Activist Group Launches CSI 'Noncomplaint' Campaign

CSI Files

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An organisation set up to fight the recent crackdown on television indecency is calling on CSI fans to let the Federal Communications Commission know they weren't offended by last month's "King Baby" episode.

"The Parents Television Council is lobbying the FCC for stiff fines against CBS and all of its affiliates because of an episode of CSI that it found distasteful," the organisation writes on its web site, SpeakSpeak.org. "The episode aired on February 17th, and told the story of a big, powerful man who liked to dress up as a baby. Tell the FCC that our community standards were not violated."

Last week, the Parents Television Council announced it had filed an indecency complaint with the FCC over the "gratuitous filth" it felt was present in "King Baby," and urged the FCC to levy a heavy fine against CBS, or possibly even revoke its broadcast license. SpeakSpeak.org has now responded by providing an online form that allows viewers to tell the FCC they do not agree with the Parents Television Council. The organisation tells CSI Files that over 800 letters have already been sent to the FCC over the past week.

"The program was not offensive according to the standards of my community," the form letter reads. "It was a work of fiction, and I accept it as such. [It] was not designed to appeal purely to prurient interests; it was a work of fiction, not pornography, [and it] had ample artistic merit."

In the letter, SpeakSpeak.org points out that 30 million people tuned in for "King Baby," and that those viewers likely wouldn't have stuck around to watch the entire episode if they agreed with the Parents Television Council the episode was offensive. The letter also argues that parents who believed the episode was inappropriate for their children could simply have forbidden them to watch it, but notes that many parents actually appreciate the fact CSI teaches their children about forensic science.

"This broadcast of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation was an interesting exploration of an 'alternative lifestyle,'" the form letter continues. "Although it is not the life I choose to lead, it was not offensive. The language used in the program was likewise not offensive. It in no way violated the FCC's indecency regulations. [Was this program] for adults? Yes. But that's okay."

The full form letter contains a point-by-point rebuttal of the entire complaint made by the Parents Television Council, and ends by demanding that the FCC does not fine CBS or any of its affiliates for showing "King Baby." Should you like to help SpeakSpeak.org and send a message of your own to the FCC, please head over to the organisation's Speak Up! page.<center></center>
 
After what i have Seen PTC try to do over the years, and with this ep and even this show, i decided it was time to speak up and I did, i signed it. :D
 
Hi, Folks.

I'm the director of SpeakSpeak.org. I wanted thank you for joining our campaign to rescue the FCC -- and broadcasters -- from groups like the Parents Television Council.

I can't give you the number of letters that have been sent from our site by readers of the CSI Files. I CAN tell you that your passion has made a huge difference in this fight. I also know that the FCC is counting our "not indecent" complaints right along with the PTC's "burn them at the stake" complaints.

Our mission is to keep a small but politically leveraged group from controlling the airwaves. As you know, their current target is the "King Baby" episode of CSI.

This affects all of us, and we need your help. Please keep the letters coming. (But please send only one per person! Some of you have been exceptionally enthusiastic. ;) )

Visit http://speakspeak.org to lend your voice to this effort. [Click on "Speak up!" to send your letter to the FCC.]

We can win this!

Amanda Toering
SpeakSpeak.org
 
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