XAC
INFORMATION
INDEX
This XAC Index is a collection of selected posts to the XAC list.
It is presented to provide a point of reference for persons seeking information about the movement to combat censorship of Xena Warrior Princess.
At present there are emails from 6 April 1999 through 29 April 1999.
.
Complied by JacQuest
29 Apr 1999
From: beboman <beboman@cwix.com>
Yoo guys, this was the response I got from Ontario.
Beboman
-----Original Message-----
From: Don Mumford- The New PL -7265 <donm@cfpl.com>
To: 'Paul Wollaston' <wollaston@nimm.com>; 'beboman@cwix.com'
<beboman@cwix.com>
Date: Thursday, April 29, 1999 9:51 AM
Subject: RE: pl email - Xena and Hercules - support
>
>Dear Xiomara,
>
>Thank you for taking the time to respond and for your support of our
>position. This is a more serious issue than just Xena and Hercules,
>although we are very confident our delivery of these products with the
>appropriate disclaimers has been responsible and in the best interest of
the
>viewers of Southwestern Ontario.
>
>Kind regards,
>
>Don Mumford
>Program and Promotion Manager,
>The New PL
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Paul Wollaston [mailto:wollaston@nimm.com]
>Sent: Tuesday, April 27, 1999 5:13 PM
>To: Don Mumford
>Subject: Fwd: pl email - Xena and Hercules - support
>
>
>Subject: pl email - Xena and Hercules - support
>Sent: 4/24/19 3:43 AM
>Received: 4/27/99 5:02 PM
>From: Mitchell, wright@nimm.com
>To: wollaston
>
>>realname: Xiomara Suro
>
>>username: beboman@cwix.com
>
>>thoughts_area: This shows are no more violent that what we see daily in
>>the new. So are we going to take all the news shows off the air because
>>of their violent content. I don't think so.
>>
>>Both shows are entertaining and they are geared to a pg 14 audience. By
>>that the age group watching the show should be 14 and above and believe me
>>this kids have seen and heard things much harder than Xena and Herc.
>>
>>Also both shows in their own way have a moral and social teaching to them.
>>First and for most is the fight of good against evil with good always
>>winning. 2nd is that it presents two very strong figures who fight for
>>good, who have feelings and who are not afraid to love and have friends,
>>and this is very important in a society where machines take most of our
>>time and we hide behind close door afraid to make friends and take
chances.
>>
>>Please think seriously about it.
>>
>
From: Matthew Osmun <imanumso@yahoo.com>
It's nice to see we can get positive feedback! :-)
Hawk, did you send your response yet?
Matthew
--- Don Mumford- The New PL -7265 <donm@cfpl.com>
wrote:
> From: Don Mumford- The New PL -7265 <donm@cfpl.com>
> To: 'Paul Wollaston' <wollaston@nimm.com>,
> "'imanumso@yahoo.com'"
> <imanumso@yahoo.com>
> Subject: RE: pl email - Xena and Hercules - support
> Date: Thu, 29 Apr 1999 08:33:57 -0400
>
> Dear Matthew,
>
> Thank you for taking the time to respond and for
> your support of our
> position on this issue.
>
> Kind regards,
>
> Don Mumford
> Program and Promotion Manager
> The New PL
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Paul Wollaston [mailto:wollaston@nimm.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, April 27, 1999 5:11 PM
> To: Don Mumford
> Subject: Fwd: pl email - Xena and Hercules - support
>
> Subject: pl email - Xena and Hercules - support
> Sent: 4/24/19 3:43 AM
> Received: 4/27/99 5:02 PM
> From: Mitchell, wright@nimm.com
> To: wollaston
>
> >realname: Matthew D. Osmun
>
> >username: imanumso@yahoo.com
>
> >thoughts_area: No, these shows are not too hot,
> for Ontario or any other
> >place. They are adult-minded shows, and thus the tv
> rating they are given.
> >Although children watch these shows, it is mainly
> for the action. Most of
> >the deeper, adult-oriented themes are over their
> heads. The general
> >messages these shows promote are that we should
> right that which is wrong,
> >and to stand up for your convictions; help those
> who are in need, not to
> >be selfish or greedy, and that true friendship can
> be a stronger bond than
> >some family ties. If these topics are considered
> "hot" topics, perhaps you
> >should just get rid of your cable or television
> entirely. If you feel
> >certain episodes may be too graphic,
> adult-oriented, etc., then tape the
> >episode and pre-screen it for your children, or,
> better yet, watch the
> >program WITH your children.
>
From: Hawk <hawk@multiboard.com>
Subject:
RE: pl email - Xena and Hercules - support
Date:
Thu, 29 Apr 1999 08:15:57 -0400
From:
Don Mumford- The New PL -7265 <donm@cfpl.com>
Dear Rob,
Thank you for your detailed assessment of Xena and your support of our
position. I have read all the Free Press articles in detail as this is
potentially a very serious issue for us. While we remain confident the
CBSC
will rule in our favour, one never knows. I couldn't agree more with
your
assessment of the story quality present in Xena, and Hercules for that
matter. While it is unfair to compare a great show to an average one, I
don't disagree with your assessment of Mortal Combat. I find this show
far
to reliant on action and not enough on story. For that reason, we have
relegated it to post 9:00pm. While Hercules and Xena air in primetime,
we
also feel the quality of the show and the humorous nature of the shows
also
allow us to air them late Sunday afternoon, with the appropriate
disclaimer.
Thank you again for your support. Wish us luck. The adjudication
process
is now underway.
Don Mumford
Program and Promotion Manager
The New PL
-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Wollaston [mailto:wollaston@nimm.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 27, 1999 5:08 PM
To: Don Mumford
Subject: Fwd: pl email - Xena and Hercules - support
Subject: pl email - Xena and Hercules - support
Sent: 4/22/19 12:23 AM
Received: 4/27/99 5:02 PM
From: Mitchell, wright@nimm.com
To: wollaston
>realname: Rob Ireland
>username: hawk@multiboard.com
>thoughts_area: Dear Sir:
>
> I am writing in response to a newspaper article published in the London
>Free Press on April 23.
>This article was written by Sandra Coulson, who is the Arts and
>Entertainment reporter. It is regarding a program that is aired on your
>station Wednesday evenings at 9:00 and is repeated on Sunday afternoons
>called Xena:Warrior Princess.
>
>If you have not yet had the opportunity to read this article, I will paste
>what was forwarded to me below:
>
> By Sandra Coulson
> Free Press Arts
> &,Entertainment Reporter
>
> A self-regulating body for the broadcast industry has moved ahead
> on a London father's complaint that the Xena and Hercules television
> series are too violent and sexual.
