you can't show a top notch movie tribute because what it shows people dying in combat? I'd think it would be a hell of a warning for kids who think military and wars are "cool"

Dave

[Baby Lee]

I was gonna post a response to this thread, but with Dave Lane being the thread originator, I just didn't know if he'd go psychotic, track me down and burn down my house.

See what I did there? I expressed concerns about your future actions, without regard to merit, in an effort form people's opinion of you.

The movie has been aired twice in prime time under THIS CURRENT FCC. To speculate they'd react differently this time is grandstanding, pure and simple.

[Dave Lane]

Actually if you read the text they are worried about the shift in the FCC since the "nipple" incident at the SB. For many years the FCC did nothing to the shock jocks but that changed since then. These recent events would make me nervous if I was them as well.

Dave

[Rausch]

I won't fault them for it.

It's very graphic, and while I'd recomend it for any adult it might be too much for the average kid to soak in...

[Ultra Peanut]

There must be some boobies in it.

[jcl-kcfan2]

Actually if you read the text they are worried about the shift in the FCC since the "nipple" incident at the SB. For many years the FCC did nothing to the shock jocks but that changed since then. These recent events would make me nervous if I was them as well.

Dave

As we are worried about the "shift" that has occured with you( see "the incident to not again be mentioned").

It's BS trying to build up the theory that since Bush won AGAIN that the country is controlled by backwater televangelists.

To give them any credence is way below you Dave.

[Ultra Peanut]

"the incident to not again be mentioned"Was that a few years ago? I remember having him on ignore for something up until about last year because of something extremely stupid that he said at one point.

[KingPriest2]

Actually if you read the text they are worried about the shift in the FCC since the "nipple" incident at the SB. For many years the FCC did nothing to the shock jocks but that changed since then. These recent events would make me nervous if I was them as well.

Dave

The thing is they showed it before. Also if they would be upset about it don't you thinkg the FCC would have stopped them by now? They know they are going to air it and if they have a problem with it they would have said something.


I think the FCC is going overboard IMO.

[Chiefnj]

The movie has been aired twice in prime time under THIS CURRENT FCC. To speculate they'd react differently this time is grandstanding, pure and simple.

The FCC went back years to fine "shock jocks." What was said was apparently okay when it was done and for two or three years thereafter until something triggered an investigation years later.

I personally don't think the FCC would fine them for showing it because violence is given much greater latitude than sex.

[Megbert]

If it is too graphic either in violence or language for some, I believe there are say 100+ other channels you could watch. Or maybe you could read a book or watch a DVD. It's not like you don't know what your in for. The ABC affiliates will run parental advisory warnings before it and most likely after each commercial break. It's really a shame that it has come to this, a movie that is being played in honor of Veterans Day may get ABC fined. Thank you, Janet J's right booby.

[Megbert]

Yahoo link (http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20041111/ap_en_tv/movie_canceled)

NEW YORK - Several ABC affiliates have announced that they won't take part in the network's Veterans Day airing of "Saving Private Ryan," saying the acclaimed film's violence and language could draw sanctions from the Federal Communications Commission (news - web sites).

Stations replacing the movie with other programming Thursday include Cox Television-owned stations in Atlanta and Charlotte, N.C., three Midwest stations owned by Citadel Communications.

"Under strict interpretation of the rules, we can't run that programming before 10 p.m.," said Ray Cole, president of Citadel, which owns WOI-TV in Des Moines, KCAU-TV in Sioux City and KLKN-TV in Lincoln, Neb.

The Oscar-winning film includes a violent depiction of the D-Day invasion and profanity.

"We have attempted to get an advanced waiver from the FCC (news - web sites) and, remarkably to me, they are not willing to do so," Cole told The Des Moines Register.

In a statement on the Web site of Atlanta's WSB-TV, the station's vice president and general manager, Greg Stone cited a March ruling in which the FCC said an expletive uttered by rock star Bono during NBC's live airing of the 2003 Golden Globe Awards (news - web sites) was both indecent and profane.

