This morning, the news director at ABC's New York affiliate, Kenny Plotnik told the New York Daily News that his station will not air the traditional reading of the victim's names on the morning of September 11, 2007.

"We decided to provide continuous coverage on our Digital Channel and Web site so our audience could have a choice between their regular programming and the Sept. 11 ceremony. We hope to be respectful to the families and serve our audience. This is not about ratings, it's about what's right."

"What's right," according to Mr. Plotnik, includes "Live with Regis and Kelly," "Rachael Ray," and "The View." The fact that these shows have paid advertisers and the 9/11 memorial service would not, Mr. Plotnik is suggesting, has nothing to do with it. It would just be "wrong" to deny viewers their daily dose of Regis, Rachel & the girls for a silly thing like a national day of mourning.

Well, after this announcement (and before I could write a truly outraged blog posting), all hell broke loose. Or, as the beleaguered Mr. Plotnik puts it:

"I made some calls, I spoke to families, we got some emails. People were upset and confused. They were upset. It was upset and confusion. There wasn't any anger.

Yeah, right. At any rate, to avoid further upsetting all of those non-angry, confused people, WABC-TV has decided to air the ceremony in full, just like every other local channel in New York.

Mr. Plotnik went on to explain that "the real issue, there is really a terrible misunderstanding with digital channels. There seems to be a situation where people don't understand the concept of digital channels." He went on to say, though, that there would be other opportunities to use the digital channel down the road, but the 9/11 ceremony was not the time to test it.

Good thinking, Mr. Plotnik. (Finally...)