TV networks cool on 'Passion'

[onehandle]

Film a tough sell to broadcasters; cable probably better bet

NEW YORK (AP) -- Despite being the year's biggest box-office blockbuster so far, "The Passion of the Christ" seems unlikely to find a home on the four biggest broadcast networks.

Mel Gibson's Icon Productions has been shopping the movie to TV. Only ABC has confirmed turning it down, but executives speaking on condition of anonymity said it was doubtful for CBS, NBC and Fox, too.

The movie's graphic scenes of Jesus Christ's crucifixion were said to make broadcasters skittish, particularly in the post-Janet Jackson era when government officials are closely watching what goes on television.

"There might be a lot of baggage because of the violence," said Brad Adgate, an analyst for the ad buying firm Horizon Media. "That can put some pressure on advertisers not to buy this."

Fox is awaiting the evaluation of its broadcast standards department before making a decision on whether to pursue airing it, the network's entertainment chief, Gail Berman, said.

http://www.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/Movies/04/20/tv.passion.ap/index.html

Finally! Censorship I can get behind!

[leftistagitator]

1. From what I've heard

Gibson won't let them edit his movie at all. I've never seen an unedited R rated movie played on network TV, so if they allow this to be broadcast I will be somewhat upset. That would be changing the rules just because this movie is about Jesus, which isn't OK in my opinion. If we can't see part of a nipple for a split second, but we can watch a snuff film, that would be the height of hypocrisy.

[aquart]

2. I'd report it to the FCC.

[ikojo]

3. When Schindler's List first aired on broadcast TV it aired

with only ONE commercial break and was UNCUT.

[leftistagitator]

6. Good point

I'd forgotten about that. I guess this wouldn't be completely without precedent. I don't really have a problem with them playing R rated movies on TV, I just thought it would be unfair to allow this while cracking down on people saying cuss words or showing too much flesh. Really, I think it should be like Britain, where you can show practically anything you want, as long as it's played late enough.

[symbolman]

4. This should be called for what it is..

PORNOGRAPHY.

It's a Snuff FILM for sickos.

[GypsyBob]

11. Was the Passion really over the top?

I didn't see it, mostly because I didn't think I needed to. Years of reading it every Good Friday, etc., already left quite an impression.

A buddy of mine, a volunteer in a Catholic Youth group took a bunch of high-schoolers to see it, and they were pretty blow away. I was surprised they THEY where surprised, but I guess I was unaware at one time too.

[DemosthenesOfTheWest]

5. Speaking tangentally about censorship...

I though it was interesting that the first installment of Prime Suspect was bleeped, something that PBS almost never does. The second installment, however, seemed to show unmutilated.

[newyawker99]

9. Hi DemosthenesOfTheWest!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[PartyPooper]

7. Don't cable and satellite companies carry "Christian" programming?

Maybe one of those religious stations would offer it.

:shrug:

[Devils Advocate NZ]

8. Hahaha! The prudes may have done themselves over!

BY kicking up such a fuss about a boob, they have created an atmosphere in which a show THEY want is banned too!

Ahahahahahahaha! Ahahahahaha!

Suckers!

[Beacho]

10. Ha! I love irony

One group of religious freak's crusade cock blocks another freak's attempt to push his 'cristo-porn'.

[DrFunkenstein]

12. No Sit-com Spin-Off Show?

I was really hoping for a Friday night spin-off starring those irascible, yet downright-lovable people, "The Jews."

As for the whole "flagellation" thing, I figure a nice reality game show would be the best format...

[porkrind]

13. "The Jesus Chainsaw Massacre"

I heard it called that and had to laugh.

[LuminousX]

14. South Park got it right... Snuff Film