Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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BY FRAZIER MOORE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK - This was where I was going to review “The Reagans,” CBS’ much-anticipated miniseries airing Sunday and Tuesday. Except it isn’t going to air — not then, not on CBS. I prefer writing about shows that will actually be broadcast and shows that I’ve screened. But since everyone else has expressed an opinion about this biopic, sight unseen, why shouldn’t I? Come to think of it, Fd like to salute CBS for giving “The Reagans” the hook (episodes of “CSI,” “CSI: Miami” and “Without a Trace” are now scheduled in stead). I think CBS’ turn-tail tac tic is a win for all concerned. It’s certainly a win for every one who frightened CBS into bailing on the project. As NewsMax, the'Tight-wing Web site, crowed, “CBS’ decision to cancel the Reagan movie is one of the greatest victories ever for the conservative movement over the left-wing, so-called main stream, media.” It’s also a win for the TV audience. Viewers who were alarmed that the film might defame a man they lionize were spared from hav ing their vision of him challenged. Even better, they were handed new evidence to buttress their be lief that “the left-wing, so-called mainstream, media” are out to trash everything they hold dear. As for viewers who aren’t so fond of Reagan, they win, too. They have been spared from watching a film they probably didn’t want to see anyway (what if it went too easy on him?), while they also get to bask in righteous indignation over CBS denying them a look at it. The New York Times won. Despite being part of the “left wing, so-called mainstream, me dia” (or so some insist), it ignited the firestorm against fellow “me dia elite” CBS in a big story last month that quoted details from the script deemed unflattering to Reagan. And what of CBS? Yes, it has won, too, exhibiting a newfound, heretofore undemonstrated com mitment tojprogram quality. In its announcement that “The Reagans” had been scrapped, CBS said the decision was “based sole ly on our reaction to seeing the fi nal film, not the controversy that erupted around a draft of the script.” The film, said CBS, “does not provide a balanced portrayal of the Reagans.” So last-minute worries about fairness and factuality prompted CBS to yank a four-hour-long ex travaganza from its November sweeps lineup just two weeks be fore airtime. However unlikely, CBS professes to have struck a blow for truth. (It also washed its hands of a sticky problem by dumping “The Reagans” on its pay-cable sister channel, Showtime, where the film will air months from now). Of course, cynics may counter that CBS simply caved in to the far right. Or that, even more dismay ing, the network pandered to con servative Washington lawmakers whose votes it needs for high stakes legislation that would al low its parent Viacom to own more local stations. None of those factors had any thing to do with his decision, Leslie Moonves insists. “It was a moral decision, not an economic or a political one,” the CBS boss told Variety last week. CBS’ cancellation of “The Reagans” comes on the heels of the timidity it displayed over its “Hitler” miniseries last spring. The network blasted one of the film’s executive producers after he was quoted in TV Guide com paring the fear among Germans during Hitler’s rise to fear in America as it headed into war with Iraq. Then the producer was fired from the film. But despite that uproar, ♦ CBS, SEE PAGE 7 .^ Student Media is now Accepting Applications for Account Representatives. We are looking for outgoing, energetic, well organized students who can commit 15-20 hours per week to this position. Must have reliable transportation. Gain valuable experience. All majors encouraged to apply... Sales looks great on ANY resume!! Come by the Student Medio Office on the 3rd floor of the Russell House to fill out an Application. Or call 777-5064 for more information. Hlr Wm We're NUTS about our residents! * : - ‘ ’ .7 See for yourself how close we are to Williams Brice Stadium! Brand New Apartments • Washer/Dryer in every apartment • Free shuttle to USC • Ethernet in every bedroom • 24 hr. Fitness Center and Computer Lab • Free tanning bed • Resort style pool with sundeck STERLINGUNIVERSITY 252-2634 ! *!hUfrd tRcl' ,h» www.sterlinghousing.com (just behind USC football practice field) 9 ° WSUH An SUM® Community €r \v al*i SUM® it t ndmA of SUH, Inc. "SiSST Tickets © R.H Info desk