A Remembrance Day to Remember

I’m quoting from IMDB (and many other major sources that have picked this up): “ABC affiliates in Des Moines and Sioux City, IA and Lincoln, NE have refused to broadcast Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan on Veterans Day, saying that they fear they could be fined by the FCC.

The stations are owned by Citadel Communications. In an interview with the Des Moines Register, Citadel President Ray Cole said, “Under strict interpretation of the rules, we can’t run that programming before 10 p.m. … We have attempted to get an advanced waiver from the FCC and, remarkably to me, they are not willing to do so.” He said that he had also sought permission from ABC to delay the broadcast until 10:35 p.m. but was turned down. Cole acknowledged that his stations had aired the film in 2001 and 2002 without a single complaint.” What can I say – it’s a sad day when a network cannot air a powerful film, but has no problems putting on Desperate Housewives, and Bachelor series at 8 and 9 pm in the evening – without any problems. Double standard, and self-imposed censorship. Catch it on DVD, or VHS – well worth your time.