WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The ABC affiliate in D.C. is creating controversy by airing a two-part series on breast self-exams with the breast of the volunteers unobscured.
The station, WJLA, says the special is not an attempt to boost ratings during the fall "sweeps" period, but a watchdog group says the airing could create problems.
In a statement, the Parents Television Council said ,"we hope that WJLA-TV is not using a crucial public health issue as a ratings stunt, and that the station has fully considered what is appropriate to tell this important story to the public in the most suitable manner possible."
Officials at the station say that the segments provide an important service to their audience, who is 58 percent female.
What do you think of the controversy? Click here to leave a comment.The station also says it is not worried about any fines from the Federal Communications Commission, because they believe a medical story with a clinical demonstration is not considered indecent.
The FCC fined CBS when Janet Jackson's bare breast was exposed during the halftime show of Super Bowl 2004.
The segments were scheduled to air during the 5:00pm and 11:00pm shows on Thursday and Friday.
To visit WJLA's web page dedicated to the special, click
here.
Information from the Associated Press.
