WNET NIXES 'KINSEY' AD

Station fears conservative backlash

By Gabriel Snyder

Fox Searchlight said Friday that PBS station WNET New York rejected a promotional spot for its sexologist biopic "Kinsey" for fear of a backlash from conservatives who have protested the pic.

In an email from WNET to the Searchlight ad-buying firm, the station said it did not have a problem with the content of the promo, a spot that would have run ahead of programming on the station, but rather was concerned about being connected to the controversial pic.

An email from the station, released by Searchlight, said in part, "We do apologize, but Tom (Conway, the station's chief financial officer) is not comfortable with the content of this movie and because there has been controversial press re: groups speaking out against the movie/subject matter, we feel we can't risk viewer complaints on this."

Earlier, a WNET spokeswoman told the Associated Press the blurb was rejected because it was "too commercial and too provocative."

Searchlight said in a statement that it was "greatly disappointed" by WNET's decision and added, "We have faith that other stations will not bow to efforts to censor our film."

Please note that this is a PBS station in ultra-blue New York City that's knuckling under to their anticipation of possible right-wing pressure. PBS stations are heavily dependent on viewer donations -- that's why they have all those pledge drives -- and thus (it seems to me) should be vulnerable to some well-publicized liberal backlash right about now. Use this form to contact WNET -- tell them you'll remember their moral cowardice come the next pledge drive.

Update (12/3): It took a few days, but I got a response from WNET -- or should I say, a non-responsive response:

Dear Viewer:

Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding Thirteen’s decision not to air the underwriting announcement from Fox Searchlight Pictures featuring the film Kinsey, as reported in the press this past weekend.

Thirteen has no objection whatsoever to the release of the film Kinsey or its subject matter. In fact, we will be airing our own documentary about Dr. Kinsey on American Experience in February, and we hope you will tune in.

Unfortunately, the Fox Searchlight Pictures announcement did not meet our guidelines for on-air underwriting announcements. Please note that in passing on this announcement, Thirteen also declined the underwriting support that accompanied it. This decision was made after careful consideration.

Please know that your voice counts and we consider your concerns in making decisions. Our foremost aspiration is to provide intelligent, thoughtful, and honest programming, and to be responsive to our community of viewers. We continue to dedicate ourselves to these goals.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts. We truly value your input and your support.

Sincerely,

Mark Cataldo

Director,
Customer Relations Management &
On-Air Fundraising Administration
Thirteen WNET New York