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"Saving Private Ryan" indecent?

While most of America is able to watch the film "Saving Private Ryan" tonight, Veterans Day, the people of St. Louis cannot. KDNL-TV, which is owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group, decided not to take the risk of showing the film because of language. Here's a paragraph from Sinclair's press release:

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI) announced today that as a result of ambiguities in the Federal Communications Commission indecency rules, it will not be airing the movie "Saving Private Ryan" on any of its stations which carry programming from the ABC television network. Sinclair deeply regrets notbeing able to broadcast this highly acclaimed motion picture this evening. (Link to full press release)

While I normally don't condone foul language or gratuitous sex on television, the First Amendment defender in me says that Sinclair should have taken the issue head-on. Sinclair makes a legitimate point about the FCC not making it clear whether a film such as "Saving Private Ryan" would be considered indecent under the new rules. However, those of us in the media -- newspapers, television, radio, etc. -- always need to be vigilant to protect First Amendment rights. Sometimes, that may involve defending speech that may be objectionable to some, but it has to be done.

In the case of "Saving Private Ryan," ABC made it clear that the film has objectionable language, and people have the the option not to watch the film.

It also bugs me that the case that led broadcasters not to air "Saving Private Ryan" involved Bono, the lead singer of U2, one of my favorite bands. Yes, Bono should have known better not to use the f-word at the 2003 Golden Globe Awards, but the FCC really messed things up with its ruling in that case.

Roger 0 comments 9:05 PM