[Mpls] MTN

[John Gwinn]

I am writing to clarify matters regarding certain things said about MTN, both here in this forum, and also in a letter to the editor of the Mpls Observer not too long ago. I am a long time MTN member and series producer.

Mr. Davis claims that some shows on MTN "promote illegal drug use or crimes against Minneapolis residents".   I guess the key word here is promote...even if a program shows a crime or drugs being used, it is not necessarily "promoting" the activities. It depends on the context. 

The letter in the Observer took MTN to task for not embracing a certain community thinker. It is not MTN's mission or duty to "embrace" anyone. They just provide access to community members. If someone wants to put on a show about that particular person or anybody else, they have every right to.

Regarding MTN Program guidelines, obscenity and libel/slanderous material are a no-no. As is commercial activity. otherwise, it's pretty wide open. If you see a program that you think contains obscene or slanderous elements, you can call and talk to the Program Manager.

I personally think MTN is an incredible community resource and enriches the culture of the city. And as for Mr. Davis' comment about "even most big networks have some standards", well...i guess everyone has their own idea about what standards are.

John Gwinn
Kingfield / Phillips