Profanity concerns prompt CBS to show documentary on web

CBS Corp said on Saturday it would broadcast the documentary "9/11" on the Internet as well as the airwaves after several affiliates said they would delay or forgo the award-winning film because it includes profanity.

The documentary was produced by French filmmakers Gedeon and Jules Naudet and retired New York firefighter James Hanlon and has aired twice without incurring fines by US regulators charged with enforcing broadcast decency standards.

CBS said affiliates that cover about 10 per cent of the United States had decided not broadcast the programme or would show it late at night, citing concerns they could be fined for airing profanity, primarily by firefighters during the crisis, before 10 pm

The American Family Association, which describes itself as a Christian organization promoting traditional values, has called on CBS stations to forgo or delay the "9/11" broadcast.

"The online streaming of this broadcast will allow viewers in those markets to see the Peabody Award-winning special," CBS said in a statement. The network will air warnings about graphic language.

The film was scheduled to air yesterday evening at 8 pm (local time).

Another major US network, ABC, was making last-minute changes to its two-part September 11-linked miniseries "The Path to 9/11" to air yesterday and today. Former President Bill Clinton, former aides and congressional Democrats have lodged complaints that the film inaccurately suggests Clinton was inattentive to the Islamic militant threat that led to the September 11 attacks.

The film to air on CBS, narrated by actor Robert De Niro, was compiled using footage shot inside the north tower of the World Trade Center in Manhattan after it was hit by a hijacked airliner. No actual carnage is shown.

An FCC spokeswoman has said the agency only acts on complaints it receives and the historical context would likely be considered if any complaints were lodged.

Source: China Daily