"I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore!"

PBS has a kid's show called "Arthur." Arthur's best friend is a rabbit named Buster. Buster now has his own show, "Postcards from Buster," wherein he travels around, learning about and from all kinds of different kids.

In one recent episode called "Sugartime" Buster learns how to make maple syrup. He learns from a couple of Vermont kids who have two mommies. PBS, under pressure from the new leader of the Department of Education, has decided to leave the decision to air it to local PBS stations, many of which are pulling the show. You can read the Boston Globe's account of it ">here.


Hello!
Is it true that you have pulled “Postcards from Buster” because it featured GLBT parents? As a believer in public TV and radio, I hope not.
Thank you, Lulu

(From them:)

Dear Lulu;
Thank you for taking the time to send us your thoughts regarding the Postcards From Buster, Sugartime episode. WOSU has decided to stay with the national PBS feed schedule at this time and not air the episode. We are in alignment with the rationale for this decision with PBS in that we feel that there are elements of this episode that parents should have the option of addressing with their young children at a time and manner of their own choosing. WOSU is dedicated to addressing controversial issues, such as those presented in the Sugartime episode in our primetime schedule, through documentary, drama, and public affairs programs that provide the right forum for thoughtful discussion and informed debate, however we are in agreement with PBS that there are unique sensitivities in the area of children's programming. Should you have any further questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact me. Thank you and have a good day!

Sincerely,
Alysia Gobert-Smith
Audience Services Advocate
Local PBS Station


(My reply:)

Dear Ms. Gobert-Smith;

Thank you for your quick response.

I am disappointed with your decision. In light of the current political situation and administration, I cannot help but think that you are merely caving to the pressure brought to bear by a few anti-homosexual bigots. My husband and I are the parents of a 4-year old. We want him to know that there are many configurations of families out there, and that all loving homes are good homes. By not airing the episode, you are depriving parents of the opportunity to even see the episode, let alone of sharing the information presented and their views and beliefs about it.

And you’re obviously not thinking about the children being raised by GLBT parents. What will they think when they hear this news? PBS, once a leader in delivering positive messages of diversity to children, has dealt one more blow to their already beleaguered families by calling them “too controversial” for the “unique sensitivities” of children’s programming.

Your “rational” excuses are transparent. Your decision to not air the episode is censorship, plain and simple.

I can’t say that PBS has completely sold out, as some stations have decided to air it. But I can say that you, WOSU, have. Sell out to the conservatives—who have demonstrated their hostility to public television and radio time after time—and you’ll soon find yourself without a job.

Thank you for doing your part to make my home state that much more hostile and backwards. You will not be receiving any financial support from me.

Lulu
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The airwaves--ALL of them--belong to the public. If you don't like what you see, or what you don't see, they'd love to hear from you. "And have a good day!"