TV Stations Cancel 'Saving Private Ryan'

FNC ^ | 11-11-04 | Associated Press

[ConYoungBlack]

TV Stations Cancel 'Saving Private Ryan

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

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.

[silent_jonny]

Saving Private Ryan just started ...

[Owen]

You have a point. We shouldn't censor . . . unless, of course, there are films from GOP donors in competition for the same minutes and dollars. Then whose film do you want to air?

This is a much more broad and profound matter than simple censorship. This is money. If you watch that film, you are sending a check to Clinton. Period. No evasions. It is overt and outright.

What should you do?

[2nd amendment mama]

It just came on here in Myrtle Beach, SC

[normy]

WFAA in Dallas said it wanted to show the movie at 9:00 but ABC wouldn't let them. They are choosing to show Oprah!

[A Citizen Reporter]

This is a stunt alright. ABC just aired a message detailing why it is not showing "Saving Private Ryan".

And I quote: "If you are unhappy with this decision conatact the FCC"...... with address and phone number at the end."

[Owen]

>
Unless you enjoy sending money to Spielberg so he can donate it to liberal causes, and Clinton's legal defense.

We have to sperate art from artists. Saving Private Ryan is a masterpiece, in spite of Spielberg's politics.
>

Where is it written that we must "separate art from artists?" There is plenty of soul-enobling art available from people who are dead. Novels, paintings, music. If you choose to fall prey to contemporary hype that tells you what is great, you may. But You Need Not. You can have all the art you want without writing checks to Clinton's legal defense fund. When you choose to watch Spielberg, that's what you are doing and there is no way around it.

Trust me on this. A life without Spielberg is diminished not one iota.

[Diverdogz]

My local ABC affiliate, WMBB in Panama City, FL decided NOT to show SPR this evening. This is a very conservative station in a very conservative part of the state. The threat of big government is real and the rules must be changed.

There has to be a technical solution to this problem.

[MichelleWSC]

"It just came on here in Myrtle Beach, SC"


---Just came on here too. Right after Jeopardy :-) Before it started there was a vet who was wounded 5 times and McCain talking about history -- they were at the USS Arizona memorial Pearl Harbor. He also said the movie was being shown without editing and there was strong language and violence. Now I know why many stations aren't showing it.

I have the DVD and suspect most people do as well

[silent_jonny]

Whatever, dude.

[silent_jonny]

Oprah? GAG!

[sharktrager]

How is this the same as falsifying a biography?

Fact is, the FCC HAS enforced rules on the same content differently in the last 2 years.

[Dr. Frank fan]

How is this the same as falsifying a biography?

Falsifying a biography - "this stuff happened to me" when it did not

Ray Cole - "I'm sincerely afraid the FCC will fine me" when he is not

Now, perhaps Ray Cole really is sincerely afraid the FCC will fine him for showing SPR. In that case I simply think he is dead wrong. We shall see soon because several stations are showing SPR.

But I don't believe he is sincerely afraid. Rather, I believe he is staging a stunt (like I said). Yes, I could be wrong *shrug*

Fact is, the FCC HAS enforced rules on the same content differently in the last 2 years.

We shall see if SPR will be among them.

Best,

[MineralMan]

"ABC's real problem "

Uh, do read the story. It's not ABC. ABC is airing the film. It's bonehead local affiliates who are scared to air it.

War sucks! People die. People curse. That's reality. This film depicts it.

Wimpy local stations are deciding not to air this film, which shows American soldiers fighting and dying because these 20-something kids curse and die?

Sorry. That sucks.

[expatguy]

Let me see if I get this right.

Let us off the hook for Janet's tits or we are gonna sulk and refuse to show patriotic shows.

[jackbill]

I would, however, not want it aired uncut on TV unless it was a pay channel.

It has already been broadcast - uncut - at least twice previously. Fortunately, my local ABC affiliate in Salisbury, MD is showing it and I'm watching it as we speak.

[MineralMan]

"This is a stunt alright. ABC just aired a message detailing why it is not showing "Saving Private Ryan". "

Wrong! ABC is airing this film. It is local affiliates who are not. Please don't link the network with idiot affiliates who cannot understand that airing a film that celebrates the heroism of our soldiers in WWI is the right thing to do.

Get it right!

[kx9088]

I understand what you're saying, but you can change the channel.

[GrandEagle]

It is a great movie - I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[RGSpincich]

Removing it from broadcast cost them more than it did us. The broadcast was riddled with mood killing commercials, especially at the end. Those wanting to see what they missed will rent/buy a DVD and recive the full impact of the film, commercial free. Thank ABC for finding a way to heighten interest in a patriotic film.