WSMV-Channel 4 sources are denying reports that video of people flashing the Speaker’s Corner cameras may make its way into a late-night show called Flasher’s Corner.
The rumor had been that Flasher’s Corner, to be hosted by anti-tax crusader/Perry March stalker Dennis Ferrier, would make its debut in an undetermined late-night slot sometime in the next few weeks.
Speaker’s Corner—which already airs during the evening news and also as its own show on Saturday night—is the ultimate in low-rent ”reality“ television. Several months ago at shopping malls and restaurants, the station set up four free-standing displays allowing anybody to step up, push record, and speak out on any issue. This allows the station to obtain hours of free programming while masquerading as promoters of democracy and free speech.
What actually happens is that some people indeed offer opinions on issues of public concern, usually in a manner that makes talk radio look intellectual by comparison. (”I don’t think we need no income tax, and Nashville drivers ain’t no good neither!“) But with the tacit encouragement of the station, more and more citizens use the Speaker’s Corner forum to sing, mug, and generally act goofy.
And then there’s the flashing.
”We’ve got everything from garden-variety mooning to full frontal flashing,“ says a source at the station.
And that’s where the rumor mill took over. The word was that Channel 4, happy with its winning ratings but craving a younger demographic, decided to go after more of a Fox crowd for its late-night programming with Flasher’s Corner.
But the station source said, ”We’re not going to do anything with these tapes other than maybe make a highlight reel for the Christmas party next year.“
