Networkspeak on Rights

This letter is in response to a quote in “Hitting TV Violence With the ‘Off’ Switch” (Nov. 12). Greg Braxton quotes Peter Christanthopolous, president of the Network Television Assn., as saying that “. . . participating in national boycotts is an infringement on the network’s First Amendment rights.”

Should I keep my television on all the time so as not to “infringe” on the networks’ First Amendment rights? Am I infringing on CBS’ and NBC’s rights if I decide to watch ABC?

This statement reflects a rather interesting interpretation of the First Amendment by someone representing the networks. Does Christanthopolous really believe his own statement or is this just a standard response that he gives when someone takes issue with the quality of network programming?

JOHN SISTON

West Covina