The agency made it clear then that virtually any use of the F-word — which is used in "Saving Private Ryan" — was inappropriate for over-the-air radio and television.

The Bono case "reversed years of prior policy that the context of language matters," Stone said. He added that broadcaster could not get any clarification from the FCC on whether the movie violates the standard.

Other stations that decided not to air the movie include WGNO-TV of New Orleans, owned by Tribune Broadcasting Corp., and WMUR-TV of Manchester, N.H., owned by Hearst-Argyle Television Inc.

ABC, which broadcast the film uncut in 2001 and 2002, issued a statement saying it is proud to broadcast it again. The network's contract with director Steven Spielberg stipulates that the film cannot be edited.

"As in the past, this broadcast will contain appropriate and clear advisories and parental guidelines," the statement said.

Several stations said ABC had rejected their requests to air the movie after 10 p.m.

An FCC spokeswoman said Wednesday that the agency does not monitor television broadcasts, but responds to complaints. The agency did receive a complaint after the 2001 broadcast of "Saving Private Ryan," but it was denied, she said.

WSOC-TV of Charlotte said it had received complaints about language in the movie when it was aired in 2001 and 2002.

"Now, after much concern and discussion about family viewing over past months, and with Americans at war across the world, it is the vivid depiction of violence combined with graphic language proposed to begin airing at 8 p.m. that has forced our decision," said Lee Armstrong, the station's vice president and general manager.

ABC has told its affiliates it would cover any fines, but Cole, of Citadel, said the network could not protect its affiliates against other FCC sanctions.

The FCC has stepped up enforcement of its decency standards for certain content following this year's Super Bowl halftime show, in which one of Janet Jackson (news)'s breasts was exposed.

Profane speech, which is barred from broadcast radio and television between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., is defined by the FCC as language that is "so grossly offensive to members of the public who actually hear it as to amount to a nuisance," or epithets that tend "to provoke violent resentment."

The guidelines say the context in which such material appears is of critical importance.

Cole cited recent FCC actions and last week's re-election of President Bush (news - web sites) as reasons for replacing "Saving Private Ryan" on Thursday with a music program and the TV movie "Return to Mayberry."

"We're just coming off an election where moral issues were cited as a reason by people voting one way or another and, in my opinion, the commissioners are fearful of the new Congress," Cole said.

[ptlyon]

"Under strict interpretation of the rules, we can't run that programming before 10 p.m.," said Ray Cole, president of Citadel, which owns WOI-TV in Des Moines, KCAU-TV in Sioux City and KLKN-TV in Lincoln, Neb.


Fuqtards...

Guess what we get instead?

Return to Mayberry

How appropriate.

At least Mellencamp is on A&E tonight.

[ChiefsCountry]

It is a war movie of course its going to be graphic. How else are you going to show a war scene?

[Logical]

"We have attempted to get an advanced waiver from the FCC (news - web sites) and, remarkably to me, they are not willing to do so," Cole told The Des Moines Register.

Until having read this statement I was with Baby Lee. Now I am thinking maybe they have good reason. WTF is up with the FCC?

[Mr. Laz]

WTF is up with the FCC?

i'll give you one guess :hmmm:

[Megbert]

Until having read this statement I was with Baby Lee. Now I am thinking maybe they have good reason. WTF is up with the FCC?
I was just going to post only this part of the article. But then decided it would be out of context. I was hoping someone else would pick up on it.

[Frazod]

I've had it on DVD for years. Who cares?

[Logical]

i'll give you one guess :hmmm:

Definitely one of the aspects of the Bush administration I cannot stand. Still far better to put up with this than have Kerry in office.

[Baby Lee]

I've had it on DVD for years. Who cares?
I was kind of looking forward to seeing it in HD, still a bit better than DVD, assuming they go full on 720p.

