‘Indie’ is out

PBS does a great job in putting independent documentaries on the air, especially through its series, “P.O.V.” and “Independent Lens.”

So why is Alabama Public Television dropping the ball from time to time?

Updated

Both series air locally at midnight, not a big deal if you’re a TiVo user like me, but still an ungodly hour.

Here’s a small quibble: “Independent Lens” was supposed to kick off this week with “Parliament Funkadelic.” It didn’t air — instead a rerun of “Secrets of the Dead” was shown.

Why didn’t it air? Birmingham-based APT claims it did, but a day later.

Not a big deal, except that all the program listings still had it listed for that time and day, including the one on APT’s own site.

Hmm …

It reminded me of earlier this year, when APT failed to show a doc on the Ramones, also on “Independent Lens,” again pre-empted by, yep, “Secrets of the Dead.”

Double hmm.

I contacted Allan Pizzato, APT executive director, to ask why the docs didn’t air here. You may remember him for banning the “Postcards from Buster” episode in February that featured ~~hot lesbian action~~ cartoon rabbit Buster Baxter visiting a syrup farm in Vermont with a young girl and her two mommies. In fact, APT banned the episode a week before PBS decided not distribute it to affiliate stations.

Donna Baker, a viewer services representative, responded to my questions. She attributed the error in the online schedule to human error, specifically to the Public Information Director, listed on the APT site as Mike McKenzie.

OK, so why change the airdate for Parliament Funkadelic in the first place?

No response.

Who dumped the Ramones doc? And why?

No response.

Why dump the Funkadelic doc?

Baker wrote, “(Parliament Funkadelic) aired early this morning (Thursday), and I have already heard from viewers who enjoyed the presentation.”

Could those viewers share their thoughts on the program?

“I regret that I cannot share the names and contact information of the viewers who have contacted me,” Baker responded.

Give APT credit for airing all other docs from “Independent Lens,” including electric utility battles in the country of Georgia, the radio talk show host who draws material from his disability, even gay black guys.

But what’s the point of censoring docs with the biggest potential audiences (even at midnight) in Birmingham, ones that focus on funk and rock?

Don’t forget, your tax dollars help pay for programming on PBS stations like the ones run by Alabama Public Television. They should air all of the “Independent Lens” programs. At a decent hour. (Still not happy about no jazz on Birmingham public radio station WBHM … also funded in part by tax dollars.)

Come pledge time, it’s worth considering — while you’re treated to the 40th rerun of Suze Orman’s get-rich-someday specials.

Update

That “Parliament Funkadelic” film finally aired in February 2006 — almost four months after its scheduled airdate — despite its second mysterious disappearance from the online schedule. (What are they so afraid of over at APT?!) Hope you caught it …

And when will we get to see “Seoul Train,” pre-empted by pledge drive programming? APT has been nonresponsive.