Give Melanie her job back. She was great at it. It happened 7 years ago. Don't punish her (and the kids) for something that was done before Sprout even came into existence.
I have a two year old who enjoys watching Melanie. This 'knee-jerk' reaction is ridiculous.
Or...is everyone at PBS 'beyond reproach'? No affairs, drug use, or ghosts 'in their closets'?
C'mon, bring back Melanie...heck, you're obviously getting worst press from her termination than any possible damage a 30sec video could do!
As an ex-actress of Canadian kids shows, I sympathize with Martinez. Her previous work does not affect her ability to perform, and the fact that she has a diverse career only adds to her credibility as a performer. PBS should have done a thorough check before hiring her if they felt so strongly about it. Now the children who watch the show are very attached to her, as they are used to seeing her as the host every night.
We love Melanie. That was 7 years ago, and she was doing a comedy spoof in college. The children will never understand. The parents should realize this was just a college spoof. We love Melanie. Bring back Melanie, or I'm switching to Noggin full time. Your commercials suck.
Dear Ms. Wax,
The unfortunate aspect of your decision is that you will never find a replacement who even approaches her ability to connect with your target audience. The video in question does not affect her credibility as a host. You have done my son an even greater disservice by your poor decision in this matter. I respectfully ask that you reconsider your actions. We may only be one family but I can assure you that we will never watch PBS Kids in our house again.
Sincerely,
Andrew and Lynn Pratt
Given that Ms. Martinez is an actress, her prior work should have no bearing on the current role she plays. As a parent, I have viewed both the videos in question and find that the content is humorous; I would not let my 4 or 2 year old watch it, but then again they don't get to watch that type of material on our television either. Not that I wish to see more shows go off the air or more talent fired; the "hosts" of some shows such as Thomas the Train have far more questionable personal and professional backgrounds. My children, my wife, and myself miss Ms. Martinez and wish her the best in her endeavors. We have discontinued watching the Sprout network and have no plans to return as a viewer. Hopefully Ms. Martinez has other offers out there that will enable her to not have to return to Sprout, but if she does return (hopefully with a very public apology from Sprout) we will return as viewers.
OUR CHILDREN ARE SPENDING THEIR EVENINGS WATCHING THE GOODNIGHT SHOW WITH MELANIE. THE CHILDREN WATCHING THIS PROGRAM AREN'T ON THE INTERNET WATCHING VIDEOS. SHE'S DONE NOTHING WRONG. PUT HER BACK ON THE AIR!
So sad that she's gone. My 2 year old sone LOVED her. Needless to say, we don't watch Sprout anymore and won't until Melanie is brought back, that is if she wants to come back after how she's been treated by you!
to think that 60 seconds of youthful bad judgement deserves a punishment this severe. what are we teaching our children it sure isnt compassion or forgiveness. unless we are creating stepford children the very 2-5 year olds that love this young lady are going to screw up to. maybe we should fire them now why wait.
Please bring Melanie back. My children love her. She made a humorous PSA a long time ago that you have deemed objectionable. How many Hollywood actors and actresses have had objectionable roles in the past. Please do not banish her from your show. She has the perfect demeanor for children.
Political Correctness has gone to far in this situation. PBS knew about the the video but didnt do the research and then fires the host? They should fire the People who hired her for not researching a (potential) employee very well. She did a great Job And my two children 1&2yrs liked her. Suck it up PBS and give her a raise!
My five year old son is autistic, he has great difficulty acquiring language but has learned the words and signs to 'hush hush little fish.' This was possible for him because melanie martinez has a loving, compelling quality that enables him to open his mind. I have viewed this video, and although I agree that it is not appropriate for a small child to view, it has absolutely nothing to do with The Good Night Show. The attention given to the subject has done more damage to the PBS foundation than anything else. This was just a mistake made in a person's youth.
it is becoming very clear that this station doens't hold the children or their families in high regard to just pull someone who was lked so much. How long before we get some answers on the possible return of melanie? I want to know when to tune back in or else I stay away from PBS SPROUT.
My three year old son loves to sing with Melanie every night. watch the cartoons and wave goodnite to her. Now he looks for her wondering when is she singing the goodnite song. Please bring her back. How about George Carlin and Alec Baldwin they have a video too and they are on Thomas. Eddie Murphy video RAW he's in Shrek and Mulan. So why are we not Banning them. Whats in the past is in the past. let her start Anew.
The press release quote where PBS indicated that her language in these prior videos were inappropriate for the goodnight show target audience is rediculous.
Those were some funny parodies and c'mon - does she do something on the PBS show that is "inappropriate"? No? Then grow up, PBS is supposed to have more sense than this.
