This is the response I just received from the General Manager of my local CBS affiliate:
Dear John: Let me tell you right off that I'm a Ronald Reagan fan and a proud conservative. I don't begin to condone what CBS is apparently planning to do. But as much as it may anger and frustrate me (and it does!), I can not refuse to air this mis-guided miniseries. It's not a matter of fortitude, it's about censorship. And, John, once that door opens, it never ever shuts.
What I'm encouraging folks to do is simply not watch it. Networks survive on ratings. Watch something else those two nights. Read a book. Talk (what a concept!). I can assure you that I won't be watching that telecast.
In the meantime, we at WTOC are beginning work right now on a news series dealing with President Reagan, to air that same week in November, which will provide a much fairer view of his stunning legacy.
Thanks for taking the time to share your frustration about this arrogant and insensitive "project" with me in writing. And thank you very much for your current service to our nation, which in itself is helping to sustain President Reagan's efforts to keep us (and much of the world) free.
Best wishes,
XXXXXX
VP & General Manager
We apologize for the delay. Due to volume it's taking longer for us to get back to you.
Thank you for contacting us with your concern. This gives us the opportunity to provide you with some additional information.
Hallmark was not involved in the production of "The Reagans" miniseries airing on CBS and is not a sponsor of the program. By virtue of its international distribution network, Hallmark Entertainment Inc. distributes many films produced by other companies to international audiences, and this movie will be one of those. We suggest you relate your concerns about the program's content to CBS.
We respect your views and appreciate the time you took to share them.
Thanks,
Jan Scott
Hallmark Consumer Care
Original Message Follows:
Message: I understand you are about to sponsor a TV movie/miniseries called 'The Reagans.' I further understand, based on partial transcripts of the dialogue and comments from the actors and screenwriters, that there are a number of depictions and quotes from the President and Nancy Reagan that are patently false and made up out of thin air. Clearly this is an attempt to besmirch the name and legacy of the Reagans for whatever political agenda that lies underneath, and is nothing short of
despicable.
If this program airs, I will personally boycott not only CBS, Hallmark, and any sponsor willing to have their names mentioned in concert with this slanderous program.
I further intend to actively recruit anyone within the sound of my voice or the reach of my keyboard to do the same. How absolutely shameful!
TRAITOR!