Activist Group Launches CSI 'Noncomplaint' Campaign

See Also: 'King Baby' Episode Guide

An organisation set up to fight the recent crackdown on television indecency is calling on CSI fans to let the Federal Communications Commission know they weren't offended by last month's "King Baby" episode.

"The Parents Television Council is lobbying the FCC for stiff fines against CBS and all of its affiliates because of an episode of CSI that it found distasteful," the organisation writes on its web site, SpeakSpeak.org. "The episode aired on February 17th, and told the story of a big, powerful man who liked to dress up as a baby. Tell the FCC that our community standards were not violated."

Last week, the Parents Television Council announced it had filed an indecency complaint with the FCC over the "gratuitous filth" it felt was present in "King Baby," and urged the FCC to levy a heavy fine against CBS, or possibly even revoke its broadcast license. SpeakSpeak.org has now responded by providing an online form that allows viewers to tell the FCC they do not agree with the Parents Television Council. The organisation tells CSI Files that over 800 letters have already been sent to the FCC over the past week.

"The program was not offensive according to the standards of my community," the form letter reads. "It was a work of fiction, and I accept it as such. [It] was not designed to appeal purely to prurient interests; it was a work of fiction, not pornography, [and it] had ample artistic merit."

In the letter, SpeakSpeak.org points out that 30 million people tuned in for "King Baby," and that those viewers likely wouldn't have stuck around to watch the entire episode if they agreed with the Parents Television Council the episode was offensive. The letter also argues that parents who believed the episode was inappropriate for their children could simply have forbidden them to watch it, but notes that many parents actually appreciate the fact CSI teaches their children about forensic science.

"This broadcast of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation was an interesting exploration of an 'alternative lifestyle,'" the form letter continues. "Although it is not the life I choose to lead, it was not offensive. The language used in the program was likewise not offensive. It in no way violated the FCC's indecency regulations. [Was this program] for adults? Yes. But that's okay."

The full form letter contains a point-by-point rebuttal of the entire complaint made by the Parents Television Council, and ends by demanding that the FCC does not fine CBS or any of its affiliates for showing "King Baby." Should you like to help SpeakSpeak.org and send a message of your own to the FCC, please head over to the organisation's Speak Up! page.

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