ABC Family: We Must Air Pat Robertson

[Roland99]

http://www.crooksandliars.com/2005/08/25.html#a4635

Crawford's List:

"ABC Family said in a statement that the company is "contractually obligated to air The 700 Club" on the cable channel owned by Disney and has "no editorial control over views expressed by the hosts or guests." It added, "ABC Family strongly rejects the views expressed by Pat Robertson...read on"

I've seen people lose their jobs over a lot less than calling for the murder of a political leader. How does that argument make any sense anyway? I guess it makes as much sense as half the things Pat says.

Howard Stern got fined how many dollars for some sexual innuendo that harmed no one? How many CBS stations were fined for Janet Jackson's near-bare breast?


But, a pseudo-Christian calls for the assassination of the ELECTED leader of a sovereign nation and the media and the right-wing moralists brush it under the rug?


:puke: :puke:

[jojo54]

1. Let's see this for exactly what it is.....

an EXCUSE!! Plain and simple, end of story.

[tx_dem41]

3. A contract is an excuse?

Ok...whatever you say.

[Orrex]

11. Not an excuse

If the contract allows no "pull the plug" option for ABC, then ABC was stupid to enter into that contract but might not have any choice at this point. All they can do is either refuse to renew the contract when it next comes up (in which case Pat et al will ooze over to any of a zillion other hungry venues) or insert just such a "pull the plug" option upon renewal.

My prediction is that they'll ride out the current contract and then renew it without modification, gambling that the flap over Robertson's avocacy of terrorism will have faded by that time.

Honestly, even if he were jailed, I expect they'd find some way to get his ugly, sanctimonious mug on the air.

[tx_dem41]

16. Remember that ABC bought this station from Pat Robertson....

I think he had the leverage in the negotiation.

[Orrex]

19. Words of Advice for Young People

"If you're doing business with a religious son of a bitch, get it in writing. His word isn't worth shit, not with the Good Lord telling him how to fuck you on the deal."

Rest in Peace, Uncle Bill! The transcript is a little off, but the relevant quote is shown accurately.

[aresef]

31. Technically, ABC bought it from Fox, who bought it from Rev. Nutjob

That's been in th contract since said purchase. Stupid, I know, but that's the way it is sadly.

[terrya]

2. "ABC Family strongly rejects the views expressed by Pat Robertson"

Gosh, that was blistering. Pat sure won't be trying anything like THAT ever again.

[noonwitch]

10. They do make a statement after the show every day to that effect

"The preceeding was sponsored by CBN and does not reflect the view of the network", or whatever the exact words used are.

[MaineDem]

54. I wish the White House would be as forceful in its condemnation (nt)

[JuniperLea]

4. The things people do in the name of God!

God is sure getting a bad rap these days, thanks to morons like Robertson and that vile Crouch couple. I watched a bit of their show the other day just because I like horror flicks. They were promising a miracle to people who called in to pledge them money! If there is a God, I hope he sends Pat, Jan and Paul and all others like them to the depths of hell for using his name in vane!

Robertson is a hallucinating sociopath and a warmongering terrorist; he should be locked up. If he truly does receive "words of knowledge" from God, he should have received some "words" telling him to keep his pie-hole shut.

[xxqqqzme]

24. saw jan in an upscale

furniture store once. She was yelling at the manager, poking him w/ her index finger over some bed her daughter ordered that hadn't been delivered. All the while the daughter stood idly by w/ her back turned to the whole scene. Their limo was waiting outside, in the fire zone, engine running to keep the AC on I guess. I wanted to go back in and give her a what for when my daughter told me who she was.

[JuniperLea]

30. How many coats of bondo was she wearing?

What color was her wig?

I swear, wasn't what God gave these women enough for them? I think it is a huge sin and an insult to God to plaster all that paint and phoney hair on something he created!

Bah!

[PSPS]

5. Any such contract clause is void in this case

I know it's a cable service and, as such, not subject to the same regulation as over-the-air stations. But the 700 club is also carried on many over-the-air stations (like TBN UHF stations), and the FCC requirements for over-the-air content supersede any contract clause when it comes to content.

Of course, we all know what the position of "ABC Family" would be if, with the same contract, someone were calling for the assassination of bush, don't we?

[JuniperLea]

6. You nailed it.

How about we buy some time under one pretense, then use the space as a rally to impeach The Shrubbery. The show would be canceled before the end of the business day.

[Roland99]

7. I like that idea! A Lot! And welcome to DU, PSPS

[Orrex]

12. Oops--hadn't thought of that

I was only ruminating in terms of the contract language without considering a superseding authority.

Good call!

[Orrex]

13. **Self delete duplicate duplicate***

[Village Idiot]

8. And because there has been NO repudiation from the WH...

I suppose it's OK now for Imams and other religious leaders the world over to call for the assassination of Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rice, Powell, Ashcroft, Wolfowitz, etc.

[Beetwasher]

9. So Pat Robertson Could Fuck Goats on TV And They'd Have to Air Him?

That's what they're saying.

