-Caveat Lector- <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/"> </A> -Cui Bono?- New York Post-January 15, 2000 PREZ INSISTS ANTI-DRUG TV PLOTS AREN'T CENSORSHIP By MARILYN RAUBER and JOE CUNNINGHAM President Clinton yesterday denied the White House is censoring prime-time TV shows like "ER" -- and defended a deal giving networks big-bucks incentives to come up with anti-drug story plots. "There was no attempt to regulate content ... I wouldn't support that," Clinton said the day after it was revealed that his drug aides were secretly vetting network show scripts. In exchange for inserting anti-drug messages, the networks got a break on running anti-drug public-service announcements (PSAs) -- freeing up more air time for lucrative corporate ads. "There is nothing mandatory about this," the president insisted. Clinton said he'd "talked to a lot of people in the entertainment community who liked the idea ... without compromising the integrity of their programs." But some dismayed producers behind top shows like "ER," "The Simpsons," "Ally McBeal," "Law & Order," and "The Drew Carey Show" said they weren't told about any quid-pro-quo deal. "The best way for TV shows to reflect values that society regards as important is for the producers to actually care about them -- and not for the government to impose them upon it," said David Kissinger, who oversees production for "Law & Order" and "Xena: Warrior Princess." "I think it's appalling. It's inappropriate," added Gail Berman, president of Regency Television, which makes "Malcolm in the Middle." Network heads insisted they called the shots -- even as the White House urged anti-drug themes be added to at least two dozen popular shows and the networks got a $22 million break on PSAs. Clinton, who last year called on Hollywood to tone down violence, said his drug czar, Barry McCaffrey, was merely trying "to amplify the impact" of anti-drug PSAs. "I think it's working," Clinton said, noting that few people ever see late-night PSAs. The reviews from Big Apple viewers were mixed. "I've seen shows that dealt with drug and alcohol abuse. I don't care who puts the story line in there. It's a positive message, and I think it's great," said "ER" fan Amy Salazar, 29, a Bronx telephone operator. But Joseph Weisman, a 22-year-old student from Cedarhurst, objected to "too much interference" from Uncle Sam. "It's not like most TV shows start with much integrity to begin with," he said. Asia Domitrz, agreed. "Where will it end?" she asked. ================================================================= Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh, YHVH, TZEVAOT FROM THE DESK OF: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> *Mike Spitzer* <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ~~~~~~~~ <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> The Best Way To Destroy Enemies Is To Change Them To Friends Shalom, A Salaam Aleikum, and to all, A Good Day. ================================================================= <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/">www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance�not soap-boxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'�with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds�is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
