"Free Speech"

One of the new features of the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric is a regular segment called "freeSpeech." According to the CBS News website, "freeSpeech" is intended to be "a segment of opinion and commentary from a wide range of Americans. This original segment is intended to create a candid and robust dialogue among viewers about issues important to them, their families and the nation." It goes on to say: "The segment will be a real attempt to reflect what Americans are thinking and feeling, as people from all parts of the country representing all perspectives and points of view will be able to speak their minds -- uninterrupted."

The key word there is "uninterrupted." In the world of televised shouting matches (that are laughingly called "debates"), the chance to say one's truth in as complete a fashion as 90 seconds will allow is certainly compelling to anyone with a passionate opinion.

The key word NOT there is "uncensored." For in a segment called "freeSpeech," one would think it ought to be practiced. But when Bill Maher wanted to talk about religion, CBS demurred. CBS denies that the subject of religion was off-limits. My guess is that the broad subject was fine, but how Bill probably wanted to approach it specifically was not. I can imagine Maher wanting to say something like (and I'm only guessing here): "Get over it, there is no God." I can also imagine CBS having an issue with an approach of this sort.

"Doesn't CBS have the right to edit its own show?" you might ask. Certainly, but if you're going to sell the segment saying the goal is "to offer a new and TRANSPARENT outlet for the incredible variety and diversity of voices in this country" (emphasis mine) it really ought to be transparent. Otherwise, why not call it "Opinion Corner"? Especially when Katie Couric introduced the segmentby saying: "Expressing your opinion is one of the privileges of living in this country." Maher rispostes: "I'm sorry -- I thought it was a RIGHT."

On one level Maher is being completely naive -- editing is not censorship per se, and simply because they decided not to air your views doesn't prove they are censorious. But on another level he is absolutely right to be incensed. Is CBS truly offering a voice to people to say what they think is most important in the world? Or is it simply a way for them to say what THEY want to say, but put the words into other people's mouths?