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In the Spotlight
by Melissa Petri on July 28, 2006

Should you feel the same way as we do and would want to help get Melanie back, there are several ways to let PBS know of your concerns:
- As advised by another reader, Joshua Baller, Sign a petition to bring Melanie back.
- E-mail PBS at info@sproutletsgrow.com.
Let your voices be heard!
Permalink: Support Melanie Martinez
Trackback: http://publish.creative-weblogging.com/publish/mt-tb.pl/30439
Mr Wong
Vote for Support Melanie Martinez:
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Rating: 9.08 out of 48 vote(s) cast.
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Response from:
The Zero Boss
(07/28/06 3:01am)
It'll be interesting to see if this has any impact on PBS' decision. I doubt it, but I can remain hopeful...
Response from:
normasiegelac.com
(07/28/06 10:21am)
All they had to do was look at her resume. I bet it was on there with all her other credits. Why the upset now. If the show makes kids happy leave it be. Very stupid to fire her. she's done no harm to them. She wasn't exactly a porn star. I hope she sues them for a fortune and wins big! It's the chidren who are hurt.
Response from:
Kayce
(07/28/06 9:38pm)
My daughter is so sad that Melanie is gone. How do you explain to a 4 year old that Melanie is gone because of something she did 7 years ago? We won't be watching Sprout in my home any longer. This is truly unfortunate for us, because my daughter truly enjoyed the programming. We were especially enjoying Melanie's new star friend, and my daughter was enjoying the fact that Melanie's hair and wardrobe had changed. Guess this is a sign of the times. It seems that our children are forced to grow up sooner everyday by dealing with disappointment and let-down. (I realize that those situations often come naturally, but this was a decision made by execs who were worried about image and not the very audience that they serve!)
Response from:
Aaron
(07/31/06 5:40am)
Shame on PBS Sprout for letting Melanie go. Reguardless of her past, she has done nothing wrong and she was the best part of that program. My daughter is very upset that Melanie is no longer there to wish her goodnight. Bring her back. If she will come back after conservitive upper level big wigs trated her so badly. SHAME SHAME SHAME.
Response from:
sonya ardoin
(08/01/06 9:09am)
my one year old knows melanie better than most of her own family. every nignt she squeeled with exitement when melanie came on. she was great at her job. I am a christian mom who believes in forgiveness. I hope another networks picks her up, so my little girl can have her "Mel-Mel" back.
Response from:
sonya
(08/01/06 9:10am)
my one year old knows melanie better than most of her own family. every nignt she squeeled with exitement when melanie came on. she was great at her job. I am a christian mom who believes in forgiveness. I hope another networks picks her up, so my little girl can have her "Mel-Mel" back.
Response from:
Rob
(08/01/06 8:12pm)
If PBS feels that what Melanie has done in her past is enough reason to fire her, then I feel that what PBS has done is reason enough for ME to fire THEM as a channel my children get to watch. Teach our children courage, responsibility, forgiveness - bring Melanie back.
Response from:
Dana
(08/02/06 9:16pm)
So either PBS fires her for the videos now or people find out about her videos and then come after PBS for not firing her much sooner. Either way, she loses. And it's very sad because my 3 year old just loves watching Melanie before she heads to bed. I could throw in the "brown" card saying that's why they fired her but I'm not going there. I can see that Melanie has such a wonderful support of fasns and the Goodnight show will never be the same. Buena Suerte, Melanie!!!!
Response from:
Andrea
(08/06/06 7:08am)
It's a shame that the parents don't have a say in who we want as a host. My 3yr old loves her. He asks for Melanie everynight. Thanks a lot PBS. How could you replace a host that kids ask for by name?!!
Response from:
Steve
(08/06/06 8:03am)
My wife and I are also outraged that PBS would implement this kind of ex-post-facto policy. My 1 yr old loved Melanie as well. He was fascinated with her and her show. A real tragedy that PBS takes this position. Its not like she was doing porn before they gave her this gig.
Response from:
Mandy
(08/09/06 1:27am)
My two year old and I loved Melanie. How can a network that allows people like Dr. Ruth (hello, a sex therapist) and the guy from OZ (a very violent prison drama on HBO) to show up on Seasame street even justify firing her? Shame on you, PBS! What hypocrites!
Response from:
renmat
(08/09/06 7:42am)
My little boy started asking about her today while he was winding down before he his bedtime. I told him she was just on vacation and she’ll be back soon. I hope the people who are in charge of Sprout realize that what she did in the past has ABSOLUTLY no bearing on what she is doing now for our children.
