Reagan show dumped
NEW YORK ? American broadcast giant CBS has caved into pressure from powerful right-wing lobbyists and dumped plans to screen a controversial mini-series on the life of former US President Ronald Reagan.
The $12.8 million, two-part series The Reagans, starring James Brolin as President Reagan and Australia's Judy Davis as wife Nancy, was due to be aired in America on November 16 and 18.
However, a deluge of criticism and threats from Republican Party members, none of whom have seen the mini-series, caused CBS to crumble.
The move sparked fierce debate about political censorship of free speech. Controversy flared on October 21 when the New York Times reported the movie contained unflattering scenes, including one where Nancy asks Ronald to do more for AIDS victims. He replies: "They that live in sin shall die in sin."
Conservative critics embarked on a campaign accusing CBS of smearing their idol who, at age 92, is debilitated by Alzheimer's disease.
NEW YORK ? American broadcast giant CBS has caved into pressure from powerful right-wing lobbyists and dumped plans to screen a controversial mini-series on the life of former US President Ronald Reagan.
The $12.8 million, two-part series The Reagans, starring James Brolin as President Reagan and Australia's Judy Davis as wife Nancy, was due to be aired in America on November 16 and 18.
However, a deluge of criticism and threats from Republican Party members, none of whom have seen the mini-series, caused CBS to crumble.
The move sparked fierce debate about political censorship of free speech. Controversy flared on October 21 when the New York Times reported the movie contained unflattering scenes, including one where Nancy asks Ronald to do more for AIDS victims. He replies: "They that live in sin shall die in sin."
Conservative critics embarked on a campaign accusing CBS of smearing their idol who, at age 92, is debilitated by Alzheimer's disease.
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