[rniel]

29. I guess if he owns the station yes.

n/m

[meow2u3]

14. STP to ABC: if you really HAVE to air Mullah Robertson

Put him on late nights--about 2, 3 in the morning--when all the fundies are snuggled up in their beds. This will satisfy the contract but strip him of his audience, who is usually up early in the morning :evilgrin:

[AntiCoup2K4]

43. I'm sure the airtime of the 700 Club is part of the contract

...Since the show has always aired at the same times on cable, as far back as I can remember. If they tried switching the show to a time where they would lose viewers, Pat would probably have grounds for a lawsuit. The little puke did go to law school (though he didn't graduate) and has a team of rightwing legal pit bulls at his command whenever he needs them.

[Lochloosa]

15. Call your cable provider and request that they drop ABC Family

since they will not drop the "tarrestt"

[AndrewJacksonFaction]

17. Does ABC/700 Club have advertisers we could contact?

[calico1]

18. That is a bullshit excuse.

Anyone can be fired, any show can be cancelled when the violation is one like this one. I suppose if he strangled someone to death on his show ABC would say "sorry we can't cancel the show 'cause we have a contract?" Bullshit.


spelling

[no_hypocrisy]

20. Don't buy it. Robertson breached his contract with ABC with his

position of assassinating a democratically-elected leader of a foreign country. There's an FCC violation somewhere as you aren't allowed absolute free speech on the airways. Therefore, ABC can take remedial action including dropping the show.

[tx_dem41]

25. Are you certain that this is an FCC violation?

Or wishful thinking?

[txaslftist]

33. If it was an FCC violation, it's up to FCC to enforce it, not ABC .

[aresef]

32. It isn't the airwaves

ABCFam is a cable-only channel. Dinsey should have every right to drop him, but thanks to that contract, they don't sadly.

[AntiCoup2K4]

46. This is true as far as ABC Family goes.

However, any other affiliates which broadcast the 700 Club should be able to drop the show for that reason. I doubt the Trinity Broadcasting Network would drop the show, and it's doubtful he would lose any independent stations in "Bible Belt" states. But this would be a good argument against any independent TV stations in your area that air the 700 Club.

Here's the listing of affiliates, from Pat's own website:
http://www.700club.com/700club/ShowInfo/Schedule/localtvlistings.asp

[reformedrepub]

21. Dont you get it

Sex and Sexual Innuendo bad...Calling for the assassination of Foriegn Leaders who happen to disagree with US Policy..GOOD!!!

[jasmineblue]

22. self-deleted

[McCamy Taylor]

23. Silly Roland 99, are you comparing VIOLENCE with SEX????

[Roland99]

26. Just noting the right condones violence but abhors the mere mention of sex

[Contrary1]

27. Here's what needs to happen...

Since ABC refuses, for whatever reason; ($$$) to dump Robertson, we need to write them and let them know we will no longer be watching any of their channels. Let their sponsors know we will not be purchasing their products. Same goes for all companies owned by Disney.

We all know the real reason they won't cut him. They are afraid of pissing off the Fundies. ($$$)

Liberals and non-Fundies have money too, and there are a lot more of us out here than idiots that swoon at the sight of Robertson and his kind.

"This is a partial list of holdings and brand names of the Walt Disney Company. In addition Disney owns scores of radio and television stations, newspapers, trade publications and magazines."

Theme Parks
Walt Disney World - Orlando, Florida
Disneyland - Anaheim, California

Movies, TV, and Music
Walt Disney brands (movies, educational products, music, travel)
Buena Vista brands (home video, movies, distribution, television)
Capital Cities/ABC brands (television, entertainment, news, sports)
Touchstone Pictures
Hollywood Pictures
Caravan Pictures
Miramax Films
The Disney Channel
Hollywood Records
ESPN
A&E Television Network
Lifetime Television Network

Publishing
Disney Publishing
Hyperion Press
Chilton Publications

Other
Anaheim Mighty Ducks hockey team

http://www.afa.net/disney/companies.asp

[txaslftist]

34. It is not ABC's fault.

They don't have the legal right to "drop" Robertson. They cannot legally do it. It is agin' the law. It is contrary to a binding contract. They don't own the studio he works out of. They don't pay his bills. He doesn't work for them. They can't fire him.

If he violated FCC regulations, it is up to the FCC to enforce their regulations. The FCC can take him off the air, ABC cannot.

You can't evict a person from a house you rent to him with a binding rental contract because he's a nazi who says stupid things on TV.

There is no superceding law that permits ABC to do it, only the FCC can do it.

Select your target more carefully.

[OneTwentyoNine]

36. There are clauses in ALL contracts......

I haven't seen or read the contract between the two but I'd bet there are several clauses in their contract. Pat Robertson couldn't go out a shoot an abortion doctor and expect to remain under that contract,a clause would be used to break it.

I'd bet they have several clauses in that contract but are to chicken shit to use them.

[txaslftist]

39. As an attorney, I can assure you that is not true.

You can bet ABC's lawyers spent plenty of time looking for just such a clause before concluding that they couldn't get rid of him.

Do you really think Disney want to be known as Mickey the Knife?

