Mr. Rogers 'successor' angers PBS - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 05-28-2009, 09:58 PM

Eighteen-year-old Michael Kinsell has the cardigan and the smile -- even six episodes of a self-produced show called Michael's Enchanted Neighborhood -- down pat, but PBS says the San Diego teen has no right to falsely associate himself with the non-profit network and the late, beloved TV icon.

Kinsell is currently selling tickets for a May 31 gala event entitled "An Evening Honoring Fred M. Rogers, His Family, Friends and the 40th Anniversary of his PBS classic, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," at which, according to his publicist, he will present himself as successor to Rogers.

Tickets for the 1,500-capacity venue, initially priced at $75 to $500 (and since lowered) are meant to raise funds, he claims, for children's public television. According to a lengthy investigation by current.org, though Kinsell says he invited members of Rogers’ family to receive a Children’s Hero Award in Rogers’ honor, and claims that he will give $10,000 in mid-June to Roger's production company, Family Communications Inc., PBS has reportedly sent Kinsell cease-and-desist letters and filed a complaint with the California Attorney General's office stating that his false association with Rogers and his legacy could end up costing both PBS and FCI by diverting funds that rightfully belong to them.

Some Rogers devotees have called the FCI in Pittsburgh to say they purchased tickets to the event in good faith, and according to Kinsell, his supporters include Eddie Murphy, Bette Midler, Tom Hanks, and Sally Field. “That’s kind of our way of saying they will be on stage that night," he claims, "but scheduling stars is difficult." Kinsell has said that the event will be taped for use in a PBS pledge show; in a certified-letter reply, PBS categorically refused the offer.

“We understand that he was much loved and that he was part of growing up for so many generations, and that there are people who miss him in that sense,” FCI CEO Kevin Morrison said. "But Fred Rogers was unique and can’t be replaced.”

http://news-briefs.ew.com/

Schmoopie · 05-29-2009, 01:01 AM

If this is truly a tribute to Mr. Rogers, then I wouldn't have a problem with it, but for this guy to say that he's the sucessor? No wonder PBS is so ticked. I highly doubt his "show" will ever make it on air. Not if PBS has anything to do about it. I've never heard of this guy but he can't hold a candle to Fred Rogers.

Andrea

catlover79 · 05-29-2009, 08:37 AM

NO ONE can hold a candle to Fred Rogers!! I don't blame PBS for being angry, either. Talk about delusions of grandeur!!

robyrob · 05-29-2009, 09:44 AM

wow, its like that guy is living in some sort of strange fantasy land!

catlover79 · 05-29-2009, 02:05 PM

Has Fred Rogers' estate commented on this at all? It sounds like he's borrowing a bit too heavily, if you know what I mean.

Doodyville10019 · 06-03-2009, 08:29 PM

My husband calls this guy a wannabe (which he is). I call him blasphemous!

catlover79 · 06-03-2009, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doodyville10019

My husband calls this guy a wannabe (which he is). I call him blasphemous!

You're both right!!

MickeyMac · 06-03-2009, 08:39 PM

I like PBS a whole bunch but after Fred Rogers passed they should have not even bothered doing this show.

MrCleveland · 06-06-2009, 08:32 PM

That guy is no Fred Rogers.

Maybe if they get Joe Flahrety.

Scoobiedoo30 · 06-07-2009, 01:25 AM

Fred Rogers is and The only Mr. Rogers.

05-28-2009, 09:58 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Mr. Rogers 'successor' angers PBS Eighteen-year-old Michael Kinsell has the cardigan and the smile -- even six episodes of a self-produced show called Michael's Enchanted Neighborhood -- down pat, but PBS says the San Diego teen has no right to falsely associate himself with the non-profit network and the late, beloved TV icon. Kinsell is currently selling tickets for a May 31 gala event entitled "An Evening Honoring Fred M. Rogers, His Family, Friends and the 40th Anniversary of his PBS classic, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," at which, according to his publicist, he will present himself as successor to Rogers. Tickets for the 1,500-capacity venue, initially priced at $75 to $500 (and since lowered) are meant to raise funds, he claims, for children's public television. According to a lengthy investigation by current.org, though Kinsell says he invited members of Rogers’ family to receive a Children’s Hero Award in Rogers’ honor, and claims that he will give $10,000 in mid-June to Roger's production company, Family Communications Inc., PBS has reportedly sent Kinsell cease-and-desist letters and filed a complaint with the California Attorney General's office stating that his false association with Rogers and his legacy could end up costing both PBS and FCI by diverting funds that rightfully belong to them. Some Rogers devotees have called the FCI in Pittsburgh to say they purchased tickets to the event in good faith, and according to Kinsell, his supporters include Eddie Murphy, Bette Midler, Tom Hanks, and Sally Field. “That’s kind of our way of saying they will be on stage that night," he claims, "but scheduling stars is difficult." Kinsell has said that the event will be taped for use in a PBS pledge show; in a certified-letter reply, PBS categorically refused the offer. “We understand that he was much loved and that he was part of growing up for so many generations, and that there are people who miss him in that sense,” FCI CEO Kevin Morrison said. "But Fred Rogers was unique and can’t be replaced.” http://news-briefs.ew.com/ Attached Images
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05-29-2009, 01:01 AM	#2
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	If this is truly a tribute to Mr. Rogers, then I wouldn't have a problem with it, but for this guy to say that he's the sucessor? No wonder PBS is so ticked. I highly doubt his "show" will ever make it on air. Not if PBS has anything to do about it. I've never heard of this guy but he can't hold a candle to Fred Rogers. Andrea
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05-29-2009, 08:37 AM	#3
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	NO ONE can hold a candle to Fred Rogers!! I don't blame PBS for being angry, either. Talk about delusions of grandeur!!
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05-29-2009, 09:44 AM	#4
robyrob certified wackball#3 Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Aug 03, 2003 Location: hiding under the third booth at Arnold's Posts: 58,179	wow, its like that guy is living in some sort of strange fantasy land!
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06-03-2009, 08:29 PM	#6
Doodyville10019 Meet my new friend Sparkie! Forum Regular Join Date: Oct 08, 2008 Location: Competition Square, located in Doodyville Park Posts: 877	My husband calls this guy a wannabe (which he is). I call him blasphemous!
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05-29-2009, 02:05 PM	#5
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	Has Fred Rogers' estate commented on this at all? It sounds like he's borrowing a bit too heavily, if you know what I mean.

06-03-2009, 08:39 PM	#8
MickeyMac Member Forum Star Join Date: Jun 18, 2008 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 19,004	I like PBS a whole bunch but after Fred Rogers passed they should have not even bothered doing this show.

06-06-2009, 08:32 PM	#9
MrCleveland Drew Carey from Hell Forum Star Join Date: Nov 10, 2007 Location: The City of Cleveland, in The State of Cleveland, in The United States of Cleveland Posts: 14,222	That guy is no Fred Rogers. Maybe if they get Joe Flahrety.
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06-07-2009, 01:25 AM	#10
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	Fred Rogers is and The only Mr. Rogers.
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