>
> Fred Janzen complained to the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council
> (CBSC) about episodes he saw on CFPL-TV in February
>
> The CBSC could have dismissed Janzen's complaint at an early review
> stage. Instead, the complaint win go to the CBSC's Ontario regional
> council for a ruling.
>
> CBSC chairperson Ron Cohen said complaints are dismissed at an early
> stage for only a few reasons, such as that the complaint is too similar
> to one previously dealt with by the council or that the viewer is
> harassing the broadcaster.
>
> Janzen said he has had support from others, especially those to whom he
> describes a scene from Xena in which a woman is crucified. He added he
> is sending out petition forms that he wants to forward to the CBSC.
>
> CFPL-TV program director Don Mumford said the station believes the Xena
> and Hercules shows are suitable for the audience they are aimed at. The
> station places a logo in the corner of the TV screen to signal to viewers
> that the shows are rated for parental guidance.
>
> "We're very sensitive to the needs of the market and the hours of
> programming," he said.
>
> Mumford said since news of Janzen's complaint broke, the station has
> received four letters of support from viewers. Mumford said the
> supporting viewers prefer the current system of on-air ratings and are
> concerned that one person's complaint could deny the access to a
>program
> they consider acceptable.
>
> Other broadcasters have had to edit shows that the CBSC has decided
> violate broadcasters' voluntary codes of conduct on violence, sex-role
> portrayal, ethics and journalistic ethics.
>
> Linda Baker, assistant director of Family Court Clinic, praised Janzen's
> involvement in the issue. Baker and thers working in children's services
> are promoting Media Violence Awareness Week this week.
>
> "One wants to applaud any initiative on the part of parents to raise
> awareness of this," she said.
>
> Baker said she and her husband don't ban TV shows in their house, but
> they have discussed the violence, sex-role portrayal and overall reality
> of Xena with their 11-year-old son.
>
> A representative of the show's producers in Los Angeles refused to
> comment on a single complaint.
>
> Cohen said the council doesn't hold formal hearings like a court or public
> inquiry. "We don't want to be user-difficult," he said. "From the point
> of view of viewers and listeners, we don't want them to thing that they
> have to make solid legal argument."
>
> Today editor for the London Free Press is:
> Barbara Taylor: btaylor@lfpress.com
>
> I find this to be quite disturbing. The idea that the complaint from one
>individual may lead to the censorship of a program for potentially
>thousands of viewers I find abhorrant. I personally see issues covered on
>your own daily news that I find disturbing, but I do not complain about
>this coverage.
>
> I feel that CFPL have been very responsible in this issue by providing
>on-air warnings in it's programming, and pre-screening each episode for
>violent content. This allows parents or the viewers themselves the ability
>to choose not to watch.
>
> Regarding the program being too sexual. I have noticed a program that is
>currently airing in late prime-time called Mortal Combat:Conquest that
>seems to be much more violent than Xena typically is. I do not think it
>is possible to sexualize or objectify women more than is done on that
>program (can they possibly show more skin?? tighter outfits on the women?
>Yeesh!). As a heterosexual male who respects women, this is the reason
>that I have decided to not watch that program.
>
> I would personally rather watch a program such as Xena. This program is
>very intelligently written by top rate writers, has thought-provoking
>content, re-creations of historical events such as the rise and fall of
>Rome, the Gallic wars, the Greek Amazons, and historical monuments such as
>Stonhenge. I would rather watch a program such as this than than one that
>seems to be mostly 'eye candy', with average acting, and artificial
>martial arts action.
>
> I find the Xena program has a lot to offer the viewer, if they take the
>time to reflect on the issues that are presented. Issues such as the
>'Greater Good', and the importance of honesty and loyalty.
>
>To cite specific examples from this season alone:
>
> An episode earlier this season entitled 'A Good Day' was very effective
>in putting a face on the statistical casualties of war. It demonstrates
>and makes us think hard about the question:
> Does anyone ever _really_ 'win' a war'?
> You may have defeated your enemy, you may have been sucessful in
>reclaiming the land, or whatever it may be that fueled the war initially.
>Yet what of the families of the fallen soldiers? The widowed women and the
>fatherless or orphaned children, and how this will affect them for the
>rest of their lives? Entire villages burned, leaving the villagers
>homeless.Factoring this in, can we really ever say that we've 'won' a war?
>This is exactly what is presently happening in Kosovo.
>
> In an epsode titled 'A Tale of Two Muses', an asolescent girl and boy
>decide that they are tired of the restrictive rules of the village that
>they live in and decide to run away to Athens, Greece. (where the show is
>primarily set). Xena is able to change their minds by telling them what
>running away _really_ means {Direct quote from the episode - "It means you
>never stop. It means no home, and no family. And your father loses
>another son"} , and they decide to return to the village.
>
> In an episide titled 'Crusader' the program shows that one should not
>allow themselves to be fooled by appearances. The Xena character is
>always presented as a very 'street wise' person, and is aware that things
>may not always be as they seem. One should not judge a book by it's cover.
>
> An episode titled 'Daughter Of Pomira' dealt with a young girl that was
>kidnapped from per parents by 'savages' (the Pomira) and was living as one
>of them. Xena recognizes the young girl as being the daughter of one of
>the soldiers of her former army. Gabrielle convinces Xena that returning
>her to her maternal family, is the right thing to do...with unexpected
>results.
>
> Last week's episode entitled "The Convert" deals with a recurring
>character named Joxer. Joxer has always aspired to become a brave
>warrior, and fight for good. In this episode, he is confronted with the
>fact that to be a warrior (in present day, we would call hin a soldier) he
>may actually have to take the life of another person. This happens this
>episode, and he has to re-evaluate this life-long aspiration. He becomes
>consumed with guilt, and makes his first enemy. He must also tell the son
>of the deceased (who never really had know his father) what he has done.
>Think of how many soldiers may be experiencing this in Cosovo.
>
> This article has stated that a concerned parent discussed it with his 11
>year-old son. Although I can not speak for all, I do not feel that the
>average 11 year-old child could fully comprehend issues such as loyalty,
>vengence, honourability, how having a strong non-maternal bond with
>another person {1} can change an individiual without having a parent or
>other elder there to discuss it with them. Not to mention the examples
>that I gave above. This program has been rated PG 14+, not PG, and
>placing it in the 9:00PM time slot makes perfect sense.
>
> The crucifiction scene that was mentioned is intended to be a shock. The
>whole story in a nut shell is that in the season premiere a Shamaness from
>Xena's very dark and sordid past curses her by showing her, for all
>intents and purposes, the moment of her own death. The subsequently
>envisioned crucifixion scene was in keeping with the Capital Punishment
>methods of the Pre-Christian, non-monotheistic era in which the program is
>set. The idea of the main characters (or anyone, for that matter)
>envisioning their own deaths is disturbing to say the least, and therin
>lies the drama.
