It is an amazing documentary. I would show it in class while student teaching, but my coop teacher has a collection of news clips he wants to show next week, so I probably can't except for the one class I am taking over fully.
Excellent response to the complaints from KWCH GM in Wichita, Joan Barrett:
"To alter the reality of this day – would seem in and of itself immoral. We can’t simply make the horrific nature of these events disappear with an occasional bleep. It would diminish the tragedy and emotion that everyone in this country experienced on September 11, 2001. Yes, there is some profanity from those who were at Ground Zero experiencing the horror firsthand; but given this was a profane act that should not be surprising or obscene. We can’t simply disguise the truth because it makes one uncomfortable.
Now, let me address some misinformation that is being distributed. First of all, the FCC cannot fine the networks. It is simply not within their scope. The FCC is a governmental regulatory body that has oversight of the public airwaves – not television networks. Yes, CBS has informed us that they would rebroadcast the program. This is standard operating procedure. We have received no warning from CBS about potential large fines from the FCC for airing the program.
The term "profanity-laden" is being used to describe this program; emotionally-charged words are often used by some to mislead or instigate desired actions. I can only tell you, that after the two previous broadcasts of this program, we received not one verbal or written complaint about the profanity in those broadcasts.
Several people have expressed concerns about this program because children may see it. As a mother of two, I too have concerns about what my children are exposed to, not only on television, but in life. It’s difficult to build walls around your children to protect them from everything we don’t want them to see or experience. The only way to completely eliminate concerns about television in your home is to remove it – and not allow your children to visit anyone’s house that has one. In addition, you would likely have to remove any computer with internet access. For my family, this isn’t realistic, practical or desired.
Here is why this is such a challenge for you and I as parents. The FCC oversees stations that broadcast over the air – ones that can be picked up without cable or satellite. If you subscribe to cable or satellite, the majority of the stations you watch – or those that your children watch – are not broadcast stations or regulated by the FCC. For example, a cable network (such as ESPN, A & E, etc) does not face the same government oversight.
So, even if ALL material that you might deem offensive was removed from broadcast stations – there would be many channels available that have no such oversight by the FCC. Approximately 70% of our viewers receive our signal from cable, another 20% receive KWCH over satellite. That means 90% of KWCH viewers have access to a variety of channels that are not regulated by the FCC.
Finally, we have also closely read the FCC’s decision regarding the airing of "Saving Private Ryan" on ABC adopted on February 3, 2005. After review, the FCC found the material did not violate the applicable indecency and profanity prohibitions. We are closely monitoring what the FCC and our elected representatives are saying. That’s why we believe this program does not violate our community standards."
Agreed. The fact that it was filmed in real time inside the building with the cameraman not knowing what was happening brings home the horror of the day better than any other film or photo I've seen, with the possible exception of the jumper pictures. But even then, I remember the horror when I realized they were in the audio.