AUTHOR: Dave Sypniewski DATE: Thursday, June 30, 2005 ----- BODY: A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to catch some quality programming during the pledge drive on PBS. What I got to see was a documentary about this silly rabbit named "Buster." I never heard of him, but after seeing Buster in action, WTTW has got some nerve asking for money! What happened to the good old days of Fred Rogers and Captain Kangaroo? Now, I don't have a problem with PBS expanding horizons for kids and adults alike however, Buster likes to "pop in" on people that may not be like you or me. Buster has knocked on the door of people with different faiths. Buster also rang the doorbell of people with different ethnicity and race. Not a big deal. What got Buster in trouble was a road trip to a home with a gay couple out in Boston. "Buster" did his thing and interviewed the two women and their kids. When it was all over, PBS red flagged the episode because it was sending the wrong message. Having studied Broadcast Law, I know there is something called the "Safe Harbor Act" enforced by the FCC. During the daytime hours, over the air networks are supposed to broadcast programs for kids, minus the commercials for the toys that accompany the shows. So, what to do when your pre-schooler tugs on your pant leg and asks you what "gay" is? PLEASE! A four year old should be watching big bird and learning the ABC's. Now I don't know if Buster got busted and yanked off the daytime schedule, but I do know these two women are not giving up! Buster showed up on their doorstep to hear their story and they want it told. Unfortunately for those two, their efforts failed. They even tried to take the case to the Supreme Court but it got passed over. I think Judge Judy would have even slammed her gavel and said, "get out!" As for Buster, he needs to find a cereal box to jump into. Shows on PBS shouldn't force parents to break out in a sweat when their kids ask adult questions! For once, I say SpongeBob Squarepants is the better choice and THAT'S the way I see it!
buster Originally uploaded by grimbillyandmandy.

-------- Squealing Pig WORLDWIDE!: Buster's trix shouldn't be for kids!

Squealing Pig WORLDWIDE!

Thursday, June 30, 2005

Buster's trix shouldn't be for kids!

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to catch some quality programming during the pledge drive on PBS. What I got to see was a documentary about this silly rabbit named "Buster." I never heard of him, but after seeing Buster in action, WTTW has got some nerve asking for money! What happened to the good old days of Fred Rogers and Captain Kangaroo? Now, I don't have a problem with PBS expanding horizons for kids and adults alike however, Buster likes to "pop in" on people that may not be like you or me. Buster has knocked on the door of people with different faiths. Buster also rang the doorbell of people with different ethnicity and race. Not a big deal. What got Buster in trouble was a road trip to a home with a gay couple out in Boston. "Buster" did his thing and interviewed the two women and their kids. When it was all over, PBS red flagged the episode because it was sending the wrong message. Having studied Broadcast Law, I know there is something called the "Safe Harbor Act" enforced by the FCC. During the daytime hours, over the air networks are supposed to broadcast programs for kids, minus the commercials for the toys that accompany the shows. So, what to do when your pre-schooler tugs on your pant leg and asks you what "gay" is? PLEASE! A four year old should be watching big bird and learning the ABC's. Now I don't know if Buster got busted and yanked off the daytime schedule, but I do know these two women are not giving up! Buster showed up on their doorstep to hear their story and they want it told. Unfortunately for those two, their efforts failed. They even tried to take the case to the Supreme Court but it got passed over. I think Judge Judy would have even slammed her gavel and said, "get out!" As for Buster, he needs to find a cereal box to jump into. Shows on PBS shouldn't force parents to break out in a sweat when their kids ask adult questions! For once, I say SpongeBob Squarepants is the better choice and THAT'S the way I see it!

buster Originally uploaded by grimbillyandmandy.

posted by Dave Sypniewski at Thursday, June 30, 2005

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