>
> As adults, we know that the 'violence' on this program in the form of
>Hong Kong style martial arts and kickboxing is simply entertainment and is
>not real. My previous roommate was from Hong Hong, and I have had the
>opportunity to view some truly authentic Hong Kong movies. They tend to
>be _much_ more violent than any Xena episode that I have seen in the past
>two seasons. I am of the firm belief that if you do not like what you are
>watching, change the channel. To censor a program for all because one
>individual {2} does not exercise their ability to turn it off, to
>me is not just.
>
> This program has enriched so many people's lives, and is so beautifully
>presented that to hack it to pieces in the interest of censorship for
>those that do not simply tune it out would be a dark day in the
>entertainment business. It would also be setting a disturbing precident.
>To me censorship in the arts is a very bad thing. This program has
>introduced so many people to other art forms, cultures and traditions. It
>has dealt with Taoism, Hinduism, and Paganism. It also has Greek, Roman
>and Norse influences. To censor any material that may spark intelligent
>conversation and interst in the culture or traditions of another land or
>time could lead us back to the McArthy era.
>
> Since I have begun watching this program, I have started researching many
>things that have been presented of which I never gave any thought, or was
>not aware of. It has introduced me to the music and traditions of many
>exotic cultures. (how many of us are familiar with Bulgarian Gadja music?
>I wasn't either, but once I heard it I was quite intrigued by it.)
>
>How many other programs on television can boast this much value and
>enrichment? Few to none.
>
>So my answer to the forum's question "Are Xena and Hercules too hot for
>Ontario?" I say definately, not.
> (The Nielson Ratings don't lie)
>
>Sincerely,
>Rob Ireland
>(Long time viewer of CFPL and Chum CITY Television)
>
>{1} I personally consider the two main charaters to be soul mates. Two
>people that would willingly give their life so that the other may live.
>The bond as it is presented is that strong.
>
>{2} or a comparitively very small, vocal, right wing fundamentalist
>religious group....as was the case with the episode 'The Way' earlier this
>season.
23 Apr 1999
From: dtr <donnat@hooked.net>
At 08:47 PM 4/22/99 -0400, bookdaft wrote:
<snipped generic "we didn't do it" station response>
>I'd like to ask for ideas you
>might have that I can use to get around the tunnel-vision that appears to
>be evident in the letter.
By responding to the kind of canned response that you received, I
have had good success in getting some stations to commit to
contacting Studios U.S.A. themselves. Here is the correspondence
I just had with once such station. I'm starting with the generic
response they gave to my first letter, then my response to that, and the
response they gave me just last night:
At 05:54 PM 4/13/99 -0700, Viewer Response wrote:
>Dear WB39 Viewer:
>
>Thank you for your recent comments to our website. Regarding your concerns
>with Xena, please note that this decision was made by the producers /
>distributors of this show. You should forward your concerns to:
>
> Steve Rosenberg
> President / Domestic TV
> Studios USA
> 100 Universal City Plaza
> Universal City, CA 91608
>
>If we can provide any other information - please let us know.
>
>Regards from WB39!
Thank you for your response. Unfortunately,
you may have misunderstood my letter, or not completely finished
reading it. If you reread my post, you will see that I said that I
have already written to Studios U.S.A. Mr. Rosenberg is in fact
one of the people I contacted. I understand that the Xena episode "The Way"
will only be aired on channel 39 when Studios U.S.A. gives
the okay. However, I also understand that the studio received
a great deal of pressure from some local affiliates who
were being harassed by an automated form generated by
Hindu fundamentalist activists primarily located in Russia
and Poland. Because of this, it is vital that any stations,
whether they were part of this original group or not,
reassure the studio that it will have their support, if and
when the Studios U.S.A. releases "The Way" (intact and
uncensored) back into syndication. This is the only way
that, in the future, control of your programming will not
be left at the whim of any religious (or any other) group
that demands it be pulled or censored.
Will you contact Studios U.S.A., and tell them you
will support them, if they bring "The Way" back on the
air?
Thank you,
[And here is their reply]
Dear WB39 Viewer:
We have received your latest reply regarding
Xena episode "The Way". KHTV has never willingly
blocked this episode from airing. When it originally
aired, we also ran the repeat on Sunday night at 11P.
Please note that Studios USA has been notified
that KHTV will air this program again if it is made
available. Thank you for your comments and if we
can help you with any other matter, please contact
us again.
Regards from WB39
****************
While their reply was a little brusque, we now
know that they have contacted Studios U.S.A., as
I requested. The important part is to answer their
original response, and make sure you ask them if
they will contact the studio, not to *demand* that
it re-air the show (that's where the "our contract
prevents us from programming input" line is
referring to, in the letter you received), but
simply to let Studios U.S.A. know that the
affiliate will support the studio if and when they
choose to release the show back into syndication,
uncut and uncensored.
Donna aka Lakme
From: Phillip McGarn <pmcgarn@acay.com.au>
Hello
I hope this is of interest and not repeating other information. I wrote
to Television Channel 10 in Sydney protesting that they weren't going to
"The Way". I suggested they pressure Studios USA to work with whomever
to produce an "acceptable" version of the episode or simply show it late
at night with little fanfare and only the true fan would be watching.
This was the substance of their reply:
"For your information, Network 10's intention regarding the episode,
"The Way", was first to view the episode and then make an informed
decision as to whether to telcast it.
In the meantime however, the distributor has announced that this episode
will not be included in the output this year. This effectively means
that we will not receive the episode at all in Australia."
I suppose this will be the excuse in other countries as
well................
Phillip McGarn
Sydney Australia
22 Apr 1999
From: bookdaft <bookdaft@voyager.net>
Hi guys,
I received a reply to my letter (mine was in longhand, so you'll only get a
brief statement of what I wrote) from WWMT 3 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I
won't put all of it in here, short though it is, since some of it is
introductory. The letter open naming Xena and the episode; then it goes on:
"Studios USA notified us that this episode would not air. The decision was
made by them, for whatever reason, to not pull this episode from their
schedule. Our contractual relationship with them does not give us any
input into their decision-making processes. If you would like to contact
Studios USA, to explain (sic) their exact reason for pulling this episode,
and/or to request reinstatement of this show, you may write them at:"
and the Program Coordinator gives the addresses for postal mail and e-mail.
