Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: BobP
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 03:40 PM

She singles out a group based on a particular skin hue and implies something about their lack of character?

If that's the case, That's not backlash racism, r reverse racism, baby that's the true article!

Its getting a bit less common, thank goodness, so be sure you recognize it when you see it.

If those country seeking bulldoserfolk move in next to African American Folk (yes, they move from innercity dwellings too) ask her if that was motivated by racism or perhaps better air for their kids to breath.

I know folkies who live in what could be described as "country", (not to mention that Hillary gave it a try) who would be very offended to be publicly branded a racist.

I hope Ms. DeFranco's sweeping characterizations will be remembered if she ever decides to seek the tranquility of a rural lifestyle.

Any mudcatters live in the "country?"

I say let's let those with besmirched characters have the floor.

Bob P

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 03:33 PM

And another thing!

Letterman producers/network nillies can't have it both ways either. If you book Ani, you get Ani singing what Ani wants to sing, or you don't get Ani.

Just as it should be. Desperately out of touch mid-level production personnel shouldn't be predicting guest's set list. Period.

They don't like a song the artist does, then they shouldn't book the act and try and dictate what they perform to please the advertisers.

You all do know, they want to book acts who have big hits and/or a specific audience. The idea that Letterman's audience wouldn't include people who might like Ani flies in the face of the logic of what went before.

Clearly, there are some Letterman advertisers who want access to Ani's audience. So why'd they choke this time, hmmmmm?

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 03:28 PM

Guest -

Again we disagree. I argue that just as Ani is an artist, so are the producers of the show. The Executive Producer has every right to determine what the content should be of an ENTERTAINMENT show. Call it censorship if you like, it is just as much a creative decision as the decision Ani made to record and perform the song.

Ron

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 03:25 PM

M.Ted - Also for the record, in addition to my years working at a non-commerical radio station - mainly as a "hobby", I have been gainfully employed in the television industry - both network, cable and DBS.

There is no right or wrong answers with this debate. De-regulation, which was long sought after by both broadcasters and the public, has proven to be a double-edged sword.

Ron

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 03:12 PM

There is an interesting debate going on about his right now in rec.music.artists.ani (or whatever).

Early on in this thread, I said I thought it was a manipulative and pretty cynical thing that Ani was doing, and I felt it was being done as a media savvy publicity stunt.

I still stand by that statment, despite the fact I believe that what the Powers That Be who made the final decision about "which song to tell her to play" were idiots because they would come off as being incredibly heavy handed.

And I do believe the problem they had with the song was the political content of the song. By telling Ani she had to sing a different song, they *are* trying to dictate something they shouldn't have any say in, on principle.

Every artist who appears on one of these shows should always have the right to perform whatever they like. If producers and nervous network nillies can't handle some of that artist's song list, then they shouldn't book them to begin with.

I stand my ground, this was political censorship of the most insidious kind--the kind that no one really gives a shit about. Or at least, not enough to do anything about it.

As someone in that other newsgroup said--SNL would have let her play it, and the late night audiences for the two shows can't have that different of demographics.

If the audience (or is it really about the advertisers, which is what I suspect its about in this case) on SNL can handle overtly political stuff--well, OK, so SNL censored Rage Against the Machine's second song, so they ain't entirely innocent either--then why not the Letterman weenies?

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: GUEST,AKRick
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 03:06 PM

The purpose of the media (the mass corporate media that "provides" the vast amount of disinfotainment) is to provide audiences to advertisers. Any entertainer that shakes up the complacency of the audience, distracting them from the upcoming commercial, interferes with that function. Since much of Ani's aim is to make people think outside the box, it's only natural that the corporate execs would have a problem with some of Ani's material. This is not overt censorship, but a structural form. If it's not an innocous product and easy to sell to millions of mindless consumers, then the corporate media shuns it.

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: GUEST,Jack the Sailor
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 02:59 PM

I read the lyrics. They are interesting and I like them but they are NOT appropriate to a Letterman audience. They are a lot more than antiracist. It is a condemnation of the whole surburban/consumer ways of life. She gave Letterman's producers an ultimatum. "Let me insult your audience or I won't play." She submitted three songs to them but insisted that she would only play one of them!