[jspchief]

I also own it on DVD, and likely wouldn't have watched it tonight. But it's the idea of it all that disappoints me.
Here's the e-mail I sent to WOI in Des Moines. It's obviously a bit dramatic, but I'd thought it would hold more effect that way.

What a disappointment. It's truly disheartening to learn that your station has decided to not air what is widely regarded as the most realistic representation of D-Day on film. In a time when our youth has such a very small sense of what those veterans did that day, you choose to further reduce that memory in the name of the dollar. Rather than make a statement about how much you respect our fallen protectors, you make a statement about how important your Christmas bonus check is to you. Thank God that the men that have fought and died to protect my freedom are devoid of the cowardice your station and it's manager has shown.

Only slightly less disgusting is the pretense that you do it under. On a station that broadcasts filth like "Desperate Housewives", where one can watch the equivalent of an oral sex act performed on a banana, you pretend to be concerned with the maturity level of the content in "Saving Private Ryan". Then your replacement for the movie is "Return to Mayberry"? I'm sure all the men that gave their lives in the taping of "The Andy Griffith Show" will be grateful. I suppose there aren't any movies made about the sacrifices our soldiers make that fit into your guidelines, like "The Longest Day" for example. My guess is it's your attempt to show that your station is geared towards family viewing. I'm sickened that you think us fools enough to buy into that load, while you're stuffing your pockets with the revenues of your soft-porn "hit show".

The only reason I'll be tuning into WOI channel 5 is to obtain a list of sponsors to contact regarding my disappointment. I'll sacrifice the shows on your station that I enjoy to make my statement, but maybe sacrifice for something you believe in is a concept your station doesn't comprehend.

Disgusted,

[Baby Lee]

I also own it on DVD, and likely wouldn't have watched it tonight. But it's the idea of it all that disappoints me.
Here's the e-mail I sent to WOI in Des Moines. It's obviously a bit dramatic, but I'd thought it would hold more effect that way.

What a disappointment. It's truly disheartening to learn that your station has decided to not air what is widely regarded as the most realistic representation of D-Day on film. In a time when our youth has such a very small sense of what those veterans did that day, you choose to further reduce that memory in the name of the dollar. Rather than make a statement about how much you respect our fallen protectors, you make a statement about how important your Christmas bonus check is to you. Thank God that the men that have fought and died to protect my freedom are devoid of the cowardice your station and it's manager has shown.

Only slightly less disgusting is the pretense that you do it under. On a station that broadcasts filth like "Desperate Housewives", where one can watch the equivalent of an oral sex act performed on a banana, you pretend to be concerned with the maturity level of the content in "Saving Private Ryan". Then your replacement for the movie is "Return to Mayberry"? I'm sure all the men that gave their lives in the taping of "The Andy Griffith Show" will be grateful. I suppose there aren't any movies made about the sacrifices our soldiers make that fit into your guidelines, like "The Longest Day" for example. My guess is it's your attempt to show that your station is geared towards family viewing. I'm sickened that you think us fools enough to buy into that load, while you're stuffing your pockets with the revenues of your soft-porn "hit show".

The only reason I'll be tuning into WOI channel 5 is to obtain a list of sponsors to contact regarding my disappointment. I'll sacrifice the shows on your station that I enjoy to make my statement, but maybe sacrifice for something you believe in is a concept your station doesn't comprehend.

Disgusted,

Did you have to diss Desperate Housewives? Let us keep the shows filled to the brim with hot chicks. :p

[ptlyon]

OUTSTANDING jsp!

[Mr. Laz]

Definitely one of the aspects of the Bush administration I cannot stand. Still far better to put up with this than have Kerry in office.

we'll see


keep that mirror handy though

[StcChief]

Baby Lee,
I agreed completely. I do enjoy 'D H' though and sex sells unfortunately.

When the younger viewers are old enough to understand
have the Dads show it to them.

