Court allows controversial cable access host back on the air

CONNECTICUT–In late April, federal District Judge Peter Dorsey in New Haven approved a stipulation which allowed a controversial public access program host to have his show carried by the local cable provider after he was banned for more than two years.

Under the court-approved stipulated order, host Jerry “Jerry Jer” McClellan will be allowed back on the air, but must submit tapes to Cablevision, the local cable service provider, seven days in advance for review. In addition, the order provides that McClellan’s program is only to be aired late at night and must contain no obscenity, indecency or nudity. McClellan also is not permitted to use the cable studios or offices.

McClellan, who has been reported to perform wearing a sanitary napkin on his head, sued Cablevision of Connecticut when the company removed his show from the airwaves in August 1996. Around that time, viewers complained after a show that featured a topless stripper. McClellan argued that federal law barred Cablevision from editing or censoring his show and claimed his rights under the Cable Communications Policy Act had been violated. (McClellan v. Cablevision of Connecticut)