Posted on 11/11/2004 4:01:34 PM PST by nomorecameljocks
KOCO Will Not Air 'Saving Private Ryan' A Statement From KOCO-TV's President And General Manager "It has been a subject of considerable discussion within our station as to whether 'Saving Private Ryan' is appropriate for broadcast prior to 9 p.m.
The movie has been recommended by the motion picture industry itself for mature audiences only due to its language and violent content.
Recent discussions by the Federal Communications Commission have established new legal standards for what broadcast stations may and may not broadcast prior to 9 p.m.
Until the FCC or the courts clarify those legal standards, we are left guessing as to whether the artistic, social or historical significance of programs such as 'Saving Private Ryan' is sufficient to insulate us from liability. We have an obligation to our viewers, as well, to consider our local market and how best to serve them.
We asked ABC for permission to air 'Saving Private Ryan' at 10:35 p.m. to broadcast it in the 'safe harbor' time period established by the FCC and, to our disappointment, were refused. As a result, we were left with the only alternative to preempt the show.
We regret that decision by ABC since this movie possesses significant artistic, social and historical value and its presentation on Veterans Day -- at a time when our nation is at war -- is a fitting tribute to the coverage and honor of those who so bravely serve and have served in the defense of our nations freedom."
Brent Hensley President, General Manager KOCO-TV ChannelOklahoma.com
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They should show Cornelius Ryan's "The Longest Day."
They've shown a lot of violent stuff on that channel, and some of it a little risque too. It's not because they're afraid of a fine, it's because that station doesn't want to air anything that will make the military look heroic.
Oklahoma ping?
No problemo....as they say.
I think you are right they have always played that movie in my nook of D.C.
cancelled in Austin, TX (KVUE station) too....
Besides, this is a movie that must be viewed on DVD.
Did the FCC say they would not fine stations for airing this movie?
I forgot to add Liberal Austin, TX
See, issues like this require consistency. I agree that is a good move and worth watching. But lots of folks are pretty uptight about violence (of any type) being broadcast on basic TV during prime time hours. If the station chooses not to broadcast, I can understand their reasons. We can't expect stations to be selective about the types of violence they broadcast because there is always going to be someone upset by it. No reason to bring on their wrath ( or worse , the FCC).
I hope they don't edit it. Movies that get edited always end up worse for the wear. Violence is sometimes a necessary element of a story.
Is there a list somewhere of the stations that are showing it? I would like to see it again.
They are trying to stick it to the FCC. And using this movie and this day, Veteran's Day, to do it. Disgusting.
Not showing here in Phoenix either.
From what I gather, ABC asked the FCC for assurances they would not be fined if they showed the movie. The FCC said they don't do that, and in fact, only act afterward based on complaints from viewers. So the stations are using this as an excuse not to show the movie, which I understand has already been shown twive (in 2001 and 2002) on network tv with no complaints resulting in FCC action against stations.
I'd have to agree with the idea that the stations are using this as a pretext to not show a positive depiction of the US military.
AMEN!!!
How can anyone doubt that our nation's liberals are unpatriotic and unamerican when they pull crap like this?
Thank God that Kerry was sent home with his tail between his legs.
If he shows the Iraq news, he can show Private Ryan.
I agree with NOT showing it during "family time" on broadcast TV.
The media is simply attempting to use this tactic to try to humiliate and denegrate the moral conservatives by extremist reaction on the media's part.
Why else would they show extreme violence and foul language to children? Then they cry that they are afraid of the meanie FCC and that is why they don't dare show it? BULL!
If the FCC would state they will not impose fines against the stations that air SPR, then the Liberal Stations would have no excuse. What is the FCC position?
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