[Baby Lee]

Until having read this statement I was with Baby Lee. Now I am thinking maybe they have good reason. WTF is up with the FCC?
The FCC's position is they cannot advise/warn anyone about what is appropriate for broadcast. They only respond to complaints. They said they only got one complaint during prior broadcasts, and that was dismissed. The film cannot be edited/altered per Spielberg's wishes. Either they show it as-is, or they don't show it at all.

[Logical]

The FCC's position is they cannot advise/warn anyone about what is appropriate for broadcast. They only respond to complaints. They said they only got one complaint during prior broadcasts, and that was dismissed. The film cannot be edited/altered per Spielberg's wishes. Either they show it as-is, or they don't show it at all.
Seems like an idiotic policy for an organization that is handing out aggregious fines. But this is typical of our government in action, stupidity reigns.

By the way thanks for the info.

[Logical]

we'll see


keep that mirror handy thoughDoes your mirror comment mean, "watch your backside"?

[Baby Lee]

Seems like an idiotic policy for an organization that is handing out aggregious fines. But this is typical of our government in action, stupidity reigns.
I agree that the lack of a bright line is a problem, but that's a function of an agency that is reactive, ie., responding to complaints. I can see their POV. I wouldn't want to set the precedent of the agency stamping their OK on content before the fact. Then you are faced with the Hobbesian choice of going back on your representations, or being unresponsive to the citizens.

[jspchief]

The FCC's position is they cannot advise/warn anyone about what is appropriate for broadcast. They only respond to complaints. They said they only got one complaint during prior broadcasts, and that was dismissed. The film cannot be edited/altered per Spielberg's wishes. Either they show it as-is, or they don't show it at all.

Completely absurd. So basically the FCC says "we'll fine you up the ass if you step over the line, but we refuse to show you what the line is".

Maybe the police should remove all speed limit signs while they're at it. This also falls under my opinion on the failures of our attempts to curb drunk driving.

[Logical]

I agree that the lack of a bright line is a problem, but that's a function of an agency that is reactive, ie., responding to complaints. I can see their POV. I wouldn't want to set the precedent of the agency stamping their OK on content before the fact. Then you are faced with the Hobbesian choice of going back on your representations, or being unresponsive to the citizens.

That is a good point. Besides progress to match morality shifting might become impossible under such a scenario. :thumb:

[Baby Lee]

Completely absurd. So basically the FCC says "we'll fine you up the ass if you step over the line, but we refuse to show you what the line is".
That's the price you pay for maintaining responsiveness to the citizens. Can you imagine the furor if the folks responsible for the SB flap produced a permission slip they had obtained from Michael Powell?

[Chiefnj]

You don't want to give Powell and his ilk the power of pre-screening shows.

It's a flawed system but the less intrusion the better. They only have to respond when dopes write their silly letters.

[KC Kings]

The thing is they showed it before. Also if they would be upset about it don't you thinkg the FCC would have stopped them by now? They know they are going to air it and if they have a problem with it they would have said something.


I think the FCC is going overboard IMO.

I read an article yesterday about this, and it said that they were going to show the unedited version this time, and what they were worried about was the language content, with all the f-bombs.

That would explain why it would be different this time, but doesn't explain how somebody offended by cursing would be watching a movie so graphic that it made grown men cry.

[jspchief]

I read an article yesterday about this, and it said that they were going to show the unedited version this time, and what they were worried about was the language content, with all the f-bombs.

That would explain why it would be different this time, but doesn't explain how somebody offended by cursing would be watching a movie so graphic that it made grown men cry.

They've always shown the unedited version. Speilberg won't allow them to do otherwise. The broadcast this evening will be no different than the one that the FCC ignored in the previous two years.

[Sig Kauffman]

Hearst-Argyle's ABC affiliates will not be airing "Saving Private Ryan" either. Hearst-Argyle owns KMBC Channel 9 in Kansas City.

