A Reply from a CBS Affliate VP of Broadcast Stations on Reagan Mini-Series

10/27/2003 | Babsig

[Babsig]

On Friday I Emailed the General Manager of our local CBS Station regarding the Reagan mini-series. The following letter:

Dear General Manager,

It has come to my attention that the upcoming CBS mini-series on Ronald Reagan depicts one of our greatest presidents in a derogatory manner. The show is full of misrepresentations, misquotes, and flat-out lies. CBS has made a conscious decision to conspire with the left wing fanatics of Hollywood in an endeavor to attack and rewrite history on one of the greatest presidents of our time, former President Reagan.

As General Manager of a CBS affilate, you have the decision whether to broadcast this piece of garbage. I hope that WSPA makes the right decision not to air this mini-series.

My whole extended family will be boycotting not only all CBS's national programming, like CSI, AMY, JAG, JOAN, LETTERMAN, HACK, GUARDIAN, SURVIVOR, etc., but also WSPA's local news shows and sponsors if your station elects to show this series. Be assured the news of this "boycott" will be broadcasted and implemented thoughout the WSPA area. I hope you will please pass this information on to CBS Headquarters in NYC.

Sincerely, XXX

Today this is the reponse from the GM and VP

Ms. XXX, You may have better information than I do, but I am trying to learn more about this program so that I can make an informed decision. In the meantime, I choose not to simply accept the opinions being offered by various talk show hosts on this sensitive subject. If this show airs, I hope you will consider watching and forming your own opinion about how President Reagan was treated. The little I've heard suggests that he is presented quite favorably. Thank you for contacting us. John Cottingham Vice President of Broadcast Stations Media General Broadcasting Group

-----Original Message----- From: Pennington, Karen G. Sent: Monday, October 27, 2003 10:45 AM To: Cottingham, John R. Subject: FW: CBS Mini Series on Reagan

John, Please reply. Thanks! Kay __________________________________ Kay Pennington Assistant to the VP/General Manager NewsChannel 7(WSPA-TV)

What y'll think?

[freekitty]

I am not watching that piece of garbage. Especially, since I have heard Baba Streibaby has been making her innuendos.

[Prime Choice]

CBS is the same network that wanted to make a "comedy" about people putting their lives back together in the aftermath of 9/11. Thankfully it was killed by public outcry.

The people running CBS have no conscience and no shame. It must be spoon-fed to them by the public at large.

[Robert A Cook PE]

Good point!

Ignore the national GM offices - There's only ONE of them.

Threaten a boycott of the LOCAL CAR DEALERS!

(Then, if Chevy DOES sponsor the show anyway - Threaten NASCAR.... And back up the threats with your (lack of dollar!) purchases.

[steve8714]

Concentrate on Anheuser-Busch. Don't let 'em up.

[steve8714]

I'm sure Babs told him it was flattering...he wasn't shown actually EATING children.

[BJungNan]

Agree. GM knows how I feel (Chevy is sponsoring this).

Is Chevrolet really sponsoring this? If so, I'll cancel the contract on the truck I'm supposed to pick up later this week. Really, I will. Please let me know.

[L.N. Smithee]

Concentrate on Anheuser-Busch. Don't let 'em up.

While you're at it, ask the folks at A-B why they donated to an anti-Davis recall group that used their money for a autodial telemarketing campaign days before the election.

[Pest]

My response from Monster.com:

Hello XXXX,

We have received several emails similar to yours in regards to the rumor that Monster is sponsoring the movie on Ronald Reagan in November on the CBS Network. It is very important that I send you some clarification about this subject, as there is a great deal of incorrect information circulating about Monster's advertising plans. Monster is not advertising on CBS during the month of November, and has never had plans to do so.

Thank you for your concerns.

Alison Phelan
eLead Specialist
Monster (800) 666-7837 x2054

Monster Bottom Line: Top talent, a comprehensive product line and our commitment to customer service all mean one thing to you - a better ROI.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

'swhat I've read.

[Cinnamon Girl]

Dear Babsig:

My head is up my butt and that's how I watch t.v. and talk to people. Thank you for contacting us.

John Cottingham Vice President of Broadcast Stations Media General Broadcasting Group

[Oldeconomybuyer]

Here is the response I received today from my local CBS affilliate in Kansas City. Note it was a form letter.

"Thank you for contacting KCTV5 with your comments regarding the upcoming CBS Mini-Series: The Reagans. KCTV has received several inquiries from viewers concerned about the series. While KCTV has the option to preempt CBS network programming, we have chosen to air this mini-series to let our viewing audience make its own determination as to whether or not to watch. The station has no public opinion for or against one’s political views; rather we believe it is up to the general public to determine whether or not a particular show has merit. This program, which is still in post-production, will be a four hour saga dealing with the lives of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, from the time of their meeting to beyond Mr. Reagan’s presidency. There has been recent discussion in the public arena, and commentary and assumptions have been made by individuals who have not seen a single frame of this film. While in any biographical drama, a degree of theatrical license is unavoidable, we wish to assure you that CBS and the producers of The Reagans have made every attempt to be fair and accurate. As broadcasters, it is our job to put forth programming that informs, entertains, and hopefully, stirs meaningful discourse about the events of our time in a responsible and truthful manner. We invite you to watch The Reagans and make your own personal judgment as to whether or not we have succeeded in our efforts. If you wish to comment further on The Reagans, you may contact CBS Audience Relations at area code 212, 975-3247 or by email at audsvcs@cbs.com<

Thanks for watching KCTV5."


XXXX XXXXX

[edwin hubble]

Yes, of course, Mr. Cottingham (of CBS).


Barbra Streisand spent two weeks on the set...
to ensure that President Reagan "is presented quite favorably.

[Keith in Iowa]

I used to work for a station that was/is a WSPA 'sister station' - since the group that owned them got swallowed up by Media General, the local GM's have to ask Media General corporate for permission to pee. If you want to direct some ire or ill will - point it to Media General's corporate offices.

[talleyman]

Found the sponsor list (posted by Owl_Eagle) - thanks to both of you! Gotta get busy now!

[jragan2001]

As someone once said to me over a decade ago:

"When you "CBS", you've seen it all!!

[madison10]

It wasn't Chevy, it was Pontiac. Two distinct divisions.

[longtermmemmory]

tell this manager you intend to use the federally mandated vchip in every TV in you home to block his station so it will not exist in your home. His advertisers will be wasting their money with his station.

[stands2reason]

Concentrate on Anheuser-Busch. Don't let 'em up.

And they'll ignore you. They are totally liberal.

[longtermmemmory]

lipton dumped the dixie chix and they were german.

[longtermmemmory]

we could also remind them that portions have already been aired.