CBS weighs indecency rules for "9/11" documentary

[LTR]

CBS will air an updated version of the "9/11" documentary about the attacks at the World Trade Center and the firefighters who responded that September day five years ago.

The Emmy- and Peabody-winning documentary, produced by brothers Gedeon and Jules Naudet and retired firefighter James Hanlon, will air September 10.

Airing the documentary represents something of an act of courage by CBS, given the gritty language that "9/11" contained in its two previous airings and the chill that is going through the airwaves over federal efforts to curb broadcast indecency. CBS has made no cuts to the language for this telecast. CBS sources said the documentary, which is the true-life portrait of what happened that day, is bound to generate controversy in some quarters.

"It's important to take note of the event as it happened," CBS executive producer Susan Zirinsky said. "And (the filmmakers) have done an amazing job in staying with these guys over five years and evolving with them. You will feel at the end that we've taken a journey again."

The French filmmakers had planned to make a documentary about a year in the life of a rookie firefighter. It became a gripping record of one of the most important days in U.S. history as Jules Naudet went out on a call with the firefighters on September 11, 2001, and filmed American Airlines Flight 11 slamming into the North Tower. What transpired was a transfixing portrait of the firefighters dealing with the crisis that became more dire by the minute. The updated version, which has been in the works for a year, will include interviews with 20 of the firefighters from the downtown Manhattan firehouse where the Naudets had been filming for months. Robert De Niro, who narrated the film, will tape new portions next week. More than 39 million people watched the documentary during its first airing in March 2002.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060810/en_nm/cbs_dc&printer=1

[smokey nj]

1. This reminds me of when a member of the House of Reps. was

horrified at the full-frontal nudity when NBC aired "Schindler's List" uncut.

[Marnieworld]

3. As if that was what was horrifying in that movie?

I guess they were ok with all of the senseless violence and destruction? But no nudity? Please? That was part of the story, the humiliation. It wasn't sexual. I just can't believe these people sometimes.

[smokey nj]

4. Violence and destruction are fine, boobies are offensive.....

I hate these people.

[Marnieworld]

2. It was a brilliant film that everyone should see

CBS is right for not editing it. It is so heartbreaking, nauseating (you hear what bodies falling from the towers sound like on impact) and inspiring. I will try and watch it again for the additions but it is so difficult to do so without a box of tissues.

[i miss america]

5. Would our government really fine CBS for airing bad words

during the airing of this particular movie? Wow!

[mockmonkey]

6. I'll never understand

what was the point of the so called V-chip and the ratings system for all TV shows if there are going to fine the networks for showing Mature material? Someone needs to disembowel the FCC.

[MikeyJones]

7. The fact there's even debate about telling the truth is disturbing.....

I guess the government is attempting to cover up for its massive PR failures.