MUSEUM OF TELEVISION & RADIO SCREENING SERIES, THE:
ANTAGONISM OVER THE AIRWAVES: A LOOK AT
CONTROVERSY ON TELEVISION AND RADIO, PACKAGE 1:
CENSORSHIP
Summary
Television and radio have reflected America's changing
culture and evolving attitudes and values, sparking
controversy along the way. According to Alfred
Schneider, former chief censor for ABC, "television is
the diary of our lives. Television programming is
ultimately the culture." Throughout its history,
television and radio have pushed the boundaries of
taste, explored the limits of political criticism, and
examined such complex social issues as abortion and gay
rights. This series -- which is divided into the six
topics of censorship, ethics, violence, politics, race,
and social issues -- offers historic and contemporary
instances of censorship and contentious programs. Many
are surprising, not because they are inherently
shocking, but rather for how uncontroversial they seem
to current sensibilities. The clips challenge our
conceptions about freedom of expression -- what should
be permissible and what should be taboo -- and shed new
light on issues that are currently being debated. Each
part raises important points about the roles, both
positive and negative, that television and radio have
played in reflecting, mediating, and changing American
culture, thought, and sensibility. The screening
heightens our awareness of the influence radio and
television have, making us more informed viewers and
listeners.
Censorship
From Jack Paar's use of the term "water closet" and the
notorious battles between CBS and the Smothers
Brothers to the FCC's case against comedian George
Carlin (FCC v. Pacifica Foundation) that led to a
determination on free expression over public airwaves,
objections to material on television and radio have come
from many sources: the networks, their affiliates,
program sponsors, the government, and the American
public. This screening package presents well-known
instances of censorship on television and radio,
exploring how standards for judging decency have
changed over the years. (95 minutes)
"The Tonight Show" - Jack Paar's joke about a water
closet is censored; the next night he walked off the set
in protest. (1960; 5 minutes)
"The Steve Allen Show" - Lenny Bruce says a four-letter
word. (1964, unaired; 5 minutes)
"The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" - David Steinberg's
Jonah sermon is censored. (1969, unaired; 4 minutes)
"On Location: George Carlin Again!" - Carlin's "Seven
Words You Can Never Say on Television" routine is used
by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) to
define the nature of indecency. (1978; 8 minutes)
"The Chase and Sanborn Hour" - Mae West is banned from
the radio for twelve years as a result of this skit.
(1937; 9 minutes)
"The Ed Sullivan Show" - Elvis is seen only from the
waist up singing "Too Much." (1957; 4 minutes)
"The Ed Sullivan Show" - Sullivan asks the Rolling
Stones to change song lyrics he finds offensive.
(1967; 3 minutes)
"ABC News Nightline" - "Nightline" screens Madonna's
music video "Justify My Love," deemed too racy by MTV.
(1990; 5 minutes)
"The Mike Wallace Interview" - Rod Serling comments on
the censorship of "Judgment at Nuremberg.
(1959; 1 minute)
"Playhouse 90: Judgment at Nuremberg" - The gas
company that sponsored this Holocaust-related play
demands the words "gas chambers" be deleted.
(1959; 3 minutes)
"Nothing Sacred: HIV Priest" - ABC refuses to air this
episode about a Catholic priest with AIDS. (1993,
unaired; 44 minutes)
(Contains adult language and content. Viewer discretion
is advised.)
Details
- NETWORK: N/A
- DATE: November 30, 2002
- RUNNING TIME: 1:27:24
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:75915
- GENRE: Radio - Comedy/Variety; Comedy/Variety; Drama; Music/Variety; News
- SUBJECT HEADING: Radio - Censorship; Television - Censorship; Comedy/Variety; Drama; Music/Variety; News
- SERIES RUN: N/A
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Steve Allen
- Lenny Bruce
- George Carlin
- Madonna
- Jack Paar
- Rolling Stones, The
- Rod Serling
- David Steinberg
- Ed Sullivan
- Mike Wallace
- Mae West