In my original letter, I had pointed out as a station with a contractual
relationship with Studios USA, they have more weight than I do as an
indivdual. Obviously that comment didn't take. I'll very likely reiterate
that idea and will include one suggests they have the opportunity to voice
their opinions in my follow-up letter, but I'd like to ask for ideas you
might have that I can use to get around the tunnel-vision that appears to
be evident in the letter.
Thanks much,
bookdaft
21 Apr 1999
From: "George Bone" <george_bone@hotmail.com>
Bongo Bear wrote:
>Actually, I was thinking of a counter-boycott against the show's
commericial sponsors, but only if they were initially threatened with
boycotts from the other side.
Ok I didn't pick that up from your original post. My feeling is that
at the moment we need to get noticed. Things like boycotts may get us
media coverage. Things like petitions, letter writing and so on are
not as effective in my opinion because by themselves they don't mean
anything in terms of hard money (sad though it is to say). If we were
talking about a petition that had 3,000,000 signitures now then I'd
say yes that was significant. With the 3,000 odd it actually does
have I think the studios couldn't care less. That kind of figure is a
minority protest as far as they are concerned. I hate to be negative
but it is the tv companies we are dealing with and you have to
understand how their minds work. Of course this is no reason to not
keep the petition effort going and try to get as many people to sign
as possible anyway.
You might say, well the Hindu Fundies didn't have many more people
complaining - and thats probably true. However, from the TV companies
POV they had more potential for causing them trouble then a bunch of
fans who are upset about the episode not being shown. I think they
did a damage limitation assesment and decided to come down in favour
of the wrong thing - i.e. censorship. Unless we can prove them wrong
in that assesment they're not going to do anything about it.
>As for a boycott of StudioUSA's other shows, how would they know if
those shows were being boycotted? How do you let a producer know
you're not watching his shows unless you're part of the Nielsen
rating survey group?
My feeling was to publicise the boycott across websites and anywhere
else we can. They would know by seeing their brand name being
rubbished everywhere with regard to this: i.e.
"Watch StudiosUSA for a fundamentalist approved view of the world"
(along with a suitable icon)
etc.
Incidentally, and again to show how TV companies minds work I got a
mail back from SKY. In my message to them I laid out the situation in
the terms approved encouraging them to complain to StudiosUSA and
pointing out the injustice of censorship worldwide when the radical
groups responsible were actually in the USA anyway... (though they
claimed worldwide support). Here's what they said in response:
Thank you for your email.
Universal, the creators of Xena; Warrior Princess have withdrawn this
episode from international television distribution and is no longer
part of the series.
However may we thank you once again, for taking the time to email us
and for your Interest in the British Sky Broadcasting. We always
welcome customers comments, and actively encourage viewers to voice
their opinions.
We trust that this information now clarifies the matter.
Yours sincerely
Correspondence Department
Sky Television Internet Desk
As you can see - it's as if they didn't even read my message and are
just sending out a automated reply which is probably what they are
doing. In other words the whole issue is not being taken seriously at
the moment.
gb.
15 Apr 1999
From: Charmer <purple.logic@virgin.net>
It sounds like Sky never got the master of 'The Way' before it was
pulled and it won't get shown here in the UK. At the end of 'Between the
Lines' just now the announcer said rather sarcasticly:
"Well, for reasons beyond our control the plot takes a bit of a jump
next week, so fill in the blanks with your own outrageous plot-twists if
you like."
They don't sound like they approve of the decision, do they?
--
Cathy
16 Apr 1999
From: sam_mcintyre@hotmail.com
Hello all,This is Sam McIntyre writing to tell you that I had an telephone arguement with SKY TV (SKY TV Viewer phone number 0171 705 3000)
about the Xena episode "The Way" pulled out.
If you want to see "The Way" they told me that you can write a letter with your comments to SKY TV about the episode not being aired.
The address to write to SKY TV about the XWP episode "The Way" being not aired :-
B Sky B
Number 6 Centaurs Business Park
Grant Way Isleworth Middlesex TW7 5QD
Hope this helps, and I will continue to battle to win the fight for all of us to see "The Way" sometime on SKY TV.
I had a quite big arguement with the company, for about 20 minutes, saying that they won't show "The Way" due to the sensitive issues that it has. I am not satisfied about it, so I'll carry on complaining! :o(
If you have any queries, please let me know as I'm also a proud Xenite and would try my best to help all of ya fellas! :o)
Anyway, I hope this helps and please take care all of you! :o)
Kind regards,
Sam McIntyre
***************
PS Battle on Xenites!
(PSS SKY TV is a special equipment that all Xenites who live in the UK and Eire watch Xena: WP etc)
You can reply to me on sam_mcintyre@hotmail.com for any queries.
15 April 1999
From: Mary Paulson <Palmay@pacbell.net>
I recieved a good reply from Proctor & Gamble, one of X:WP's sponsors:
Subject:
Re: Mail from About P&G Site
Date:
Wed, 14 Apr 1999 12:21:00 -0400
From:
misc.im@pg.com
To:
palmay@pacbell.net
Thanks for your e-mail message about our sponsorship of the TV show
Zena,
Warrior Princess.
The quality of TV programs we sponsor is very important to us. Because
we want
to keep in touch with viewer attitudes, I am sharing your comments with
our
Advertising Managers responsible for TV programming. Your feedback
provides
valuable input for future programming considerations.
Barb
USA P&G Team
______________________________
_________________________________
Subject: Mail from About P&G Site
Author: (INTERNET)palmay@pacbell.net at external
Date: 4/14/99 12:54 AM
name: Mary Paulson
comments: I am a true fan of Xena:Warrior Princess. Why? Not just
because of
the leaps and bounds which they willfully take; not just because of the
incredible talent in front of and behind the cameras; and not just
because of the fact that they pour adventure, drama, action, comedy, and
mystery
into each creative episode, which is highly difficult on today's
Television Entertainment Programming.
I watch it mainly because I can see the love and enjoyment that
Renaissance Pictures puts into each of their Episodes. I have seen them
take
risks in order to obtain their lead actress' main objective: to create
emotion.
It's that simple. Of course everyone prefers the
happier lighter emotions, but THAT is not what this show is about. It's
about
touching EVERY emotion in all of us.
I will admit that X:WP has forced me to feel hatred, sadness, denial,
along with
happiness and laughter. Without it, the show would not, could
not be as successful and complete as it is.
I am extremely unhappy with the censorship taken by a recent episode,
"The
Way". I am sorry to hear that some hinduists are unable to accept the
subject of
their religion depicted by an entertainment based Fantasy
type multipurpose Series show. Renaissance has said,in the past in
numerous
articles for a few years now, that they like to go after MANY topics and
subjects. ALSO, Lucy Lawless AND Renee' O'Connor have both
stated in articles, books, and interviews that they have been VERY
impressed
with the writers of X:WP because of the detailed research done for each
subject
of each episode.
