Shanahan should get his job back
We are writing this letter in support of Dan Shanahan, past director of programming for Batavia Access Television.
We have watched with dismay the erosion of our civil liberties on the national level. We now shudder to know that blatant censorship has taken place on our local Batavia Access Television.
In Batavia, we have a public access broadcasting system that is acting as a censor to the community. Recently, the director of the station authorized the running of a film entitled, "Wal-Mart: the High Cost of Low Price" and a video which called into question the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks.
Dan Shanahan, director of programming at BATV, was fired for allowing the films to be shown.
Each of the films in question simply requires the viewer to think. They present another side of a controversial issue. Isn't public access TV there to inform the public about relevant issues of the day?
Yes, some issues are sensitive, but these films were not earth shattering to community values. In fact, most of the films' issues are found in our local newspapers.
Mr. Shanahan was doing his civic duty to present opinions that may vary with those of the community. What are our children to think when the adults in charge are saying we will not voice on public television views that differ from ours because it caused the board a lot of strife?
If the board members are not willing to present the community with a divergence of views, then the board should resign.
On the other hand, Mr. Shanahan has programmed the Loyalty Day Parade, football games, religious services, cooking shows with local chefs, creative programming, high school graduations, all of the public meetings for every municipal forum (Kane County Board, Batavia City Council, Batavia park board, Batavia Township, Batavia library board and more), candidate forums and countless hours of other community events.
Did we miss those BATV meetings on access TV?
With a proven record of supporting the community, Mr. Shanahan should be returned to his job. We hope that all concerned citizens will make their support for Mr. Shanahan known to the BATV Board.
Ron, Mary Anne Gilkerson
Batavia