Disney is apparently blocking Miramax's ability to distribute Michael Moore's new film, Fahrenheit 9/11. First of all, I believe that Disney is well within its rights to do so. However, I do agree with Michael Moore that this shouldn't be happening in a free society.
When media conglomerates are allowed to own too many channels of distribution, its too easy for corporate interests to rule the roost. What you end up getting is de facto censorship because these conglomerates are unwilling to jeopardize their relationships with the government. So essentially, the corporations are acting as an extension of the government.
However, I wish that Michael Moore would stop acting as if he has a legal right to have his film distributed. He should do two things: 1) Try to cut a deal with another distributor, and 2) Attack the system that allows conglomerates to own too big a slice of the media pie.
Posted by THespos at May 6, 2004 07:47 AM | TrackBackIf the guy wasn't a habitual liar and propagandist I might feel sorry for him. But he's made his bed. Besides the claim by some that Disney did this in reaction to government pressure is totally unfounded, probably cooked up by Moore himself -- see what happens when you lie. Most likely Disney smarting on the business end, worried the inevitable controversy would further hurt their brand. Disney was a brand that was a beacon of trust for generations. Lately that promise has been broken. As a result, many families can't rely on their product. Not participating in another Moore farce might be the best course in protecting Disney.
Posted by: James at May 7, 2004 07:32 PMTom,
A day older, a day wiser. Looks like I was right about Moore -- the habitual liar. Seems he manufactured Disney story to get PR. Here's the article:
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/story.jsp?story=518901
I hate to brag but it was pretty clear what was going on.
All comments are property of the individual poster who left them. Everything else, copyright 2005, Tom Hespos