Hello all!
 
I wrote to FOX regarding Party of Five and they have responded....
 
   ____________________ Forward Header _________________________
 Subject: Party of Five - Ferret Episode -Reply
 Author:  "Trae Williams" <[log in to unmask]> at SONYCOM
 Date:    12/10/98 2:53 PM
 
Dear Pat,
 
I was recently forwarded a copy of your E-Mail regarding the 12/9 episode
of "Party of Five." My Department is responsible for reviewing the content
of FOX programming to ensure it meets the standards of quality that FOX
aspires to maintain across its very diverse (and daring) schedule.
 
Your letter raises very legitimate concerns and the purpose of this
response is to let you know that FOX recognizes them and has forwarded your
comments to the producers of "Party of Five."
 
Please be assured that FOX and all of its producers endeavor to make each
episode of FOX programming as accurate and realistic as possible.  However,
also keep in mind that the primary goal is to deliver compelling and
entertaining stories to our viewers.
 
Nevertheless, we thank you for taking the time to bring this issue to our
attention and, as I said before, the producers have been made aware of your
concerns.
 
We hope that you will continue to watch FOX and "Party of Five."
 
Trae Williams
Manager - FBC Broadcast Standards
 
 
>>> DEROSE PAT <[log in to unmask]> 12/10/98 05:44am >>>
To Whom It May Concern,
 
Last night (12/9/98), on 'Party of Five', the main characters turned a
ferret to the wild, thinking it was a better alternative to death.
 
I am a ferret owner & part of me is pleased to see a ferret shown on TV as
a *pet*!  They are the 3rd most popular companion mammal but cats and dogs
seem to be the pet of choice.  However, I am upset by a very misleading
plot: Ferrets are domesticated.  They have been since biblical times & they
*cannot* exist in the wild.  Ferrets are, unfortuately, misunderstood
creatures and showing the American viewing public a scene like this will
only serve to perpetuate myths.  Letting this ferret into the woods was
leading him or her to certain death; it would have been more appropriate to
bring the ferret to a ferret shelter, where the operators would take care
of him and find suitable, responsible permanent owners.
 
Writers,producers,whoever, should research whatever pet, disease, hobby,
etc.  they are including in an episode because what they are airing will
be shown in millions of homes and the information should be as accurate as
possible.
 
Thank you for letting me voice my opinion.
 
                        Sincerely
                        Pat De Rose
                        [log in to unmask]
[Posted in FML issue 2521]