[Pitt Gorilla]

Completely absurd. So basically the FCC says "we'll fine you up the ass if you step over the line, but we refuse to show you what the line is".

Maybe the police should remove all speed limit signs while they're at it. This also falls under my opinion on the failures of our attempts to curb drunk driving.That was to be my point as well. There is no speed limit; you only get busted if someone else reports you as driving "too fast." That could be 30 mph on the interstate, but that may be too fast for a sector of the population.

[Mr. Kotter]

That was to be my point as well. There is no speed limit; you only get busted if someone else reports you as driving "too fast." That could be 30 mph on the interstate, but that may be too fast for a sector of the population.

I understand your frustration, but make no mistake (although 'decency' standards are somewhat fluid) there are clear "guidelines" that broadcasters are aware of....and, yes, they push the boundaries ALL the time.

That said, Miller v. California established a three prong test for obscenity that, while vague, has served the government reasonalby well. Also keep in mind, court decisions FORBID what they call "prior restraint." There is a lot that can't be specifically 'censored' unless there is an after fact determination that obscenity statutes have been violated, which takes us back to the Miller decision. Bottom-line in the Miller decision, is that it boils down to "community standards" which can be inferred from significant public "complaints."

[Bob Dole]

The opening Omaha Beach scene still tears Bob Dole up when he sees it. Damn.

They're even leaving in the language. Wonder what's up with that?

[Deberg_1990]

The opening Omaha Beach scene still tears Bob Dole up when he sees it. Damn.

They're even leaving in the language. Wonder what's up with that?


Broadcasters have begun to do this from time to time. Comedy Central sometimes airs the uncut verson of South Park the Movie and Scary Movie 2. Its probably a way to get more people to watch.

[jspchief]

They're even leaving in the language. Wonder what's up with that?

I said this earlier, but I'll repeat it. Speilberg will not allow a broadcast of an edited version. You show it as it was shown in the theater, or you don't show it at all.

[Sig Kauffman]

They're even leaving in the language. Wonder what's up with that?

It's part of ABC's contract with Steven Speilberg that they are in no way, shape or form allowed to edit "Saving Private Ryan." The big issue here is the language. That's why Citadel, Hearst-Argyle (KMBC's parent company) and several other ABC affiliates opted not to air the movie. Without the language, there is no need to pre-empt the show.

[Cannibal]

IMO it wont be long before the right wingers start trying to censor the internet and video games.

Say bye bye to games like GTA.

[Megbert]

Here in Phoenix the president of the affilliate came on air and announced in fear of the FCC they will be airing "Hoosiers" instead.

[Sig Kauffman]

Broadcasters have begun to do this from time to time. Comedy Central sometimes airs the uncut verson of South Park the Movie and Scary Movie 2. Its probably a way to get more people to watch.

Three things...
1)You could argue it is a ratings ploy. We are in the middle of November sweeps after all...and ABC is usually the odd man out on Thursday nights. NBC of course dominated Thursdays for 20 years with Cosby, Cheers, Seinfeld, Friends, etc. But so far this year, CBS is winning Thursday night with Survivor and CSI. It's very possible they're doing it for ratings.
2)Comedy Central is not held to the same standards as ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox. The networks use the public airwaves to air their programming. Since you pay for (and with technology can control what you watch on) cable...they have different standards. Case in point...what Dave Chappelle can get away with on Comedy Central "SNL" might not be able to get away with on NBC.
3)The "South Park" movie and "Scary Movie 2" are usually shown Saturday nights around 11pm or later, when it's assumed most of the little ones are in bed.

[KcMizzou]

Here in Phoenix the president of the affilliate came on air and announced in fear of the FCC they will be airing "Hoosiers" instead. I have 2 ABC channels, KMBC and KQ2. KMBC's showing Far and Away.

