Dutch broadcaster censors David Attenborough on evolution
The Dutch public broadcaster EO (Evangelische Omroep/Evangelical Broadcaster) has a reputation to uphold when it comes
to broadcasting quality wildlife documentaries, both their own as well as series they've bought from other broadcasters
like the BBC. One series they recently broadcasted was David Attenborough's excellent (as per usual) Life of
Mammals. However, something strange has happened with that series when it crossed the Channel: for some reason
the Dutch version only has nine episodes, while the original has ten --and that's not the only difference.
It turns out that the EO has deliberately removed all references to evolution from the series, as demonstrated by the
three videos below. Which is not too surprising, considering the EO is after all a fundamentalist Christian broadcaster
and adhers to the doctrine of the literal truth of the bible. What exactly the EO has censored in Attenborough's series
is now documented in several youtube movies, uploaded by somebody called
Odurodon:
This shows two scences cut from the EO's version of the first episode.
More cut scenes, this time from episode two.
If the EO had problems with the views expressed in Life of Mammals, they should either have declined to broadcast it
or put in disclaimers at the start of the programme, not censor it. That they have done so shows a lack of intellectual integrity
worrisome in a public broadcaster. Especially since they are using public funds to do this.
UPDATE: confused Richard for David Attenborough; now fixed. Reinder
was good enough to link to this post and he has more information about this scandal; go read... Also, forgot to mention I
first saw this story at Michiel.
This is just a place for me to jot down some random thoughts and reactions to the news so I don't have to yell at the television or radio, or mutter to myself whilst reading the news.
Waffle
In which Reinder Dijkhuis, Adam Cuerden, Timm Brand, Geir Strøm and Jeroen Jager talk about comics, music, politics and the impending apocalypse.
Deltoid
A science orientated weblog by Tim Lambert.
Encyclopedia Astronautica
Incredibly cool site about the history of space travel, with lots of info about
the various space programs. Recommended for all spacenuts.
The Loom
A blog of biology and bioscience, written by Carl Zimmer.
Panda's Thumb
On evolutionary theory and the fight against the intelligent design loons
Pharyngula
Science, politics and the intersection between them. By PZ Myers.
Real Climate
A commentary site on climate science by working climate scientists.