"As a matter of principle and a privilege of her hard-earned independence, Ani does not perform songs on demand, whether the demand comes from the producer of a television program, an audience member at one of her concerts, or even her own management"

It wouldn't have killed her to do a more appropriate song so that her fans would get a chance to see her. Don't get me wrong, I like her music. But I won't be writing CBS to complain. In this case her statements and actions remind me more of a spoiled diva than a righteous folksinger.

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: M.Ted
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 02:36 PM

My point, as ever, is simple, and that is, the system that you are explaining above, which I don't contest in the least, is wrong--no particular reason why we should have to defer to the judgements in taste of the execs at the big multimedia conglomerates, and no reason why the broadcast needs of our communities should suffer because of the financial needs of those corporations--

The regulation of broadcast media has been sigificantly loosened, they radio stations no longer have to provide news of any kind, and the public service obligation is often satisfied with a series of public affairs programs that run on sunday mornings, often between 6 and 7 am (I know about this all to well, since one of my jobs used to be to call in with questions for the unlucky guests who were roped in--live "spontaneous and unrehearsed" radio being cheaper than taping a scripted show at a more humane hour)

Don, you can also tell us that, owing to deregulation, the jobs that you have had are much fewer and farther between than ever.

I am not one of those people who hate TV or radio, or whatever, I actually like Jerry Springer and Geraldo and Fox News, what I don't like is that fewer and fewer people have control, and there is less accountability than ever--

Incidentally, the public broadcasting people are as bad, if not worse, than the commercial radio people.

Ron, for the record, I have been closely involved with both commercial and public broadcast--the kind of programming that you are involved in has a much greater potential audience than anyone wants to let on--not only is there a good sized audience, there is a great potential for advertising and sponsorship revenues--the problem is that it requires hands-on management, not the kind of cookie-cutter, chain-store type management that is necessary for the conglomerates to make money-

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: mousethief
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 01:55 PM

Shame on me for feeding the troll.

Alex

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: Ron Olesko
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 01:51 PM

By the way, I have tremendous respect for Ani DiFranco and I admire the fact that she wouldn't perform on Letterman. She is an inspiration to musicians to stick up for their own vision. I play her music and will continue to play her music, and I will defend the RIGHT to be able to play her music. I use the word "RIGHT" instead of "obligation".

However, as my previous posts have alluded - I don't find fault with the Letterman production group decision. They have every right to program the show they way they see fit.

Another factor that hasn't been mentioned - the Letterman show falls in the domain of Entertainment programming. There are specific rules and regulations for public affairs and news programs. Letterman did not violate any of them.

To me it seemed like a bad fit from the start. Let's admit it - Ani's reasons for appearing on a show had to be commercial to begin with - selling records or concert appearances - or herself. She chose to appear in the first place, knowing what kind of program it is.

Yes, it would have been great to see an artist like Ani give the Letterman audience a wakeup call - but in reality the normal Letterman audience probably would have chosen that moment to go to the refrigerator and open another Budweiser as soon as they heard the topic of the song. The Letterman audience is more interested in watching stupid human tricks instead of stopping the tricks of stupid humans.

Ani can appear on my radio show at any time and sing whaterver she wants!

Ron Olesko

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: GUEST,UB Dan
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 01:39 PM

In addition

The purpose of Ani's Website is to sell a product to a customer for a price.

The product is Ani.

The customer is the web surfer.

The price is whatever the going rate is for advertising, based on the popularity of Ani and the number of hits it can get based on story content.

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: Ron Olesko
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 01:34 PM

Alex - you are right, but I'm not sure what point you are making. Commercial (and non-commercial TV) have TWO customers - the advertiser (or for non-commercial TV - the underwriter and donors) AND the viewer. If the network cannot deliver compelling programming that will capture viewers, the advertiser won't be selling their spots.

I'm not sure who you consider the villan - the network, the advertiser, or the consumer who enjoys watching crap. Perhaps we are all guilty.

It would be a wonderful world if we could have the choice of programming that will compel, motivate, inform, and entertain. Let's not lose sight of the fact that there ARE programs that do that. TV is a business and they operate on the same principles that we all do in order to make a living. Supply and demand. Trust me, even non-profit groups have the same burdens.

