http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/jesse-jackson-underground-wgn-america-dish-slavery-1201804677/
The Rev. Jesse Jackson invoked slavery in condemning Dish’s decision to stop carrying WGN America, which is home to the critically acclaimed “Underground,” over retransmission fees.
“Is Dish using the same kind of math with ratings that the old south employed when enacting laws that counted African-Americans as three-fifths of a man?” wrote Jackson in a letter released by his Rainbow Push Coalition.
“Underground” chronicles the story of the Underground Railroad that helped many African-Americans escape the South, one that Jackson calls “inspiring” and in need of retelling.
“For far too long African-Americans have been underrepresented and unfavorably portrayed on television, silencing the significant contributions they have made to this country. ‘Underground’ is a crucial part of a brand-new day of diversity on television that sheds a bright light on the bravery, ingenuity and power of the African-American experience, and is being used as teachable moments in homes and history classes around the nation at a time when we need it most,” he wrote.
In a statement, Dish wrote: “We are skeptical that Rev. Jackson is truly interested in finding a fair deal for Dish customers.”
WGN America is airing an “Underground” marathon on July 2 and Dish consumers will not be able to view it.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson invoked slavery in condemning Dish’s decision to stop carrying WGN America, which is home to the critically acclaimed “Underground,” over retransmission fees.
“Is Dish using the same kind of math with ratings that the old south employed when enacting laws that counted African-Americans as three-fifths of a man?” wrote Jackson in a letter released by his Rainbow Push Coalition.
“Underground” chronicles the story of the Underground Railroad that helped many African-Americans escape the South, one that Jackson calls “inspiring” and in need of retelling.
“For far too long African-Americans have been underrepresented and unfavorably portrayed on television, silencing the significant contributions they have made to this country. ‘Underground’ is a crucial part of a brand-new day of diversity on television that sheds a bright light on the bravery, ingenuity and power of the African-American experience, and is being used as teachable moments in homes and history classes around the nation at a time when we need it most,” he wrote.
In a statement, Dish wrote: “We are skeptical that Rev. Jackson is truly interested in finding a fair deal for Dish customers.”
WGN America is airing an “Underground” marathon on July 2 and Dish consumers will not be able to view it.