Of course there is fiction involved. This is a fantasy based show! It
clearly
appears to me that the censors and critics have not watched every
episode, nor
have a clear understanding to the premise of X:WP. For if they had, they
would
have seen that, the Character, Gabrielle, created Santa Claus, Xena
created
explosions which created todays
ancient ruins in Greece; battling and love affairs with Ceasar, among
other
historical events. That's what keeps it entertaining.
I am writing just to give my support to the Xena:Warrior Princess crew
and
Renaissance Pictures. I feel that they are taking a bum rap, and I hope
they continue with their agenda to entertain their fans, and hopefully
educate
those against intolerance.
Thank you for sponsoring Xena: Warior Princess and I hope you continue
in the
same fashion, as well as support the injustice of censorship.
Respectfully,
Mary Paulson
San Diego, CA
USA
submit: Send
13 Apr 1999
From: dtr <donnat@hooked.net>
This was sent to me by Fox 29, in Minneapolis, several days ago:
Thank you for writing in. We've recv'd several email responses similar to
your own. We're forwarding all to Universal.
-----Original Message-----
ent: Friday, April 09, 1999 10:47 AM
To: feedback@fox29.com
Cc: donnat@hooked.net
Subject: Alarmed at censorship of Xena episode
Dear Fox 29,
I am appalled at the decision of Studios U.S.A to withdraw the Xena:
Warrior Princess episode "The Way" from broadcast and distribution. It is
a terrible precedent to let a group of religious fundamentalists dictate
the content of a television show. (The protest was led by a very small
fringe sect of fundamentalists, rumored to be a splinter group of the Hare
Krishnas. They do not represent the majority of the world's Hindus, and
their press secretary, Tusta Krishna da, is a non-Indian convert to
Hinduism.) This is a betrayal of the public trust that the media has been
given. If this decision is not overturned, the door has been opened for
any group, such as the Traditional Values Coalition, to demand the pulling
or alteration of any show that personally offends them.
I have written Renaissance Productions and Studios U.S.A. on this matter.
Please add your voice to those of Xena viewers and believers in the
principle of freedom of artistic expression, and tell Studios U.S.A. that
we don't want what we see on television to be dictated by a radical
minority, in this case one with a barely concealed homophobic agenda.
Please return "The Way" to broadcast and distribution.
Sincerely,
Donna E. Trifilo
donnat@hooked.net
From: dtr <donnat@hooked.net>
I am including part of an exchange I had with an affiliate.
I made a point of responding to their "we can't show the
episode if the studio won't let us" letter, and received
the following reply (some of the earlier correspondance
follows) :
From: smaleszewski@tribune.com
Yes. We have already informed Studios USA this week of that fact.
Thank you for your reply and sorry for any misunderstanding.
Sincerely,
WB39
[The above letter was answering the one I wrote below:]
______________________________ Reply Separator
_________________________________
Subject: Re: XENA EPISODE PULLED
Author: dtr <donnat@hooked.net> at Internet_TCO
Date: 4/13/99 8:12 AM
Dear WB39,
Thank you for your response to my letter. Unfortunately,
you may have misunderstood me, or not completely finished
reading it. I understand that the Xena episode "The Way"
will only be aired on channel 39 when Studios U.S.A. gives
the okay. However, I also understand that the studio received
a great deal of pressure from some local affiliates who
were being harrassed by an automated form generated by
Hindu fundamentalist activists primarily located in Russia
and Poland. Because of this, it is vital that any stations
, whether they were part of this original group or not,
reassure the studio that it will have their support, if and
when the Studios U.S.A. releases "The Way" (intact and
uncensored) back into syndication. This is the only way
that, in the future, control of your programming will not
be left at the whim of any religious (or any other) group
that demands it be pulled or censored.
Will you contact Studios U.S.A., and tell them you
will support them, if they bring "The Way" back on the
air?
Sincerely,
[Below was the first post I received, answering a letter I
believe I have already posted to this group]
At 10:38 AM 4/13/99 -0500, smaleszewski@tribune.com wrote:
>
> Thank you for your recent e-mail regarding XENA. We are glad to hear
> from you.
>
> Unfortunately, the XENA episode that you refer to called "THE WAY" has
> been TEMPORARILY withdrawn from the air schedule. As in most of our
> programs, we do not set up the scheduling here at the station level,
> it is done by the distributor of the shows. It is part of our legal
> license agreement with Studios USA that we abide by the distributor's
> scheduling.
>
> Furthermore, we do not keep a library of this show in-house. So the
> episode in question is not in our possession. This show aired on our
> station this past February and it was erased immediately following.
> This is standard policy on most of our shows, not just for this
> particular episode.
>
> If Studios USA feels that they need more to time to review and
> withdraw this XENA episode, than we legally cannot air this episode.
>
> Thanks again for your note. We appreciate your comments and value you
> as a loyal viewer.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> WB39
Kit's right - ask them the question, and you may just get an answer!
Donna aka Lakme
From: i e <stand-in@juno.com>
NEWS: Hello.
STAND-IN: News Department?
NEWS: (lost of background noise, people talking and the
speaker is obvioiusly straining) Yes, how may I
help you?
STAND-IN: Was wondering if you'd be interested in
covering the controversy regarding the pulling of a
Xena: Warrior Princess episode, 'The Way'?
NEWS: Oh, we did that already, including coverage
of the news conference that was called, the...
STAND-IN: No, I'm talking about the Follow-up
story.
NEWS: Follow-up?
STAND-IN: Oh, you haven't heard about the massive
counter-protest organized by fans of Xena against the
censorship. The revelation of new facts -- providing a
legitimate reason for Renaissance Pictures and their
distributors, Studio USA, to reconsider what may have been
an understandably quick, erroneous decision -- specifically:
#1. The MISREPRESENTATION of the protesting Hindu factions
such as the BJA (southern India ruling party,Bharatiya Janata
Party) and the VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) claiming to speak
for the entire 1 billion followers of Hinduism when in actuality
they are a small minority of questionable ethics and conduct,
in essence comparable to our own country's (the USA's)
KKK (Ku Klux Klan).
#2. The fact that the Hindu factions protesting ALSO gave the
impression that in their own homeland riots and boycotts would
occur if Krishna and Hanuman were depicted in a fictionalized
account, when as, Professor Ravi Palat, technical advisor who
worked on the episode says there are hundreds of Indian
productions a year by Indian filmakers alluding directly or
indirectly to these characters in popular fictionalized accounts
in India where they are enjoyed by the general population with
no protests.