Ron Olesko

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 01:33 PM

That doesn't surprise me Mousethief...

...hope you got a good deal on it, cuz its gonna have to last you awhile.

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: mousethief
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 01:31 PM

I don't understand your comment, Guest.

Alex

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 01:28 PM

Mousethief...

...so how much did you sell your soul for anyway?

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: mousethief
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 01:18 PM

The purpose of commercial television is to sell a product to a customer for a price.

The product is your attention.

The customer is the advertiser.

The price is whatever the going rate is for advertising, based on the popularity of a show.

Period.

Alex

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 01:16 PM

Sorry, forgot to add the site for registering righeousbabe indignations:

http://www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/clubhouse/email_us/

Good on ya, Ani!

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 01:11 PM

Wasn't able to remain awake through Letterman (God, how DO people stand it?), but once through with monologues and other non-guest banter, no mention was made of the cancellation.

From:

www.righteousbabe.com/news/latebreaking.html

the following:

07.17.01 TV PEOPLE ARE SO SCARED OF FOLKSINGERS: ANI DIFRANCO'S RETURN TO LATE SHOW IS CANCELLED

Ani's previously announced July 19, 2001 performance on Late Show with David Letterman has been cancelled following conflicts between the artist's stated intentions and the program's expectations of her.

The appearance was to have been her second on the show. In March, Ani was asked for a list of three songs she might perform. The song she ultimately chose from the list, "Subdivision," has been a staple of her recent concerts and is one of the most-discussed tracks on her latest album, Revelling/Reckoning. The lyrics of the song examine the prevalence of racism in urban America and its devastating impact on the landscape of cities nationwide. The opening line states the matter bluntly yet eloquently: "White people are so scared of black people."

A week before the taping, however, representatives of the program insisted that Ani instead perform "Heartbreak Even" because its portrait of a stalled relationship was considered more "upbeat." As viewers of the Late Show are well aware and as the producers have admitted, songs featured on the program in the past have reflected a wide range of tempos, but evidently "Subdivision" was not to be one of them. Requests to reschedule the appearance for a time when its tempo might better fit the show were denied, leaving only one conclusion: that the beat of the music stirred up less trouble than the words of the song.

As a matter of principle and a privilege of her hard-earned independence, Ani does not perform songs on demand, whether the demand comes from the producer of a television program, an audience member at one of her concerts, or even her own management. Faced with a choice between playing something "upbeat" yet apolitical or not playing at all, Ani chose the latter. Both Ani and Righteous Babe regret any disappointment this decision causes viewers and fans.

CLICK HERE to read the lyrics THE LATE SHOW didn't want you to hear.

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: Don Firth
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 01:11 PM

Over the years I have worked for five different radio stations (variously as announcer, traffic reporter, copy writer, newscaster, news director, and producer), two of which were network affiliates. Ron Olesko knows what he's talking about.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: RichM
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 12:36 PM

It's easy to make jokes about prozac--or about any medication. It's done in ignorance about the value of such medications in treating illness.

But since it's done in ignorance, the comments merely serve to underline that ignorance.

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: Ron Olesko
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 12:32 PM

M.Ted -

If it was plain and simple, then I guess you also have a monopoply on the facts. I don't think so. It isn't a simple as saying that networks are monopolies, especially when you have CBS, NBC, ABC, PBS, Fox, and even UPN as "monopolies". Granted it isn't a simple matter to start your own network - nor is it simple to set up your own airport or railroad.

Each networks owns X number of TV stations. In addition to the O & O's (owned and operated), the networks have contracts with "affiliates" who carry the particular network program - based upon mutually agreed upon terms. These affiliates have the opportunity to switch networks - which happens on a steady basis. The networks do compete to be carried. That is why the Big 3 reach more households then UPN and FOX, although their numbers are increasing.

Theoretically the airwaves do belong to us all. That is why station licenses come up for renewal. Those public service announcements that stations legally run offer the public an opportunity to take that license away IF they can prove that the station is not operating in the public interest. Station licenses DO get challenged and they DO get revoked. Check out F.C.C. records - or simply pick up a copy of Broadcasting and Cable and you will see for yourself.

