Nature

07/10/2008 :: 12:46:23 PM
Dennis Richards Says:

I am forwarding this to you to show my displeasure at some of your thoughtless programming.

—–Original Message—–
From: Dennis Richards
Sent: Friday, July 04, 2008 1:46 AM
To: Services, Viewer
Subject: Your insensitivity to our youth

July 3, 2008

Regarding: Thursday July 3rd, 2008 - 8 PM programming “In the Valley of the Wolves”

Sirs:

I am appalled that you would show that documentary during prime time on public television.

Your “Start at KCTS9 viewer guide describes the show as: “An intimate record of the lives of the most celebrated wolf pack in North America”.

It is anything but ‘intimate’, when you show the details of pack of wolves tearing apart a coyote, then compounding the scene with a statement to the effect that ‘now the female, who will be soon be giving birth to her litter, will have to fend for her self’.

Just how do you think those scenes affect children? I know they upset me to see them during prime time.

This is not unlike the scene where the wolves hunt down a moose calf, and the narrator giving a vivid discription, of the same. (Also seen on KCTS).

For your information, I am not a sensationalist, as I have spent many years in the bush and in the Arctic. I have seen many things that would make most of your staff puke, however I do not go around talking about it or showing pictures of it, in front of children.

I expect to see a public apology from KCTS to all the families whom those scenes have upset. Please screen your shows more carefully in the future. This is supposed to be public tv (I assume that means suitable for all ages).

Dennis Richards

07/15/2008 :: 05:22:25 AM
Ms. Kir Says:

Wonderful, fascinating show PBS! Everyone, including children should watch it and learn about the ups and downs of life. It is gratifying to see that Nature films show the full spectrum of life in the wild and do not “Bambify” the harshness of animal realities.

One has to wonder whether Mr. Richards has ever, in his extensive travels, heard of the television “OFF” button?

What his children watch is HIS responsibility. Perhaps next time such an “unsuitable, objectionable” program is on in prime time, Mr. Richards can pop in a soft cartoon video for his sheltered children.

With such fare they will expect an easy road in real life, which may not happen.

Nature is not cruel, She is indifferent and plays no favorites. Mankind is part of Nature and cannot escape. The sooner our soft offspring learn that the better. The times ahead for humanity may be hard.

More programs like this in primetime would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again.

Ms. Kir

07/18/2008 :: 02:27:08 PM
sierra Says:

i like wolfs but some of the kinds of wolf’s are dissapearing. Have of the world needs wolf’s. Wolf’s are a part of mother nature.so i think we need to keep wolf in our world for the mother nature.