#3. The issue of the fans making a counter protest by the
thousands. ALREADY been mention in TV Guide Online of the
counter-protestors who are an even greater number the Hindu
factions represented by a couple of hundred members.
#4. Because of the aforementioned, it puts the entire issue in
a different light, points towards a Freedom of Expression
matter that will affect the tv and film industry in that it is a step
backwards towards the days of the McCarthy era and burning
books in Germany where any political or religious group may
bully or coerce someone in the Arts.
This, and much more, I have documented. Interested?
NEWS: Oh! Why don't you fax that directly to our Planning
Desk.
STAND-IN: Will do. Thank you for your time.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And, all of you can do the same, with your local tv news stations.
Remember to point out this is a 'Follow-up Story' if they have
already covered the initial press releases of 'The Way' being pulled.
If they haven't even covered that, then give them the whole story.
See, guys why I keep talking about facts, documentation,
statements from experts, because it's AMMUNITION. Ammunition
that can be used to fire the interest of the media and we all know
how hungry they are like a bunch of sharks, just waiting to jump on
a tasty morsel to fill up air time with interesting news for their
audience.
You may find your local tv news stations complete contact information
including address and phone number using a search engine. I used
Yahoo Yellow Pages, going to the 'Entertainment-Movie' listing and
directly from there to 'Television' where a search allowed me to place
in my city and state. You can find the local tv stations for anywhere
in the United States or world.
Stand-in
From: Terri Parkinson <tparkinson@masterpack.com.au>
Hi All,
I used the automatic mailer setup by the Hindu groups to send the message at
the bottom of this e-mail. I received the following response. Fox35 seems
to read their e-mails and it was nice to actually get a response from a
person :-)
I did however miss out on the e-mail telling me how rude I am, that others
have received.
Terri
Subject: Re: Xena:Warrior Princess Episode: The Way
Thank you for writing FOX35.
The "Xena" episode you referred to has been pulled by the syndicator,
Studios USA. We purchase the show from Studios USA and they schedule
episodes for all TV stations broadcasting the program. This means the
same
episode airs at each station each week across the country.
We will be happy to forward your comments to Studios USA. If you prefer
to
contact them directly you may do so at the following address:
Studios USA
100 Universal City Plaza
Bldg. LRW-8
Universal City, CA 91608
Thanks for taking the time to write and let us know of your concerns.
Sincerely,
Bill Avery
News & Program Manager
At 08:35 PM 4/8/99 -0600, you wrote:
>I would hope that all television stations and syndicates would not
buckle
to such terrorist activities and thuggery as shown by a minority group
who
is pushing their own agenda by demanding that censorship be introduced
based on religious bigotry.
>
>Please respect the first ammendment right of everyone to freedom of
speech
and freedom of religion.
>
>Thank you.
>
12 April 1999
From: "Becky Calvert" <lostkiwi@worldnet.att.net>
Becky Calvert
Commander in Chief
SSPA/NBB
----------
> From: Letters <Letters@newsweek.com>
> To: Becky Calvert <lostkiwi@worldnet.att.net>
> Subject: RE: Censorship and Artistic Freedom
> Date: Sunday, April 11, 1999 4:00 PM
>
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From: GablvsXena@aol.com
I sent an email to the Philadelphia affiliate that airs Xena. Here is the
response that I received from them today.....
***********************************
The distributor of XENA is Studios USA. I received a letter from them
letting us know that they have temporarily withdrawn the episode. I have no
further information regarding this decision.
If you wish, you may contact Studios USA at the following address:
8800 West Sunset Blvd., Second Floor
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Thank you for your support and for watching WB 17.
Joan Boyce
Program Manager
WB 17
From: "Batwing" <imcc53tlm@students.ballarat.edu.au>
This is the reply that I got when I enquired to Ch 10 Vic about the
ep "The Way"
<<Hi Trav,
Not a lot you can do other than maybe lobby the producer/distributor
in the states as this ep has been withdrawn from syndication by the
Americans. It has been taken out of the series play list due to
complaints on religious grounds. We have not received the episode and
have been advised of its being withdrawn from our contract. Ten have
not decided not to screen it, we dont have it and wont be getting
it.>>
so StudioUSA is the only target. Onwards Xenites!
Trav
Batwing Returns (-|-)
Arthur Chappell <arthurchappell@clara.net
I have forwarded news of theplight of the Way on to various Humanist organisations - The following press release was sent out by the British Gay And Lesbian Humanist Association who clearly and rightly take exception to censorship through homophobic religious intolerance. Hope this helps us. AC arthurchappell@clara.net http://www.arthurchappell.clara.net/xenacles.htm Secretary ofThe Manchester (UK) Humanists and a trusteeof The British Humanist Association. (to which GALHA are affiliated)
-----Original Message-----
GAY AND LESBIAN HUMANIST ASSOCIATION
34 SPRING LANE, KENILWORTH, WARWICKSHIRE, CV8 2HB
TEL/FAX 01926 858450
E-MAIL GALHA@bigfoot.com
WEBSITE http.//visitweb.com/galha
Affiliated to Amnesty International and the International Humanist and Ethical Union
NEWS RELEASE
11 April 1999GAY HUMANISTS BACK XENA AGAINST ATTACK BY HOMOPHOBIC HINDUS
The Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association (GALHA) has joined the protest against the withdrawal of an episode of Xena Warrior Princess by it producers.
The episode entitled The Way features an appearance of the Hindu deity Krishna and has been withdrawn from international showing and repeat showings State-side following an objection from the World Vaishanava Association, an offshoot of the Hare Krishna cult. The WVA has complained that it demeans Krishna himself to depict him in a work of fiction and that the show has a reputation for its female lead characters being lesbians. Xena fans in their thousands have launched a campaign to get the show made publicly available again.
GALHA spokesperson George Broadhead commented: "This is yet another example of the prejudice against lesbians and gays on the part of religionists. It is not altogether surprising since the Hari Krishna cult is very strict about sex. Its followers are expected to abstain from sex if unmarried and even have sex with their wives only once a month for strictly procreational purposes. This example of religious homophobia reminds me of the recent attack by Hindu fundamentalists on cinemas in India showing the lesbian film Fire."