The people that do run the networks, and believe me - from first hand experience I can tell you that they aren't the sharpest tools in the shed, are trying to provide programming that appeals to their audience. Often that means appealing to the lowest common denominator. They program according to their opinions - something that each of us has. Until the time comes that everyone gets their own TV or radio show, we have to respect their opinion.

Again, this topic started with Ani DiFranco. She clearly wasn't censored - just the victim of some producer's idea of what is entertainment.

Ron Olesko

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: M.Ted
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 01:33 AM

The networks are monopolies--plain and simple--you couldn't start broadcasting television programing if you wanted to--because the federal gov't has granted exclusive rights to a bunch of broadcasters, and they are exclusively contracted to one of the Networks. Can't quite see why people take such delight in the fact that they do pretty much what they want on airwaves that, at least theoretically, belong to us all.

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 12:19 AM

Having worked for the networks (yes, they are owned by big corporations)you should keep in mind that the Letterman show is produced by LETTERMAN'S production company Worldwide Pants FOR CBS. It doesn't sound like this is a case of a CBS censor, rather a producer of the Letterman show making his or her own creative decision about what they want on the show. The CBS censor didn't have an opportunity to say yes or no.

I host a radio program. I will publicly say that I won't play anything from Paul Schaeffer on my program because he is too "pop" and I want something a little more "sedate". Did I just censor Paul Schaeffer or did I make a creative decision about MY radio program?

By the way, Ani Difranco has an open invitation to come on my show - and she can read the phonebook if she would like.

Ron Olesko

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: Tiger
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 10:37 PM

Don't any of you know what you're talking about?

It's CBS' right to air whatever they want, for whatever reason. What Ani wants to say is irrelevant. CBS writes the check - they can buy whatever they want and yes, they CAN tell the performer what to sing.

If they shout "Fire" in the theater, they have a problem, and if they libel someone, they have a problem. But it's still their right to play whatever they want. They run the show.

Personally, I hope they play the most wanted or popular stuff (OK - 'popular' by who's standard?), and don't mind having my own personal beliefs questioned or challenged. But if they choose to exclude (or INCLUDE, for that matter) a song based on their own idea of how it will sell in Peoria, that's still their call.

Isn't CBS allowed to express opinions that are different from yours? Come on, open your minds, read the law!

Truth be told, Ani DiFranco has no RIGHT to appear on CBS.

.......Tiger (certainly not a CBS fan, but I know what's right)

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: SeanM
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 10:18 PM

After reading the thread (admittedly skipping the anonyGUEST posts - too many trolls to waste time with them on the 'cat lately), I still don't see where the Letterman show is obligated to have DiFranco perform, or to let her perform what song she wishes, use what language she desires or what have you.

Letterman's show is not a platform that claims to offer 'free speech'. It is a promotional vehicle that also offers entertainment. Unless you're using the idealist argument that EVERY program on TV is required "by humanity" or what have you to offer complete and biased views, there isn't a rationale to criticize the show's decision beyond "I'm a fan (or a supporter, or a crank, or whatever), and my opinion is that I don't like their decision".

Personally, as described, I believe that the Letterman staff was trying to 'punch up' the end of the show. Realistically, DiFranco could give the most impassioned and moving performance of her life, and 99.9% of the crowd (and the viewing audience) wouldn't think anything more than "Well, that's depressing. What else is on/Where can I go now?" and forget about Ani, her performance, and the message therein.

While there IS a case to be made in the larger view for that .1% that would be reached by the song, Letterman's show isn't for that .1%. It's for the majority who buy the sponsor's goods, and who tune in to the show at home to watch. Their decision (for better or worse) sounds like they were just trying to do what they felt would be more 'entertaining' to the majority.

M

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 07:55 PM

Guest or not, that was a pretty good post.

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 04:40 PM

Ah yes, the GUEST who uses the short one-line statements seperated by a blank line. We meet yet again...what is this, the 5th, 6th time you caused trouble? Give it a rest.

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 04:31 PM

I did love their quandry, just as I love the quandry that CBS has apparently put itself in. And we are certainly in agreement that forums for revolutionary/radically different material on the public airwaves and in privately owned media are shrinking, while the allowable content for vulgarity and yellow journalism is expanding at a rate faster than the expansion of the known universe...

