45 PBS stations to air inclusive 'Buster' ep

[Anarcho-Socialist]

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds19119.html

WGBH confirmed today to Digital Spy that 45 PBS stations across America have signed on to air an episode of Postcards from Buster that includes a gay couple.

The "Sugartime" episode of the animated kids programme examines farm life and maple sugaring in Vermont, a state which permits civil unions between same-sex partners. It just so happens that a couple in the programme who run a farm happen to be of the same gender. A storm of controversy arose when the American education secretary, Margaret Spellings, criticised the programme:

"Many parents would not want their young children exposed to the lifestyles portrayed in the episode. Congress' and the Department's purpose in funding this programming certainly was not to introduce this kind of subject matter to children, particularly through the powerful and intimate medium of television."

(snip)

Today, a spokesperson for WGBH told Digital Spy:

"We have 45 stations signed on to air the episode... These 45 stations, many in major markets, represent a little over 50% of public television viewership."

[intheflow]

1. Good for PBS for growing a spine!

I sure would like to know where those 45 stations are.

[youthere]

3. Ditto.

I emailed my local PBS affilliate when this story first came out and asked when the episode would air...all they said was that "we have not viewed this particular episode but thank you for your continued financial support"

Sheez.

[mzmolly]

2. Here here!

:toast:

[rodeodance]

4. sugar is the mornin', sugar in the eveing....recall that tune

[Ian David]

5. My daughter loved it. They had cows

I've got it on tape, just in case it ever becomes banned.

Personally, I think the Religious Right is probably more outraged because the lesbians are Jewish.

Oh, and at the end of the segment they bid farewell to winter by burning a small pine tree cheering something like, "Goodbye, Winter! Goodbye, Winter!"

It's almost as if the producer sat down and pondered, "Hmm... what can I do today that will really piss-off Dobson?"

In any case, she is a hero.

[classof56]

11. "Sugar at Suppertime"...I do indeed recall it. McGuire Sisters, right?

Back in the 50s, right? Oh, my gosh, I just revealed my age. Yikes! It's why I call myself...

The Tired Old Cynic

BTW--good for those PBS stations!

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

6. I hope WQED runs it. nt

[paineinthearse]

13. Have you contacted WQED?

I've found PBS stations to be extremely open to messages and always respond.

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

14. I'll do that...thanks for the suggestion. nt

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

16. WQED in Pittsburgh will run it 2/11/2005 at 3:30pm.

QED will get a nice, big donation from me this month.

:yourock:

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

7. Self delete....duplicate post. Sorry. nt

[Mr_Spock]

8. Another distraction from the RW murderers - as our kids die in Iraq

Stupid ass-wipes - they should have to receive a spanking for such childish behavior.

[Viking12]

9. Thanks for posting. It encouraged me to write to WI Public TV

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.

[callous taoboy]

10. Anti-gay folks: Just hum loudly and plug yer ears. n/t

[paineinthearse]

12. Since WGBH is in Boston...

I have been tracking this issue in the Massachusetts forum.

See posts at http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=158x2958 (includes an email from Spellings the day the story broke).

It's always nice to send friendly messages to producers of solid programming to express support....even nicer when one gets an immediate response.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

17. Kudos to Buster

for wearing those snug blue jeans that show off his rabbithood.

[Southpaw Bookworm]

15. Yeah for Buster!

And a big FUCK YOU to the stations that caved in to ignorance and hatred and won't be airing the program.