Not-so-indecent "Frontline"

Now that the FCC has finally decided that last November's network screening of "Saving Private Ryan" was not indecent, that reminds me once again of wimpy old PBS caving in over airing soldiers using sweary words on its recent "Frontline" documentary ("A Company of Soldiers," aired on Feb. 22). But I thought I could at least recognize those brave PBS stations that did air the uncut version. The public broadcasting tracking site current.org lists the 15 stations that aired the uncut version (before the 10 p.m. safe harbor for indecent content): WGBH Boston; WTTW in Chicago; South Carolina ETV; KCPT in Kansas City, Mo., WFUM in Flint, Mich.; Iowa PTV; WGTE in Toledo, Ohio; WMHT in Albany/Schenectady, N.Y.; WNED in Buffalo, N.Y.; KNME in Albuquerque, N.M.; WBGU, Bowling Green, Ohio; WGBY in Springfield, Mass.; KPBS in San Diego; Oregon Public Broadcasting; and KUHT in Houston.

Interestingly, Benton's Comm-related headline service notes that many of these stations that aired the unedited version in prime time said "they found the FCC guidelines on indecency clear enough to help them make up their minds."