US: US TV stations last night boycotted a Veterans' Day screening of war movie Saving Private Ryan for fear they would be censured by a newly aggressive TV regulator over the film's violence and graphic language.
Network executives said the rebellion by affiliates of the ABC television network in Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix and other leading markets was sparked by fears of reprisals from the Federal Communications Commission.
The FCC has commanded new respect and fear among broadcasters after imposing heavy penalties on CBS and its affiliates after this year's Super Bowl, when singer Janet Jackson exposed her breast during the half-time show, provoking widespread outrage.
However, observers feel yesterday's display of nerves about Saving Private Ryan descends to new levels of timidity.
The film aired uncut on television in 2001 and 2002, and the FCC threw out the sole complaint against it from the American Family Association. But station owners say they, and the FCC, operate in a different climate this year.