A Mormon-owned NBC affiliate is
standing firm on its decision to not air The New Normal, the
much anticipated new sitcom from Glee creator Ryan Murphy.
Citing crude dialogue and offensive
characterizations, Salt Lake City-based KSL-TV announced its decision
last week.
The New Normal features a gay
couple (played by Andrew Rannells
and Justin Bartha) trying to start a family and the surrogate mother
(Georgia King) who comes to their aid.
Gay
rights groups reached out to executives at KSL-TV and its parent
company Bonneville International. On Friday, the network released a
statement affirming the contributions of all families, including LGBT
families, and reiterating its decision to not broadcast the show.
“We
appreciate the opportunity to meet today,” KSL-TV said. “It was
helpful to talk together, to better understand issues, and to be able
to discuss the reasons behind our decision to not air The
New Normal. This was not a
decision we made lightly and it was not made because of any single
issue including gay characters or LGBT families. As a communications
company we make decisions every day regarding our programming and we
made a decision to not broadcast this program because we feel it had
a number of issues including sexually explicit content, demeaning
dialogue and inciting stereotypes.”
“We
care about and value all members of our community, including LGBT
people and their families, and are grateful when there can be the
type of cordial and respectful dialogue we have had today.”
Executives
met with representatives from Equality Utah and Utah Pride.
(Related:
Ellen
Barkin blasts NBC affiliate for refusing to air gay-themed The
New Normal.)