|
 |
WRAL's Decision to Cut Off 'Cupid' Should Be Shot Down
|
|
|
I'm not sure what is more disturbing: that local ABC-affiliate WRAL in Raleigh decided not to air the dating series Cupid, or that I might be the only one bothered by it.
A recent letter to the Fayetteville Observer praised the decision not to air the reality show, produced by American Idol's Simon Cowell, in which one bachelorette whittles through a bunch of stiffs until she finds Mr. Right.
|
If she keeps the guy for a whole year, the made-for-TV couple wins $1 million. So far, that appears to be the only local public comment.
Why is there no outcry that a TV network has basically told its viewers, "Um, we don't think you are morally capable of making a decision on what is best for you to watch. So we've made it for you. Enjoy the wholesome Andy Griffith Show." Not to get all First Amendment, but in America, don't we appreciate the chance to make our own choices?
I should point out that I wouldn't watch Cupid unless you tied me to a chair and stapled my eyes open. There's something about fake people pretending to like each other in order to become more popular that reminds me of high school. But I prefer the old methods of deciding what I will and will not watch; the ones the involve me using my remote control.
Whether Cupid is horrible or not, it shouldn't be up to the folks who run WRAL to decide. As a CBS affiliate, they have an unwritten agreement with the local viewing public to be the representative of the network. If CBS broadcasts Cupid (or, for that matter, Hussein: The Animated Series), WRAL should carry it. If WRAL doesn't agree with the show's treatment of marriage, then they should cut ties and go independent. In a statement released two weeks ago, WRAL General Manager Jim Henfer said, "We're no trying to be holier than thou, but eventually you have to draw the line in what you believe to be acceptable in the marketplace."
What marketplace are they polling? If the marketplace is my living room, then they should cut 75 percent of their lineup, because I find Becker, Touched by an Angel, Star Search and JAG unacceptable.
If the marketplace is the average American home, then they might want to take a closer look at what Joe Citizen really thinks about marriage. Forgetting the high number of divorce rates, which would indicate most Americans take marriage as seriously as Carrot Top, just look at the ratings for other "romance" shows like Joe Millionaire, The Bachelor, For Love or Money and Mr. Personality. Clearly, the idea that true love can be found over the course of an hour isn't something the average American finds inconceivable.
Or, take a look at the moral debate surrounding the Kobe Bryant case. Most of the dialogue seems to be surrounding whether Kobe did or didn't, or if he didn't, whether or not his image can be cleaned. Sites like www.freekobe.com support the NBA superstar's innocence because, as the site puts it, "we're running out of heroes."
Bryant is an admitted adulterer. He was in Colorado for a few hours before he found a teenage partner and made his "mistake." We are to believe this was a one-time occurrence. I find that more insulting than anything Simon Cowell can produce. Yet, the average American seems ready to forgive Kobe as long as he is found not guilty. The other half will forgive him regardless.
Hanging a decision to not air a silly dating show on some wishy-washy "acceptable in our marketplace" ideal is ridiculous, particularly when what is and isn't acceptable is entirely up for debate. And who has the debate? The viewing public that "votes" by watching or not watching a certain program? No. Some TV guy who arbitrarily makes a call based on focus groups and Sunday School class.
This reaks of PR stunt. WRAL saw an opportunity to make headlines during a slow summer ratings period and appeal to the holy rollers on the religious right. Meanwhile, rest assured, the same smatterings of sex and violence will be back on the WRAL airwaves next Fall, complete with the request beer and fast food ads.
I don't care what the general manager of the station believes is morally right or morally wrong. If he doesn't agree with a show CBS broadcasts, he certainly can resign in protest. I'd help him pack his desk.
Personally, I'd love for WRAL to start airing Cupid this Wednesday at 10 p.m. I would like the opportunity to not watch it.
|
|
©Up & Coming Magazine 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Justin Hammond |
Sep, 01 2003 |
| |
This column is completely ridiculous. You've missed the point of WRAL not airing Cupid. Besides the fact that it is trashy TV, it just continues Capitol Broadcasting's right as a television station operator not to air things it deems inappropriate. It has done the same with several of the FOX reality shows on its station WRAZ-50. If they DID air Cupid, then I would consider it hypocritcal of them, since they have refused to air these other shows in the past. Just my two cents.
|
|
|
|
Bryan Moore |
Jul, 30 2003 |
| |
Tim Hager, you obviously don't know WRAL. They have high standards. That's what sets them apart and makes them number one over every other affiliate in the Raleigh market.
They don't need publicity stunts.
Do I agree with their decision? Not really. I think it's hypocritical to show realiy shows that involve pre-marital sex, backstabbing and cheating to win a prize (Survivor), but not show another.
But, are you just as incensed at the NBC stations that didn't air "Queer eye for the straight guy?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