I guess the corporate types who run Sprout and PBS do not realize that the narrator of Thomas the Tank engine have been an admitted drug and alcohol abuser, Ringo Starr. A man who came up with the “7 dirty words” that aren’t aloud on broadcast television and radio…George Carlin. And Alec Baldwin, a mediocre actor at best who has some political views some might not see eye to eye with.
It’s a dangerous and disgraceful way of doing business.
I guess the corporate types who run Sprout and PBS do not realize that the narrator of Thomas the Tank engine have been an admitted drug and alcohol abuser, Ringo Starr. A man who came up with the “7 dirty words” that aren’t aloud on broadcast television and radio…George Carlin. And Alec Baldwin, a mediocre actor at best who has some political views some might not see eye to eye with.
It’s a dangerous and disgraceful way of doing business.
Response from:
Lee
(08/10/06 4:45am)
THANK YOU PBS for doing the right thing. Teach young actors that decency is expected.
Response from:
Blair
(08/17/06 4:50am)
Is there anyone out there who wouldn't like to erase 20 seconds from somewhere in their past? Does anyone know the context of the videos? Had Melanie been on a boring set all day and was just trying to lighten things up? Interesting that so many PBS men (Mr. Noodle, George Carlin, ALec Baldwin, etc are still on the air. Melanie, enjoy the time with your own family. Good things will come to you.
Response from:
Brandy
(08/27/06 5:33am)
My son is sitting here watching The Tonight Show wondering where Melanie and Star are. He is almost in tears. How sad that PBS would do this. As if our children are ever going to find out about what she did in her past. I keep telling him she is on vacation but pretty soon I'm going to have to tell him something else. I wish Melanie the best of luck and we are going to miss her in this house.
Response from:
TG Shelton
(09/01/06 2:40am)
Lee, you will have to thank PBS another day.
The press release went out a few days ago. The new host, while they search for an even newer host, after firing a perfectly acceptable host will be Noel MacNeal.
Credits: Bear from Bear in the Big Blue House
and the PENIS (puppet) in Knee High Park, a Sesame Street spoof on an even bluer house, The Dave Chappelle Show.
We cancelled Comcast today.
The press release went out a few days ago. The new host, while they search for an even newer host, after firing a perfectly acceptable host will be Noel MacNeal.
Credits: Bear from Bear in the Big Blue House
and the PENIS (puppet) in Knee High Park, a Sesame Street spoof on an even bluer house, The Dave Chappelle Show.
We cancelled Comcast today.
Response from:
Angelica Perez
(09/15/06 10:03am)
We need Ms. Martinez back... I really doubt that this will happen but if it doesn't i hope that she gets hired in another network and tells all of her fans so we can go to the other channel that way PBS will know what they lost, like saying says "WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WE HAVE TILL WE LOSE IT." maybe than PBS will be kissing some *** because they will want her back. WE MISS YOU MELANIE.
Response from:
Lanna
(09/16/06 5:59am)
The following is my recent letter to PBS SPROUT: I am a parent of a 2 year old child who loves to watch Sprout and the Goodnight Show. I approve of the unquestionable content, as I am a very "hands on parent".
I have been wondering where "the girl" from the Goodnight Show has been, so I finally looked for any information I could find on your website. I was surprised, shocked and extremely disappointed to learn of Melanie Martinez' firing! I have no idea what the details of her firing are, but unless she's a porno star, I believe that whatever she did 7 years ago is history. As a "Conservative Christian", even I believe in change. Seven years ago, you all weren't even a channel, I wasn't married, I had no children--lots of things change over 7 years.
I appreciate your cautiousness, however, I would much rather my child spend the evening with a sweet, inviting, mild-mannered, cheerful, motherly young woman--Melanie Martinez.
Melanie was like a sweet younger sister that you trusted to sit with your kids for awhile, and in turn they felt safe. I hope that you will reconsider your decision and bring Melanie Martinez back to Sprout's Good Night Show. It feels as if part of the show is missing. And that part is Melanie! She is, and will be missed!
I have been wondering where "the girl" from the Goodnight Show has been, so I finally looked for any information I could find on your website. I was surprised, shocked and extremely disappointed to learn of Melanie Martinez' firing! I have no idea what the details of her firing are, but unless she's a porno star, I believe that whatever she did 7 years ago is history. As a "Conservative Christian", even I believe in change. Seven years ago, you all weren't even a channel, I wasn't married, I had no children--lots of things change over 7 years.
I appreciate your cautiousness, however, I would much rather my child spend the evening with a sweet, inviting, mild-mannered, cheerful, motherly young woman--Melanie Martinez.
Melanie was like a sweet younger sister that you trusted to sit with your kids for awhile, and in turn they felt safe. I hope that you will reconsider your decision and bring Melanie Martinez back to Sprout's Good Night Show. It feels as if part of the show is missing. And that part is Melanie! She is, and will be missed!
