STORY:
Y2K Movie Worrisome

Criticism of made for TV movie will increase fuel unfounded computer Y2k fears

NBC will air a movie showing Y2K chaos and some worry the show could cause viewers to overreact to the potential problems. In fact, a national group representing electric shareholders is asking NBC to pull the movie.

The movie is called simply enough "Y2K" and the script includes widespread power outages and panic due to the Y2K computer confusion changing from 1999 to the Year 2000. The program shows a nation plunged into chaos on New Year’s Eve because of widespread computer failure. The made-for-TV movie comes on the heels of reports by NBC’s "Dateline" and "Today Show" which have been talking with people who expect apocalyptic events timed to the New Year’s weekend.

The Edison Electric Institute (EEI), a trade association representing U.S. electric shareholders, sent out more than 100 letters to NBC television stations across the country. The association is asking the local stations to do one of three things to help allay public concern. The EEI first and foremost would like to see the movie pulled and replaced with alternative programming. If stations don’t want to pull the movie the EEI is asking them to air a disclaimer or a crawl on the bottom of the screen reminding audiences that the film is not real. A third option would be to run news reports following the movie showing how their local areas have prepared for potential Y2K problems.

"We are concerned that the film, coming just before the conversion, will fan flames of panic and unnecessary alarm." Said M. William Brier, EEI’s vice president of communication.

The EEI members hold stock in electric utilities that generate and deliver three-fourths of the nations’ electricity. Those members say they are confident the electric grid is ready for Y2K and all the worry is a waste of time. EEI members say the electric utility industry has spent billions of dollars and several years preparing for the transition to 2000 and that the electric companies are ready.

"We hope that prior to and following this program print and broadcast news organizations will seize the opportunity to step up to the plate and offer viewers and readers clear and thorough coverage of Y2K preparations, "Brier said. "The Millennium transition presents a unique challenge to provide accurate information without sensationalism."

In the letter to the 100 NBC stations the EEI asks stations to seize the opportunity to make a positive impact in their viewing area, and that they can contact them if they need more information on Y2K-related issues. There’s no word yet on what changes, if any, local NBC affiliates will take after receiving this letter.

Source: PR Newswire

DATE: 11/17/99

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