All right, the title is a little misleading, but CBS sure appeared to be a Grinch when it came to the Boston Fireworks Spectacular with the Boston Pops Orchestra this past Fourth of July.
We had settled in to watch our traditional viewing that evening — first, a Capitol Fourth followed by the Boston fireworks — when I asked my wife what time each was airing. She found the Capitol Fourth and the event sponsored by Macy’s, but no Boston fireworks. I jumped on Google and soon found the reason — CBS had declined to renew a contract to air the event.
To be fair, I emailed corporate communications for CBS to get their side of the story. I received no return reply. The only reason I could find, according to one Boston report, was some vague indication that declining ratings was behind the decision.
Hmmm, given the tragedy that happened in Boston a few months earlier, was this really the best time to pull the plug on something that gives Boston a sense of pride. I guess corporate profits mean more to CBS than fostering good feelings for a city that had experienced a horrific terrorist act.
And while I’m on my soapbox today, what about the families of military personnel on bases around the country denied fireworks because Congress and the White House couldn’t come to a budget deal and avoid the sequestration. Money again. Maybe it is the root of all evils.
Thoughts, anyone?