Response from:
Mrs. O.
(09/16/06 6:35am)
Has anyone been watching "Leo"? He stinks! No charm, no kid appeal. My kids are not watching anymore.
Response from:
Steve
(09/16/06 7:05am)
Indeed. Our kids are not enamored with "Leo" either. This guy is sorta freaky looking. Sort of has a petofile kind of personality to him. My daughter was asking for Melanie the first day "Leo" showed up. PBS could not have picked a worse replacement for Melanie. Congrats to the Sprout mgmt team for really screwing up a good thing.
Response from:
Roflol
(09/18/06 3:44am)
Holy mackerel! I just watched the Chappelle show episode on Youtube and I am floored. MacNeal's face and voice may never have been shown or heard but he was puppeteering while these children were being exposed to that language (or appeared to be, post edit) and ideation. What hypocrisy for Comcast/Sprout to replace Martinez with MacNeal (even temporarily) for the reasons they gave!!!! Come Monday morning, Comcast will be getting an earful and inbox full of my mind (I *wish* I could cancel).
Response from:
Crhisti
(09/23/06 6:47am)
I had not clue what had happened to Melanie until I did a search this evening and actually I was looking for the Hush Hush Little Fish Poem that she always recited.
As a mother of a special needs 5 year old I am always looking for tools to encourage speech with him. Melanie was one of those tools. He ws always repeating her poems and stories. He still tries to recite the poem and I don't know it enough to help him. He has no interest in Noel. And whoever said it earlier.. You're right he is dry.... dull... and doesnt grab your attention like Melanie did. I hope PBS changes their mind, what's in the past is in the past. I think i could understand their decision if it was something she did while on SPROUT, but geesh this was long before SPROUT was ever thought of.
As a mother of a special needs 5 year old I am always looking for tools to encourage speech with him. Melanie was one of those tools. He ws always repeating her poems and stories. He still tries to recite the poem and I don't know it enough to help him. He has no interest in Noel. And whoever said it earlier.. You're right he is dry.... dull... and doesnt grab your attention like Melanie did. I hope PBS changes their mind, what's in the past is in the past. I think i could understand their decision if it was something she did while on SPROUT, but geesh this was long before SPROUT was ever thought of.
Response from:
Scott Ringler
(10/03/06 8:41am)
O.K, let me get this straight...
PBS fires a girl for joking about taking it up the A$$ only to hire a guy who probably DOES take it up the A$$! Nice job PBS, no wonder why you guys are always looking for people to donate money to support your warped views. Melanie was the best thing that ever happend to your child audience and you replaced her with some weird... well, never mind. Its not fair to assume things about our new little "friend" of stars, but I think all the readers of this know what I'm getting at. Poor little star getting pillow humped.
PBS fires a girl for joking about taking it up the A$$ only to hire a guy who probably DOES take it up the A$$! Nice job PBS, no wonder why you guys are always looking for people to donate money to support your warped views. Melanie was the best thing that ever happend to your child audience and you replaced her with some weird... well, never mind. Its not fair to assume things about our new little "friend" of stars, but I think all the readers of this know what I'm getting at. Poor little star getting pillow humped.
Response from:
Diana Tupper
(10/06/06 11:16am)
My one year old is not interested in TV luch at all. I think this is a good thing. The only time she even paid attention to it was when Melanie's face appeared. My daughters face would light up to bright. I do not think my daughter cares what Melanie did years ago. By the time she learns how to use the computer to look up the parodys that Melonie did, she won't be interested. She will have moved on to some other show that is more her age. GROW UP PBS!!!!!!!!
Response from:
Joe
(10/11/06 10:19pm)
Shame on you, Scott Ringer.
Mr. MacNeal has been married (to a woman) for five years and has a two year old kid.
Mr. MacNeal has been married (to a woman) for five years and has a two year old kid.
Response from:
M Tierney
(10/11/06 10:24pm)
I just recently found out why Melanie is no longer on PBS Sprout. My 2 yr old twins have been watching since they were born and miss her!!! This new guy Leo is weird and totally does not appeal to children. And this Star character sounds like a longtime smoker! PBS made some really bad choices. Like our toddlers are going to surf the web and find the Melanie videos?!! Ha!!! We want Melanie and HUSH BACK NOW!!!
Response from:
Nyssa
(10/29/06 1:59pm)
I undertsnad why all these parents are upset. i was initially very upset as well for the decision to fire melanie. i however did my research and looked up the video to blame for melanie's firing. i am now glad she is gone, the video was disgusting and if my child ever went to look up her name on the internet i would be ashamed of what they found. before we all try to support melanie we should look at what she has done. i encourage all parents to go see the short film and realize she was no role model for our children.