END
PROMOTING A RATIONAL HUMANIST APPROACH TO HOMOSEXUALITY
AND GAY, LESBIAN AND BISEXUAL RIGHTS AS HUMAN RIGHTS
President: Maureen Duffy. Vice-Presidents: Tony Banks MP, Professor Sir Hermann Bondi FRS,
Dr James Hemming, Sir Michael Levey LVO FBA FRSL, George Melley, Claire Rayner MBE,
Dr H Stopes-Roe, Barbara Smoker, Professor Rob Tielman, Angela Willans
From: "Lynne Gearhart" <lynnieg@tir.com>
Hi all, This is the fourth message generated by the form I filled out a
few days ago. Again, I have no idea where Fox 61's viewing area is, they
were contacted electronically, automatically..........ahhh, the power of
technology. I'll keep you posted with further responses........Battle
on......!!!!!.............Lynne
-----Original Message-----
From: jmason@tribune.com <jmason@tribune.com>
To: lynnieg@tir.com <lynnieg@tir.com>
Date: Monday, April 12, 1999 8:05 AM
Subject: Re: Protesting the protest
> We've yet to hear a single complaint from anyone who watched Xena on
> Fox 61. However, apparently a group of unhappy people (most of whom
> live outside the US - let alone our coverage area) have convinced
> Studios USA to withdraw the episdoe in question.
>
> If Studios USA schedules "The Way" in the future, we plan to run it.
> If they chose not to schedule it, there is nothing we can do.
>
> Thanks for watching.
>
>______________________________ Reply Separator
_________________________________
>Subject: Protesting the protest
>Author: lynnieg@tir.com at Internet_TCO
>Date: 04/08/1999 4:12 PM
>
>
>The protest to stop the further showing of Xena: Warrior Princess is a
blatant
>attempt to censor/thwart the world wide viewing audience of a highly
acclaimed
>syndicated television program. This protest has been mounted in a vacuum
of
>the actual content of the program, with most people sending in e-mail
postings
>that have never seen the show in question, The Way. This group, that
began
>the protest, also purports to represent the entire population of Hindus in
the
>world, which is patently untrue. I would urge those in power in the media
to
>carefully consider the dangerous precedent this will be setting. I
sincerely
>appreciate your cautious approach, with a concern for balance and truth, in
this
>matter.
>
>Lynne Gearhart
From: simahoyo <simahoyo@blarg.net>
The Seattle Gay News may publish an article on the anti-censorship
movement in Seattle, but they would like to know how many Seattle area
residents are part of the movement. PLEASE email me at
simahoyo@blarg.net and let me know if you are in the area between
Bellingham and Tacoma (or even Olympia).
Simahoyo
11 April 1999
From: "derya ozkanli" <derya5@hotmail.com
>To: XAC@onelist.com
Subject: Re: [XAC] Fw: Censorship, Money, or Fear--Studios USA
Date: Sun, 11 Apr 1999 23:08:49
HI BECKY!
Thank you for writing such a beautiful exploratory letter! I'm thinking of e-mailing it (or a part of it) to a newspaper plus to the channel that airs our favourite show here in Holland...Before I read your letter, I sent a note to The TVG Feedback Team (see below)... It's nothing much, but I AM trying! Act, don't react! Making aware is a first step, positive action WILL follow, I'm convinced of that! So let's BATTLE ON Xenites!
DERYA.
To whom it concerns: HI!I guess you have heard about all the protesting that is going on about pulling from syndication (by Studios USA) an episode of the show called XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS.
No real feedback here, just a note that I'm protesting too! As it is a case of censorship, I'm trying to make everyone aware of this whole - not healthy to creativity - situation!
My regards,
DERYA ÖZKANLI-Holland
Thank you for submitting your feedback regarding our Television Section.
Please be assured that while we may not be able to answer every feedback, we do read every one. We value the input we receive from our users. Please make sure that our FAQ doesn't cover your question.
Again, thank you for your time and consideration,
The TVG Feedback Team
11 Apr 1999
From: "Solari 02" <stargazer_10@hotmail.com>
>From: dateline <dateline@nbc.com>
>Subject: Thank you
>Date: Sun, 11 Apr 1999 10:57:48 -0400 (EDT)
>
> Thank you for your E-Mail to Dateline NBC. We are very pleased
with the
>enormous reponse we are getting. We can't write a personal note to
every one
>of you but we print out all of our messages, look at them and
disscuss your
>comments and reaction. If you have a specific story suggestion
please send
>them to:
>
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>
10 Apr 1999
From: AresGodofWar-1@webtv.net (J D)
Hey folks,
Go to:
www.tvguide.com/newsgossip/inthenews/index.htm
There is a small blurb at the TV Guide website about how Xena fans are
fighting back against the pulling of "The Way". Keep up the good work.
Our message is getting out.
>
>
Ares-God of War
9 Apr 1999
From: simahoyo <simahoyo@blarg.net>
This is the sattion that we are sending snail mail letters of support to
for their stance. They really are only interested in hearing from local
viewers.
Simahoyo
KTZZ aired the Xena episode you referred to both
> Friday, February 26 and Sunday, March 7. It wasn't until a few days after
> the second run that we even became aware of the controversy surrounding the
> episode. We were bombarded by E-mails. After doing some research, we found
> that someone had taken the time to create a web site where all you had to
> do was type in your comments and off the message would go to every TV
> station in the world that airs Xena. We received mail from Australia,
> Russia, Canada, the Philippines and countless other locations. The funny
> thing was, none of the addresses we researched were local.
>
> We have no problem with airing the episode again should the show's
> syndicator (Studios USA) decide to schedule it. Our air schedule is
> determined by the syndicator and shows are fed to us weekly via satellite.
> The current schedule goes through mid-May and "The Way" is not on it.
> Repeat episodes will air through April 12 then there will be five weeks of
> new episodes. It could possibly air again down the road but we do not know
> at this time.
8 Apr 1999
From: "Lynne Gearhart" <lynnieg@tir.com>
-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Anderson <janderson@2online.com>
To: lynnieg@tir.com <lynnieg@tir.com>
Date: Thursday, April 08, 1999 6:21 PM
Subject: Re: Protesting the protest
>we have not stopped airing the show...we are sensitive to the protests but
>have decided it best to note them and move on
>
>KBCI-TV
>
>----------
>> From: lynnieg@tir.com
>> To: 1284653334@jelma.com
>> Subject: Protesting the protest
>> Date: Thursday, April 08, 1999 3:43 PM
>>
>> The protest to stop the further showing of Xena: Warrior Princess is a
>blatant attempt to censor/thwart the world wide viewing audience of a
>highly acclaimed syndicated television program. This protest has been
>mounted in a vacuum of the actual content of the program, with most people
>sending in e-mail postings that have never seen the show in question, The
>Way. This group, that began the protest, also purports to represent the
>entire population of Hindus in the world, which is patently untrue. I
>would urge those in power in the media to carefully consider the dangerous
>precedent this will be setting. I sincerely appreciate your cautious
>approach, with a concern for balance and truth, in this matter.