But the airwaves, the public *can* do something about if a large enough consensus can be reached to broaden the concept of networks legal obligation to provide "public service" programming to include more open access to a diversity of views and perspectives. At the same time, there would also have to be a considerable sea change of opinion on "community standards", since the community that gets to decide what standards will hold across the board are such narrow minded sons of bitches.

I agree, there is only a legal obligation in this instance, and I don't feel it is A Big Thing in the larger scheme of First Amendment and free speech battles.

I also think Ani can handle the Big Boys, as she has demonstrated so well in the past.

But I do judge what CBS did as political censorship, pure and simple. And of course, I'm not the least bit surprised by it--more bemused, and curious to see how it all sorts itself out in the long run.

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 04:27 PM

I've seen Letterman do a lot of strange things for ratings. I still contend that from the show's point of view, it was about ratings. That is the way they have behaved in the past. that is the way I expect them to continue.

You think that, just possibly the "Post" may be stirring things up for the sake of controversy?

LJ. Your point about the Smothers is well taken. But realistically Didn't the network hire THEM to entertain?

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: Kim C
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 04:18 PM

Hmmmm... maybe it was possessed...

Not having cable, I am a PBS junkie. It never fails to astound me that nudity and profanity can be seen and heard on public television, but I don't think I have heard the word "bullshit" on NBC, CBS, or ABC.

It seems to me that public television might be a possible outlet for the kind of material Leej is talking about. Now, who wants to write the grant so we can get the money to make the show?

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: mousethief
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 04:08 PM

My bread machine "walked" off the counter and fell onto the floor. Is that part of the conspiracy?

Alex

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: Kim C
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 04:06 PM

No, I don't think it's toasters... I bet the Trilateral Commission and DiFranco and Letterman are all involved in the bread machine industry with Wal-Mart.

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 04:06 PM

I meant they have no moral, ethical, humanitarian, or free-speech related obligation. Now a legal obligation is another thing entirely, and if you're right that the song was submitted, approved, then yanked at last minute, Ms DiFranco probably has ground for action in a court of law.

I also believe that the forums for public exposure of new or revolutionary material are shrinking, and I don't like it. When I mentioned the Smothers Bros Show before, I mentioned it in part because the revoutionary, new material they were trying to present was seen as dangerous by the Networks, but the mood of the time and the desire of the emerging new audience was for just such material. The Networks were caught in a Catch 22. You had the Establishment selling Anti-establishment product. You had to love their quandary.

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 04:04 PM

KimC says:

"Of course, my judgment could be skewed from the prescription antihistamine I take..."

There you go! Now that's the crack...

Jaysus people, lighten up.

This ain't brain surgery, though I do appreciate how unfortunate that is for some of you...

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: mousethief
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 04:02 PM

Hi, UB Dan! Thanks for the very kind greeting!

Toaster industry? You don't say. This would explain the voices that only appear in my head when I'm toasting.

So the hot dog vendor gives the Buddhist a Chicago Style dog, and the Buddhist gives him a fiver. The vendor pockets the bill and starts to help another customer. "Um, what about my change?" asks the Buddhist. "Aaaah," replies the vendor, "Change must come from within."

Alex

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 04:00 PM

I think people missed the joke...

Yes, the prozac joke...

I stole it. Heard it this morning on ABC's Good Morning America, on one of the stand up comedy segments they are airing this week as part of a promotion for a new comedy show.

And a damn funny schtick it was, too! Something about how to get a sense of humor...

Not being in the habit of apologizing to the easily mortified "Why sir! I take the greatest offense!" types, I won't.

Clearly, not much potential for the crack among this lot...

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: GUEST,UB Dan
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 03:57 PM

Kim C, Don't tell Guest, but the Trilateral commission has just begun monitoring this site...they own almost all the major websites and they are also somehow connected with the toaster industry.

Mousethief, How are you. Its good to cyber-see you again.

GUEST, I'm not sure what point your making, you seem torn betwen saying its an Ani publicity stunt and that it is also proof of the power wielded by the media monopoly that is controlled by a plurality ...I guess making it a multi-opoly? or an oligarchy?

