WI Public TV to air "controversial" Postcards from Buster episode

[Viking12]

As many of you are aware, the children's program, Postcards from Buster, has created a bit of an uproar with the "morality police." I wrote WPT requesting that they not succumb to the pressures of these whackos and air the episode.

Here's my letter:

I am writing today to request that WPT air the "Sugartime" episode of the animated series "Postcards from Buster." My two children, ages 2 and 4 are regular viewers of the program and I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to share the program with them. I believe that WPT should not allow the reactionary edicts of Washington politicos to determine local programming.

If necessary, the station could provide an advisory for those viewers that may object to the content of the programming. Such an advisory would rightly place the responsibility for children's viewing in the hands of parents. To deny parents the opportunity to make such a decision is an affront to the values of free expression and choice that are cornerstones of a democratic society. I hope that WPT recognizes their civic reponsibility to air the program.

Thank you for your time.

Here's some exerpts fom the lengthy response from WPT:

A core part of the mission of Wisconsin Public Television is to
provide trustworthy educational programming for children. We take this
responsibility very seriously. We also urge parents to take an active
role in structuring their children's TV viewing so that television can
be a positive, rather than negative, influence on their lives.

In addition, one of our core values as an organization is a commitment
to reflecting and respecting the diversity of the community we serve.
As part of our mission, we seek to promote a more vibrant and informed
community.

(several paragraphs desribing Buster and the flap)

After reviewing the episode, Wisconsin Public Television believes it
is consistent with our mission to educate diverse audiences of
children and adults and appropriate to broadcast. At the same time, we
respect the right of parents to make viewing choices for their own
families and we encourage them to do so. So that parents and
caregivers can make their own informed decisions, we will broadcast
"Sugartime!" on WPT on Sunday, Feb. 27, at 5:30 P.M.

Again, thank you for letting us know your views, and for supporting
public television.


:beer: yeah WPT!!!!

[ewagner]

1. Good for Wisconsin!!!

The state should take the leadership in progressive politics back and show the nation how it really should be.

Nice letter btw

[sybylla]

2. Great news

I think I'll send them an e-mail of support.

[ClassWarrior]

3. That's awesome. I wish cable still carried WPT here in BrewTown.

NGU.

[TheMightyFavog]

4. ALRIGHT, WPT!!!!

Suck it, fundies!

Forget bricks, the right wing bigots living in WPNE's area are going to be shitting cinder blocks. I couldn't be happier.

[snacker]

5. I'm impressed.

[CatholicEdHead]

6. Twin Cities Public TV (TPT) will air

it also sometime in March (I forgot the date).