>>
>> Lynne Gearhart
From: Kbdax@aol.com
i received this reply from a local affiliate station:
<<We've yet to hear a single complaint from anyone who watched Xena on
Fox 61. However, apparently a group of unhappy people (most of whom
live outside the US - let alone our coverage area) have convinced
Studios USA to withdraw the episdoe in question.
If Studios USA schedules "The Way" in the future, we plan to run it.
If they chose not to schedule it, there is nothing we can do.>>
kb
From: "Connie McKibben" <clmckibben@earthlink.net>
Here is the reply my local (Seattle area) station gave when I inquired about
"The Way". It sounds like this group used the internet to create a big
stink. SO CAN WE.
---
Connie McKibben <clmckibben@earthlink.net>
Dear Connie,
Thanks for the E-mail. KTZZ aired the Xena episode you referred to both
Friday, February 26 and Sunday, March 7. It wasn't until a few days after
the second run that we even became aware of the controversy surrounding the
episode. We were bombarded by E-mails. After doing some research, we found
that someone had taken the time to create a web site where all you had to
do was type in your comments and off the message would go to every TV
station in the world that airs Xena. We received mail from Australia,
Russia, Canada, the Philippines and countless other locations. The funny
thing was, none of the addresses we researched were local.
We have no problem with airing the episode again should the show's
syndicator (Studios USA) decide to schedule it. Our air schedule is
determined by the syndicator and shows are fed to us weekly via satellite.
The current schedule goes through mid-May and "The Way" is not on it.
Repeat episodes will air through April 12 then there will be five weeks of
new episodes. It could possibly air again down the road but we do not know
at this time.
Thanks again for the E-mail.
From: trish shields <trish_shields@bc.sympatico.ca>
To: xac-owner@onelist.com <xac-owner@onelist.com>
Date: Thursday, April 08, 1999 3:16 PM
Subject: Fw: Censorship
>This is the reply I got from Global addy posted at Merwolf. I've since
>asked them if it was their (Global's) stand that it was a violence issue
and
>asked if they were pulling it completely.
>
>
>We pulled this epsidoe due to extreme violence,
>
>Thanks for your comments.
>
>Shea Warrington
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Trish Shields [SMTP:trish_shields@bc.sympatico.ca]
> Sent: Thursday, April 08, 1999 2:59 PM
> To: swarring@globaltv.ca
> Subject: Censorship
>
> Dear Sir or Madam:
>
>It's come to my attention that a fundamentalist faction of the Hindu
> religion has put pressure on a few movie/tv studios regarding the show,
> Xena: Warrior Princess. The episode in question is 'The Way'. I
> believe there was a bit of hew and cry when it first aired regarding
> excessive violence. This new protest deals with freedom of speech, not
>violence.
>
>I'm somewhat dismayed that these people have seen fit to bring pressure to
>bear on the local tv affiliates, siting religious intolerance as the issue.
>Unfortunately, this is not the case. They are objecting to
>another person's depiction of one of their deities. It doesn't matter
>to them that there was research done by a Hindu scholar for the episode in
>question.
>
>By pressuring the large studios into pulling this episode, they are in
>effect telling us, the viewer, what we can and cannot watch. This sets
>a dangerous precendence as while it is fine and dandy to complain about
>something, even vehemenently, it is wrong to impose sanctions and boycotts
>on someone else because of their opinion, thereby infringing on their right
>to have one.
>
>There have been many tv stations in the US that have folded under the
>onslaught and I'm hoping we Canadians have a better grasp on things.
>Freedom of Speech is a right not something given or taken when it suits a
>certain faction.
>
>Thanks for your time and consideration regarding this most upsetting
>incident.
>
>Yours truly,
>
>Trish Shields
Well, Well, Xenites--
I just got off of the phone with the program director of my local affiliate and learned a couple of VERY interesting things. He told me that my station did receive a large amount of mail--primarily e-mail and a very few "paper" letters protesting the episode "The Way" BEFORE it ever aired. He said that he made the Studio aware of these letters through the area sales reps for StudiosUSA. He asked what policy was regarding such mail. The Studios sales representatives said they had a standard form letter they sent from the west coast office but never sent it to the affiliate. The affiliate did nothing to follow up and did NOT respond to these letters nor did they do anything other than advise the sales people that some letters had come in.
The interesting thing about all the e-mail was that VERY FEW came from within the United States. The majority of e-mails came from POLAND, RUSSIA, and (surprisingly enough) NEW ZEALAND. Most were based on the fictionalization of a deity which was offensive to them. However, he did receive one PERSONAL THREAT. The threat was:
"MAY THE FLEAS OF 1000 CAMELS NEST IN YOUR HOUSE FOR THE REST OF THE DAYS YOU ARE ON THIS EARTH!!"
Are we going to stand for this type of behavior?????
I am trying to contact the StudiosUSA regional sales reps to see if we can obtain any type of address--e-mail, fax, phone-- for the West Coast Offices. I will keep you informed of any info I get.
In the meantime break out the bug spray. We may be looking at a mass infestation if we are not careful!!!
BATTLE ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Becky Calvert
Commander in Chief
SSPA/NBB
<
From: Tunegal4@aol.com
Hey all..
I just spoke with the programming director at our affiliate here.. and I
think that perhaps our attention needs to be turned elsewhere..
While whatever leverage the affiliates had in making the decision to pull the
episode is unknown to her.. it is STUDIOS USA that we need to direct some of
this too..
They are the syndicator, and no matter what each affiliate feels regarding
this episode, if the sydicator doesn't send it out..they can't air it..
whether they agree with what is going on or not..
So while you may be writing and calling your affiliates, ultimately the
decision was made by studios USA..
let the bombardment of Studios USA begin..
ER
From: "MaryD" <kira@zip.com.au>
Hi folk
channel 10 is yet to decide about the episode. They were in a
meeting yesterday but still haven't decided.
MaryD
kira@zip.com.au
From: Judi Mair <jmair@ais.net>
Missy Good has a good place to start
HTTP://www.merwolf.com/affiliates
I also am wondering if we aren't being misled by STUDIO USA who is pulling a
"Julius Caesar" on us...You know the good old divide and conquer routine. Have
them all go after their local stations that way they won't have time to come at
us.
I talked to my local affiliate this morning who said they had no intention of
pulling any episodes and the only way that would happen is if Studio USA pulls
the episode. This makes sense to me as I actually veiw "Xena" off of the feed.
I see this show before any affilate airs the show and the only name I see is
Studio USA. It makes sense that they are the ones controlling what actually
airs. I think it is important not to forget Studio USA...by all means let your
local affilates know how you feel but lets also let Studio USA know we don't
believe in censorship. I think the waters are still a bit muddy about who
actually call the shot on this one...
and please be polite it will get us much farther
Judi