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Editor: 

Until earlier today I was not going to write a letter about the sexual content broadcast time that was voted on at the last Berkeley Community Media Board of Directors meeting. Although I feel that 2-4 a.m. is extreme and likely to be taken as an act of censorship I had already stated that at that meeting when the vote was held.  

However, today I read an article in the Berkeley Daily Planet about a violent shooting in South Berkeley, very close to my home, that shocked and appalled 

me. I began to wonder how someone could consciously commit such a horrific act of violence, and then I realized that our culture encourages this through 

the violence portrayed on television, in the movies and on videogames.  

This brings me to my point about the decision made by the BCM board at this last meeting. I agree with the concerned parents who are worried about what 

their children might see while watching a TV channel that does not censor. This is why I support the 10 p.m. adult content timeslot. I can even see moving it to 11 or 12. However, if those parents are so concerned, why are their children watching television without supervision late at night? I understand that as an organization we cannot question the parenting skills of Berkeley residents. However, when I have children I will be more concerned with the amount of violence that is accessible, even during the day, on every TV channel, including B-TV. In my opinion a sexual act is far more natural then an act of gun violence. I could launch into a tirade about how I feel about the societal views of sex and violence in our country, however this is not the place.  

It seems to me that public access television is the ideal platform for issues such as these. It seems to me that public access television is instituted so that individuals are able to make their voices heard, so that we can hear the common person's views, and not just the views of those who fund national television. Isn't part of our mission to “encourage creative expression and democratic involvement”? My question is this: if we are going to separate sexual content from adult content, what happens when a producer decides to play ultra violent programming? Who are we to decide what is appropriate to play at 10 p.m. and what needs to be held until 2 a.m.? 

I understand that this decision is meant to be a temporary one until a better solution can be found. I also do not like being known as “that channel that plays porn”.  

BCM is so much more than that to our community. I understand that we all have personal opinions that need to be overlooked when making a decision such as this. I understand that this is a hot issue in the community right now that needs to be addressed. However, I urge the Board of Directors to rethink 

their decision.  

I fully support moving all adult programming to 11 p.m. or even 12 a.m. I also suggest the idea of planning some sort of informational forum where this issue 

can be discussed and aired for the community at large. I do feel that although this is an important and timely matter, time must be put into finding a solution. 

I hope that a solution can be found and thought about at length before being put into action. I am willing to share any information that I have on the legality 

of obscenity on community television with anyone interested.  

Again, I had not planned on writing this letter. I have heard numerous complaints from both BCM members, and Berkeley residents, though far fewer than 

Brian Scott has fielded. I understand that this is a tricky matter and as I said before I am willing to provide input or suggestions if anyone is interested. 

Sage Mandzik 

Assistant Director 

Berkeley Community Media