British TV Snuffs Out Cartoon Smokers

Smoking Scenes To Be Cut From 'Tom & Jerry,' 'The Flintstones,' Others

(AP)  A British TV channel is snuffing out smoking from classic children's cartoons after a viewer complaint about episodes of "Tom and Jerry."

Children's channel Boomerang said Tuesday it had cut scenes from two episodes of the violent cat-and-mouse cartoon "where smoking could be deemed to be glamorized."

"We have now pledged to view Boomerang's entire library of favorite cartoons and remove all other references that could be seen as glamorizing smoking in all our shows," said Cecilia Persson, vice president of programming, acquisitions and presentation for Boomerang's parent, Turner Broadcasting UK.

Turner said the decision applied only to Boomerang's output in Britain, which includes "The Flintstones," "The Jetsons" and "Scooby-Doo."

British TV regulator Ofcom said Monday that one viewer had complained about two "Tom and Jerry" cartoons — each more than 50 years old. In "Texas Tom," Tom tries to impress a female cat by rolling and smoking a cigarette with one hand. In "Tennis Chumps," Tom's opponent is seen smoking a cigar.

Ofcom said it welcomed the broadcaster's decision to remove scenes "where smoking appeared to be condoned, acceptable, glamorized or where it might encourage imitation." Britain's broadcasting code says smoking should not be featured in programs aimed at children "unless there is strong editorial justification."

The pro-smoking group Forest described the move as "totally absurd."

[chuckegrant]

I suppose if I complained about someone wearing a blue shirt, we would all have to get rid of our blue shirts(!) Where will the insanity end? More importantly, in what direction will it take our culture?
Censure of any kind should begin at home. Unfortunately, we cannot make problems go away by simply putting "band-aids" on the symptom. How stupid!

[fleegleblork]

Fred, Wilma, Betty, and Barney not only smoked in the cartoons, but they did in the commercials, too. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, though. There's a nearby high school with a huge sign announcing no smoking on the school property and a tiny sign saying no firearms.

[red1530]

It is kinda stupid to edit the shows to get rid of the smoking scenes. Don't forget the shows were done in a time when smoking was OK

[red1530]

It is kinda of stupid to edit the shows to get rid of the smoking.

[psychojason]

That's kinda stupid. There was some Midwest man who compained about cigarette sponsorships on old B&W game shows that aired at 2am on GSN, and now GSN is banned from airing a huge percentage of those old game shows. Like kids are going to watch this at 2am...

[Smroser3]

I deeply feel that if is not in the cartoon the chidren will not question the use of tobacco products.
I also believe that they will see tobacco use elsewere.
Hopefully the younger generation will be aware
of all the dangers of tobacco thru home or school
and be led by example.

[rwec777]

Smoking in cartoons? can't patrents police thier own kids with out making it a zero tolerence issue.
I was in the store today and saw candy cig's and cigars nice and low so little kids can be like thier mom and dad
I belive that cig's are the primary
"GATEWAY DRUG"