This is an excerpt from an email sent to SAA members by President Fred Limp:
"Late last week the SAA Board wasinformed that there are two TV series planned that promote and glorify thelooting and destruction of archaeological sites. They are American Diggersand Diggers. The first is scheduled for Spike TV and the other forNational Geographic TV. As past SAA President Bob Kelly wrote in a recente-mail in response to American Diggers, "This shameless andshameful program will glorify and promote the mindless destruction ofarchaeological sites in the U.S."
SAA and other groups, such asSHA, have already prepared and sent strong letters condemning both of theseprograms to the production companies, networks, and others. Copies of the SAAletters can be found on the SAA website (http://bit.ly/w2MHJM,and http://bit.ly/wzT7IA). The letters provide details on why we are soconcerned. Up to this point Spike TV has not responded to the public outcry.Leadership of National Geographic, however, has indicated that, while they areunable to stop the showing tomorrow on such short notice, they will place adisclaimer into the show that speaks to laws protecting archaeological andhistoric sites. They are also willing to enter into discussions with thearchaeological community to determine how to raise awareness of the impacts ofthe use of metal detectors for treasure hunting. We will advise you ofdevelopments in this area."
Earlier today, Peter Peregrine (President, Society for Anthropological Sciences) sent around the following update:
Does anyone recall what happened with the SAA and eBay several years ago? eBay was (and is) selling antiquities, and many archaeologists were boycotting the service (I still am). I don't remember what official actions, if any, were taken by the SAA, AIA, etc.
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"Late last week the SAA Board wasinformed that there are two TV series planned that promote and glorify thelooting and destruction of archaeological sites. They are American Diggersand Diggers. The first is scheduled for Spike TV and the other forNational Geographic TV. As past SAA President Bob Kelly wrote in a recente-mail in response to American Diggers, "This shameless andshameful program will glorify and promote the mindless destruction ofarchaeological sites in the U.S."
SAA and other groups, such asSHA, have already prepared and sent strong letters condemning both of theseprograms to the production companies, networks, and others. Copies of the SAAletters can be found on the SAA website (http://bit.ly/w2MHJM,and http://bit.ly/wzT7IA). The letters provide details on why we are soconcerned. Up to this point Spike TV has not responded to the public outcry.Leadership of National Geographic, however, has indicated that, while they areunable to stop the showing tomorrow on such short notice, they will place adisclaimer into the show that speaks to laws protecting archaeological andhistoric sites. They are also willing to enter into discussions with thearchaeological community to determine how to raise awareness of the impacts ofthe use of metal detectors for treasure hunting. We will advise you ofdevelopments in this area."
Earlier today, Peter Peregrine (President, Society for Anthropological Sciences) sent around the following update:
"It appears that National Geographic Channel has pulledtheir show—at least it no longer shows up on its website (though repeats of theepisodes aired yesterday are still scheduled for Friday). I heard throughthe grapevine that legal action might be initiated in the case of the artifactcollecting done at the Old Montana State Prison (state owned and a NationalRegister property) during the first episode that aired, as it seems the SHPOwas not informed of that work and no permit was issued."
Does anyone recall what happened with the SAA and eBay several years ago? eBay was (and is) selling antiquities, and many archaeologists were boycotting the service (I still am). I don't remember what official actions, if any, were taken by the SAA, AIA, etc.
