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Home > News Selectmen fear censorship at Saugus TV By Matt Tempesta / The Daily Item

SAUGUS A first draft of the rules and regulations handbook for Saugus Community Television Station has some selectmen concerned about censorship, but Christopher Peatridge, president of the SCTS Board of Directors, said the board is not in the censorship business.

As long as Im here ... nobody will ever be (prevented) from saying their opinion, said Peatridge, as he submitted a draft of the handbook to selectmen Tuesday night. But if somebodys point of view is illegal, amoral or something like that ... I think you people would probably be the first to act.

Selectmen Vice Chairman Steve Castinetti said Wednesday that hes concerned about a section of the handbook that prohibits improper material.

My concern is that any controversial programming, such as weve experienced over the last couple of years, may find opposition from the Board of Directors or the Board of Selectmen, Castinetti said. Im concerned that the evolution of SCTV to SCTS was the direct result of some controversial programming.

Castinetti questioned the subjectivity of inappropriate programming, asking, Just because you dont like what somebody says does it mean they cant say it?

I said last night that I am troubled, and I am, Castinetti added. I dont always agree with the commentary of the people who appear on Saugus cable, but what I do agree with is that they have the right to say it.

Peatridge on Tuesday night said the handbook is just a draft and is in progress, but noted its 90 percent complete.

It will be fine-tuned and we will make sure the final draft is proper, the First Amendment is protected, Peatridge said. That whole paragraph we will fine-tune once the lawyer looks at it.

Peatridge did, however, say that regarding programming, the board doesnt want to see any shenanigans.

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Selectmen fear censorship at Saugus TV