[memyselfI]

People who wanted to see something as a tribute to the troops could have watched "Last Letters Home" on HBO which I did. It was true stories that conveyed the realities of war in a much less violent and crude fashion and yet I'm quite sure the pain shown and felt by those in it and who view it is just as real, if not moreso, than a Hollywood flick.

LLH is a gutwrenching but beautiful documentary.

[2bikemike]

People who wanted to see something as a tribute to the troops could have watched "Last Letters Home" on HBO which I did. It was true stories that conveyed the realities of war in a much less violent and crude fashion and yet I'm quite sure the pain shown and felt by those in it and who view it is just as real, if not moreso, than a Hollywood flick.

LLH is a gutwrenching but beautiful documentary.

Yeah but its on HBO. No HBO at work. So I will watch Saving Private Ryan in about 5 more minutes. Our local ABC affilliate is showing it.

[Demonpenz]

I got saving private ryan here. Man you have to love it when vin diesel comes out and starts tearing shit up in the GTO. Saliva's click click boom is a good choice for the soundtrack too

[Valiant]

Until having read this statement I was with Baby Lee. Now I am thinking maybe they have good reason. WTF is up with the FCC?


Fu(king
Communist
Cunts

[2bikemike]

I got saving private ryan here. Man you have to love it when vin diesel comes out and starts tearing shit up in the GTO. Saliva's click click boom is a good choice for the soundtrack too

Vin Diesel just got killed. Shoulda left the kid with his family and kept his head down.

[listopencil]

Nah, it's on out here but I'm watching WWE wrestling instead.

[Dave Lane]

I also own it on DVD, and likely wouldn't have watched it tonight. But it's the idea of it all that disappoints me.
Here's the e-mail I sent to WOI in Des Moines. It's obviously a bit dramatic, but I'd thought it would hold more effect that way.

What a disappointment. It's truly disheartening to learn that your station has decided to not air what is widely regarded as the most realistic representation of D-Day on film. In a time when our youth has such a very small sense of what those veterans did that day, you choose to further reduce that memory in the name of the dollar. Rather than make a statement about how much you respect our fallen protectors, you make a statement about how important your Christmas bonus check is to you. Thank God that the men that have fought and died to protect my freedom are devoid of the cowardice your station and it's manager has shown.

Only slightly less disgusting is the pretense that you do it under. On a station that broadcasts filth like "Desperate Housewives", where one can watch the equivalent of an oral sex act performed on a banana, you pretend to be concerned with the maturity level of the content in "Saving Private Ryan". Then your replacement for the movie is "Return to Mayberry"? I'm sure all the men that gave their lives in the taping of "The Andy Griffith Show" will be grateful. I suppose there aren't any movies made about the sacrifices our soldiers make that fit into your guidelines, like "The Longest Day" for example. My guess is it's your attempt to show that your station is geared towards family viewing. I'm sickened that you think us fools enough to buy into that load, while you're stuffing your pockets with the revenues of your soft-porn "hit show".

The only reason I'll be tuning into WOI channel 5 is to obtain a list of sponsors to contact regarding my disappointment. I'll sacrifice the shows on your station that I enjoy to make my statement, but maybe sacrifice for something you believe in is a concept your station doesn't comprehend.

Disgusted,


All I can say is wow.... and Rep!

Dave

[Flustrated]

Thank god they pulled it. what if my kids were watching and saw private Ryans privates... :lame:

[DenverChief]

So does Oppum (sp?) redeem himself by killing that german puke or is he still a coward ?

[Rausch]

So does Oppum (sp?) redeem himself by killing that german puke or is he still a coward ?

Coward....

[Rausch]

Has there been an irony-alert post on this thread yet? There should have been...

[DenverChief]

Coward....
yeah that was my take as well just wanted to ge tthe planet pulse....I should start a poll....stand-by

[KingPriest2]

Channel 9 did not show it here in KC Those BASTARDS!

Get Real people show the movie.

[DenverChief]

.