[OneTwentyoNine]

42. Well....if they were that stupid when they got him under contract...

Then they deserve any and all backlash that comes their way.

[txaslftist]

51. By that logic, since America was stupid enough to elect Bush...

...we all deserve the nightmare he's inflicting on this nation?

[rniel]

28. And Bill Maher and the Dixie Chicks

and on and on

[KansDem]

35. Isn't there some kind of morality or ethics clause in the contract?

It seems that every once in a while, a celebrity gets the boot from a contract because they are caught up in some sleazy affair. The reason they are let go usually has to do with some clause in their contract that, if they "misbehaved," their contract becomes null and void.

So advocating political assassination isn't a breech of the "morality/ethics" clause? Or maybe such a clause doesn't exist in Pat's contract because Robertson is "Mr. Moral" and as such, to question him about his morality by having him sign that he will adhere to moral standards, would be insulting.

edited for spelling...

[txaslftist]

40. I think you mean "ethics".

ethnics are generally permitted.

[KansDem]

44. Thanks!

I made the change :hi:

[Generator]

37. It's disgusting

Whatever happened to "morality" clauses. You know-you are caught doing something that is against the BASIC VALUES of society and you have broken your contract. Well, calling for someone's MURDER is about as immoral as you get without actually committing an act. Now, you can bet one MILLION dollars that if he called for the assination of dear George W. he would be long gone.

[Scout1071]

38. Really? Didn't they fire Bill Maher from a show that aired late night

because he said that the 9/11 hijackers were not as cowardly as people were saying because it took courage to carry out that attack as opposed to dropping bombs from 35,000 feet?

[ieoeja]

45. Yes

And what does that have to do with Pat Robertson? Robertson doesn't work for ABC. They don't pay him. HE pays THEM to air his program.

[Scout1071]

50. In that case, they need to reject his money and take his hateful

rhetoric off the air.

[SoCalifer]

41. I e-mailed ABC

Here's a copy of what I sent them. hehe :)

Hello. As you are aware of, in the recent days the world has watched a person by the name of Pat Robertson call for the assassination of a democratically 'elected' leader of a sovereign nation. This is unmistakably an absolute outrage, and totally unacceptable. I do not think it is necessary for me to remind anyone that if the very same thing was done by someone else against one of our political leaders, that they would be behind bars right about now waiting to explain themselves in a court of law. But that's not exactly the reason for my email to ABC.

My reason for this mail is to inform ABC of my concern that Pat Robertson isn't being banned from ABC. I read a statement issued by ABC that the company is "contractually obligated to air The 700 Club" on the cable channel owned by Disney and has "no editorial control over views expressed by the hosts or guests." But the problem I have with such a statement is that I know that is being dishonest with the public by ABC, because I am sure that ABC's contracts include stipulations which could dissolve ABC from all contractual obligations - like unlawful and other unacceptable behavior for example.

In closing, I am afraid to have to inform ABC that until such time that ABC bans Pat Robertson and The 700 Club from ABC channels, unfortunately my moral convictions will not allow me to view any of ABC's channels.

I hope ABC decides to do the right thing and take the high road. I think by doing such, it will both serve to continue ABC's respectable image, as well as, to set an example for other future would be persons who might think to take advantage of ABC's good name.

[AntiCoup2K4]

47. Send a message directly to Pat at CBN

http://www.700club.com/contact/feedback-700club.asp :evilgrin:

[Enraged_Ape]

48. People, there is only one solution: KILL YOUR *&^% CABLE!!

I almost go postal when people complain about some crap they've seen on cable TV!!! For God's sake, save yourself the $50+ bucks you spend on this garbage and apply it to gasoline or to a fun pizza dinner with your family once a month.

I have not had cable in nearly 15 years!!! I can honestly say that I've NEVER MISSED IT. There are times when I crave mindless entertainment, but I have DVDs for that, or ABC's Lost or Alias which are on broadcast TV. Never have I felt like I'm missing out on ANYTHING.

I know some of you might say, "Well, I need to keep track of what's going on in the world (via CNN), and I want to know what the right-wing's talking points are." There are some great people on this board who will tell you exactly what's happening with all of that. YOu don't need to watch it. And anyway, you know that all you're going to get on cable news is a bunch of pro-corporate BS regardless of the topic, even if their lead stories AREN'T about shark attacks or some missing blonde somewhere.

Call your cable company tomorrow and cancel. Tell them you can't stand it that they are airing the pro-assassination rantings of Pat Robertson on ABC's Family Channel. Then go to your neighborhood bookstore and pick up a good CD and a novel. You won't be sorry.

[Roland99]

52. I canceled mine last November.

[Don1]

49. Here's a solution.

We could put together a movement to ask ABC to ban Pat Robertson, not the 700 Club. So the 700 Club could be allowed so long as its pundits obey the law, like Robertson couldn't manage to do.

But seriously, there probably is something in the contract that was violated when Robertson said this, too.

[MattP]

53. No way to no Daily show

There is no way in HELL I would give up my Daily show or any other uncensored shows for the mindless dribble that's on regular tv, besides I couldn't live without High-def.