So, I e-mailed all the PBS stations re the Sugartime Episode ..

[Maat]

from "Postcards from Buster." I explained that I wanted to be able to view the episode with my 8-year-old daughter, and that it was the perfect opportunity to show her again that families come in different shapes and sizes, so-to-speak (she's adopted, so everytime she realizes this, and that families come together in different ways, it makes her happy). This is the episode that mixes cartoon characters with film with real-life people. The episode features a family with two moms, who are committed to each other.

I e-mailed KVCR (San Bernardino-Riverside) and KOCE (very red Orange County, Ca.). These are both in my area and on DISH network. Both stated that the episode was not on the schedule, and KOCE stated that PBS had pulled the episode from national distribution.

I also heard from KCET (Los Angeles). Despite the alleged pulling, KCET had aired it before - so I missed it.

I contacted the maker, "WGBH" of Boston, who apparently either is a PBS station or an affiliate or whatever, and was told that the episode had aired there, but was not available for purchase. I had suggested that it be made available. They stated that they would pass the suggestion on.

I made it clear to both KCET and WGBH that I would not become a financial contributor to any PBS station until I did have viewing access. I felt that I should not be held hostage to either official or Religious Right pressure.

Thoughts?

[FreepFryer]

1. Right On. We fight the fights that need fighting! Don't get down. (n/t)

[kiraboo]

2. I'm thinking GREAT! I'll do the same up here.

I have no idea if they have aired or are planning on airing the program. We've made it dinnertime conversation anyway, so the kids know what's going on.

[LiberalinNC]

3. Can you believe Raleigh NC's PBS station actually showed that

episode? I was happy and yet shocked to see them show it, seeing that this area is against gay marriage.

[Maat]

4. Which shows me that the stations had some individual...

discretion in this ... unless they each had different contracts, which I doubt, since one stated that the reason they didn't show was, basically, because their slots were filled.

One showed it.
One stated that its slots were filled.
One stated that it had been pulled nationally.
And the one who made it showed it, but doesn't have it available for purchase, and is out of my area.

A lot of different answers. I wonder what is up.

[Zenlitened]

5. According to another DU poster...

... WGBH -- the Boston PBS station that produced the series -- said:

WGBH will air locally, as scheduled "Postcards from Buster's episode “Sugartime” on March 23, 2005. We also will make this episode available to any local PBS station choosing to broadcast it. We believe, as do our advisors, that the program is appropriate for our audience and fits the series’ mission to introduce children to the rich and varied cultures that make up the United States, including kids living in a wide range of family structures.

Based on that and news reports (edit), I felt comfortable making an additional donation to WGBH. Their donation form has space for comments, and I told them that I appreciated their producing the show in the first place, and standing by it in the face of this manufactured controversy.

See the DU post at:
http://www.democraticunderground.com//discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=158x2958