Ummmm...a Zen Buddhist walks up to a hot-dog vendor, the vendor says "what can I do for you" the Zen Buddhist says "make me one with everything"

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: Kim C
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 03:57 PM

I don't doubt that there's monopolization and heavy-handedness going on in the media business but I really don't think they are all in cahoots with one another to stifle anyone's free speech.

Of course, my judgment could be skewed from the prescription antihistamine I take...

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 03:51 PM

Lonesome EJ,

I'm curious about the argument you are making about an "obligation" to provide artists with a forum on network television broadcasts.

Do you mean a moral obligation? A legal obligation? An obligation to the shareholders? The audience? The artist? The producers of the program (nowadays, they often aren't employees of the network, but are outside contractors)? The advertisers?

There are many parties with legal/contractual obligations associated with broadcasts of any programming on PUBLIC airwaves. And like it or not, there are still strict rule regarding what political content is "allowable" in public broadcasts, which are much more stringent than what is allowed for language, sexual content, etc.

The airwaves are in the public domain, not a privately owned domain. Networks are private corporate bodies, which contract with and pay the governments who regulate use of their PUBLIC airwaves, for the right to broadcast their programming on those PUBLIC airwaves.

So just what do you mean when you say producers are under no obligation to provide a platform for Ani?

Remember, it appears that CBS in fact entered freely into a contract with Ani for her to appear on the show. Presumably they didn't do that for humantiarian reasons.

Now, if Ani did in fact submit three songs last March, well in advance (as I'm sure the contract requires all artists who are scheduled to appear to do) of the appearance date, and CBS approved that contract with the song in question already agreed to, just how is that "providing a platform"?

Sounds to me like they reneged on the deal. If they didn't violate the letter of the contract to do it (which is possible, maybe even likely), they certainly violated the spirit of it.

I mean really, how could anyone NOT know about the political content of many Ani songs when they book her on a national broadcast? They agreed to let her appear (and for all we know, may even have approached her first), and then pulled the plug at the last minute, claiming "artistic differences over song choice"?

A bit fishy, don't you think?

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: Whistle Stop
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 03:45 PM

Ted, let's be fair. This was a fairly civilized thread until our nameless guest responded to my post by asking me "Why not ring us back when you get off the prozac and out of denial?" Perhaps this was the same guest who showed such insight into the music business (you give our guest more credit for insight than I do, but that's another matter), perhaps not. But it wasn't Rob who started the nastiness.

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: mousethief
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 03:39 PM

Well, M.Ted, Guest's little thing about getting off Prozac wasn't exactly the most polite thing. Perhaps the sunspots blinded you from reading that post?

Alex

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: M.Ted
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 03:35 PM

RobDale,

I've been reading what GUEST has to say, and it seems to me he knows a lot more about the music/media business than you do--As to someone going over the edge, it is you who is engaging in mockery and name calling, not GUEST--Guess there must be sunspots, or something, since a number of people seem to want to pull this discussion, which is about fairly normal music/performances issue, into the the name calling arena--

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: Whistle Stop
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 03:35 PM

I used to get disgusted; now I try to be amused.

There are some good points being made on this thread, along with some of the usual garbage we've all had to learn to tolerate. UB Dan's point about hyperbole is well taken -- I really don't see a huge threat to my freedom of speech here. Frankly, nothing that occurs on the Letterman show is really very important; it's light entertainment for people who have trouble sleeping, nothing more.

If the enormous media conglomerate that controls all our lives is really trying to censor Ani DiFranco, they're doing a pretty poor job of it. I hear her on the radio, see her CDs in the stores, read interviews with her in magazines, and have grown familiar with her outspokenness in many forums. She's a smart lady and an effective communicator, and she seems to be getting her message across pretty well, despite the vast media conspiracy that trembles at the thought of letting her opinions out in the open where they might radicalize the rest of us.

Of course, that's not what I really think; it's just the Prozac talking.

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 03:30 PM

RobDale

I suggest you go back to the top of the thread, and read the Washington Post article more closely. I am quoting from it here:

"Late Show" spokesman Steven Rubenstein said yesterday in a statement: "We did not reject the song on the basis of its lyrical content. Rather, we felt the option originally suggested by her representatives was preferable musically."

Three songs were submitted to the show's producers in March. It wasn't until last week, according to Fisher, that the show demanded she perform "Heartbreak Even."