Response from:
Brent
(12/02/06 7:27am)
No matter what the outcry I'm sure PBS will not be bringing Melanie back. They're fully comitted to moving on with their new host, Michele Lepe. As for Melanie, she should just make the best of things and spin all this buzz into a new, probably better, job. As it relates to our children, they'll forget Melanie existed in about a week, she was no Mr. Rogers.
Response from:
Sam
(01/27/07 2:07am)
Michele Lepe did NOT play the part of a prostitute in that movie. She portrayed a POLICEWOMAN posting as a prostitute to catch the badguys. That's an honest and honorable role.
Melanie Martinez did NOT tell the PBS people about her sleazy part in a sleazy film piece. That's dishonest, and that alone is enough to terminate her employment.
Here's a lesson for the ethically-challenged: Don't lie to the (prospective) boss about your resume, or leave anything out. If you get caught, you'll be fired.
Melanie Martinez did NOT tell the PBS people about her sleazy part in a sleazy film piece. That's dishonest, and that alone is enough to terminate her employment.
Here's a lesson for the ethically-challenged: Don't lie to the (prospective) boss about your resume, or leave anything out. If you get caught, you'll be fired.
Response from:
Dr.Tran
(01/28/07 11:07am)
Michele Lepe is friggin' hot!
Response from:
linda
(03/17/07 9:34am)
First of all, stop telling lies, Sam.
Melanie Martinez has always had the internet video on her resume. She herself has said so, in every article I have read. The NY Times was one.
Second, the role in the video was no different than the role Michele Lepe did in the sleazy movie Jamaica Motel (violence, drugs, porn, vulgar language) and Noel MacNeal did on the sleazy Chappelle Show (sex, STD's, language with children in it!).
In fact, I have seen the harmless video-that can only be seen if you really search for it.
I understood immediately while watching it, at work, that it was a parody or spoof that means it is fake and false to the uneducated.
You are a hypocrite if you think that it is okay for these 2 people to be performing the host role, if Melanie was booted for having the same adult viewer only work on her resume.
There is a reason that the petitions went into the thousands and that people are still talking about it. Now if only the sex education in our children's classrooms would get this much attention.
Melanie, I hope you know that you are much better off not working for the new PBS and the rest of those fearful corporations.
I know Jim Henson would be on your side.
Melanie Martinez has always had the internet video on her resume. She herself has said so, in every article I have read. The NY Times was one.
Second, the role in the video was no different than the role Michele Lepe did in the sleazy movie Jamaica Motel (violence, drugs, porn, vulgar language) and Noel MacNeal did on the sleazy Chappelle Show (sex, STD's, language with children in it!).
In fact, I have seen the harmless video-that can only be seen if you really search for it.
I understood immediately while watching it, at work, that it was a parody or spoof that means it is fake and false to the uneducated.
You are a hypocrite if you think that it is okay for these 2 people to be performing the host role, if Melanie was booted for having the same adult viewer only work on her resume.
There is a reason that the petitions went into the thousands and that people are still talking about it. Now if only the sex education in our children's classrooms would get this much attention.
Melanie, I hope you know that you are much better off not working for the new PBS and the rest of those fearful corporations.
I know Jim Henson would be on your side.
Response from:
donate car
(04/25/07 7:45pm)
TV is not what it used to be 15 years ago. Just watch at this rubbish today ! i can't believe it. When i'm going to be a parent i will surely not let my children watch such mind-twisting shows.
Response from:
Drug Detoxification
(05/25/07 12:35pm)
They should make a survey involving certain tv shows to see peoples opinion. Period.
Response from:
Narconon
(06/03/07 12:09am)
They should make a survey involving certain tv shows to see peoples opinion. Period.
Response from:
Michael
(11/10/07 5:09am)
Having a 5 month old daughter and having just purchased digital cable, we are new to Sprout in our house so I never saw Melanie, but I have to say as a young dad, I don't see what the fuss is about, to replace Melanie and we got Nina (Michele Lepe)? She's urber hot. And it makes even Sagwa enjoyable to watch knowing that cute little latino gal and her star buddy are just around the corner.
Response from:
Jon
(04/10/09 6:55am)
Get a clue, people. Having Michele Lepe host the Goodnight Show is in your kids\' best interest--it pretty much guarantees Dad will spend some time watching TV with them.
Response from:
George
(05/18/09 12:56am)
I'd imagine PBS is run by saints. what was that about casting the first stone ? want to get your message through to sprout ? watch the show and e mail the sponsors to let them know you will not be watching sprout anymore without nina
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