Action Alert: WQPT Fears So-Called “Moral Values” Voters, Won't Run Show Featuring Lesbians
Submitted by Alta Price, Democracy for the Quad Cities
WQPT won't run 'Buster' episode featuring lesbians
Moline's
public television station, WQPT, has decided not to air an episode of a
children's show that implies two families have lesbian moms.
FAIR, a national media watch group, in an action alert on this issue writes:
[PBS
chief operating officer] Wayne Godwin went on to claim the episode
conflicted with PBS's purpose: “The presence of a couple headed by two
mothers would not be appropriate curricular purpose that PBS should
provide.”
It's a
disturbing view for the COO of PBS to hold, particularly since public
television's mandate as set forth in the 1967 Carnegie Commission
Report is to “provide a voice for groups in the community that may
otherwise be unheard,” to serve as “a forum for controversy and
debate,” and to broadcast programs that “help us see America whole, in
all its diversity.”
Take Action: Contact WQPT
E-mail: wqpt@bhc.edu
Call WQPT: 309/796-2424 or 800/747-2430
Fax: 309/796-2484
WQPT is
a great resource for our community. Susan McPeters has interviewed
every guest Quad Citians Affirming Diversity has brought into the
community in our efforts to help our community become more accepting of
gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) youth. But the media
hype about the power of the “moral values” voters has made some elected
officials, school board superintendents, and media folks afraid of
crossing the anti-gay crowd. The vast, tolerant, moral majority in the
Quad Cities needs to reassure WQPT that airing this program has the
support of the community.
Be
respectful. Assume they will change their mind. If you are a financial
supporter of WQPT, mention that. Do not threaten to stop contributing.
Point out that public TV is for everyone, including people who are gay,
lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT). We want our children to
understand and respect differences and learn to live in a multicultural
society. At a time when one in three gay teens is threatened with a
weapon while at school, we want to teach our children not to hate those
who are different.
For comments, more information, or questions contact:
Alta Price, Democracy for the Quad Cities.
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