End of quote

Like I said, it looks like cold feet at the last minute about the political content of the song.

I mean, considering the circumstances, I can't imagine that CBS would come out and say:

Hey! We don't want Ani to sing a political song on Letterman, so we cancelled her booking.

C'mon, let's get real here. That is censorship. That isn't giving Ani the choice to sing any one of the three songs they had previously agreed to let her sing.

THAT is the problem here. Is it surprising that CBS acted as it did? Not to me it isn't.

But I also believe in picking battles wisely. This isn't that big of a deal in terms of some much more important free speech issues and First Amendment rights being challenged and ignored.

I would, however, wonder about the contractual liabilities CBS has for possibly violating the terms of the agreement they did have.

One issue remains unclear, though. Did the contract signed with Ani state that she would appear and sing one of the 3 songs she submitted? If the song in question was on such a list, and included in her contract, CBS could well have shot itself in the foot with this one.

Sometimes the censors get a little overzealous, and don't always talk to the lawyers first, like they should!

Personally, I think this is great. Its a lose/lose proposition for CBS, and a win/win situation for Ani.

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 03:24 PM

Well, it may have been politically motivated. That doesn't change my argument that the producers of the show have no obligation to provide a platform for it.

The Smothers Brothers Show in the late 60s consistently ran up against political censorship, and that eventually led to so much conflict that the show was dropped. The Brothers handled the censorship by pushing the content up to the allowable barrier, or making mocking jokes and skits about the censors. I still contend that the network had no obligation to let the Brothers have free reign. The Bros might have taken the stance that the censors were too restrictive and quit, as well. But the fact that they continued pushing, accomplishing what they could, and compromising when NBC stood firm, led to a real relaxation of TV guidelines. I even remember that the Brothers received a lot of guff for having Pete Seeger on the show, since Pete was still considered a Commie by the general public.

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 03:19 PM

GUEST: It is only political on one side, Ani's. Letterman producers were making a judgement call on what their audience would like. That is their job and their right. Believe me, If they thought having her on the show and doing the song would draw a lager audience, they would do it in a heartbeat!

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 03:14 PM

You're right Alex. GUEST doesn't seem to know nearly as much about Psyciatric drugs as he should. It is strange how these anon guests all sound the same. He obviously did not use his dictionary as I advised because he thinks the dictionary contains the shareholders reports of all of the major media. He also still thinks a monopoly can consist of dozens of companies. It reminds me of those comedy skits where the guy thinks he is invisible so he acts like an ass.

Yes. GUEST, there is obviously a huge conspiracy in the media to keep Ani DiFranco from getting her message out! All media is a monopoly run by big business to control our little paranoid minds. "Letterman" is obviously a bastion of right wing, rascist opinion and not the light entertaiment it intends to be.

Hey wait a minute! How did the story get out? Do you think the Washington Post may be on our side?

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 02:58 PM

Just reread the thing about Rickie Lee on SNL.

I don't see the correlation.

Neither "Chuckys in Love" or "Last Chance Texaco" had political content, so how would that instance be comparable to producers deciding which song?

Producers always want the current "hit" to be performed--after all, that is why they have those particular musical guests on--to attract the musician's audience.

That clearly isn't the case with Ani. And I think it would be pretty hard to make a case against this being a political thing, considering the circumstances.

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 02:44 PM

I don't think this is close to the Sinead/SNL thing. It just isn't.

Sinead attacked a sacred Western icon--brilliantly IMO--I love Sinead.

In the short term, she paid a heavy price in the court of public opinion. I'm thinking of the negative audience response to her appearance at the Dylan Birthday Bash? about a week or so later at the Garden. She nearly lost her cool there, but with Kristofferson's help, she pulled herself together and did an even more brilliant performance than the SNL one the week before.

And never did seem to have any effect on her career. I mean, her fan base remained behind her all the way. Not only weren't alienated by her performance, but celebrated it.

The Letterman audience never would have been accepting about Ani, because they aren't her kind of audience. But I doubt that her singing the song would have resulted in near the media firestorm as the one Sinead caused on SNL.

Subject: RE: Ani DiFranco Song Censored on Letterman?
From: Don Firth
Date: 19 Jul 01 - 02:38 PM

(It's ba-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-ack)..............