Drudge has one of the most bizarre stories I’ve ever seen. NBC and CW have declined ads — and the accompanying money — for a Dixie Chicks documentary. According to Drudge’s story, the stated reason for NBC is that the spots are critical of President Bush (CW says it doesn’t have any programs where the ads would fit; hard to believe but possible in theory). See the spots here.
Now, the point the documentary makes is idiotic. Apparently, the Dixie Chicks they are entitled to their fan base’s support, even though they insulted the president patriotic country music fans voted for.
I’ve made the point here repeatedly (most recently about Ice-T) that freedom of speech is protected only by the government. Freedom of speech doesn’t mean that other private entities can’t react. I can (and do) choose not to buy Rage Against the Machine CDs because the band raised money for a convicted cop killer. Dixie Chicks fans chose not to buy their CDs after the comment, and the privately-owned (though government licensed; I suspect that’s why the Chicks are considering legal action) networks chose not to air the commercials.
So this is not censorship. That said, there’s nothing offensive or inappropriate about them, the networks are turning down money and the move creates the appearance of (for a change right-wing) political bias. It is stupid.
On an unrelated note, the title “Shut Up and Sing” is taken directly from Laura Ingraham’s book. I wonder if we’ll see any legal action on that front.
Robert VerBruggen blogs at http://robertsrationale.blogspot.com.
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2 users commented in " NBC, CW decline ads for Dixie Chicks documentary "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackI suppose, if mediawhores really wanted to potshot anyone for giving the ‘Chicks their visibility window –it would be *me*.
I was the first person in “Rock Media” to ‘introduce’ their third incarnation. For some odd reason, the editor & publisher chose to hatchet them back then (theory: Editor came onto one of the gals in a bar –and was politely told to F-Off –so he decided they were lesbians).
Controversy aside…
There’s no disputing their musical excellence. They’ve brought a renewed interest to Bluegrass music that would’ve been lost forever… While Allison Krause is given huuuuge bouquets –she’s not as dynamic as The Chicks.
Take some time out of your ‘busy’ day –and watch the PBS special –their audience hooted and hollered FOR them for the entire show.
I’d venture to say this is the same reaction they get *everywhere*…
There are dozens, if not hundreds, of musicians who’ve spoken out against Bush’s hairbrained, hair-trigger war mongering –but none have received the magnitude of scorn…
Why are Marti & Emily being held responsible for Natalie’s comments?
NBC is notoriously Republican –and thinks all of the ‘party’ walks on water without leaving footprints in the punchbowl… Even the known-pervs get more respectful handling than the mud slung at a little trio from Texas.
Instead oaf wasting so much energy trying to crucify the gals –how’sabout dealing with REAL issues….
That stench in Crawford, Texas *ain’t* from the feedlots…
It’s humorous to see liberals complaining when people exercise their rights as consumers. Another example of lefty hypocrisy.
Maybe the ACLU can sue to force people to buy the Dixie Chicks’ albums.
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