More than 20 ABC television affiliates banned broadcasting the Hollywood war movie "Saving Private Ryan" to mark the Veterans Day Thursday for fear that it could lead to indecency fines. (Photo: Yahoo)

    LOS ANGELES, Nov. 11 (Xinhuanet) -- More than 20 ABC television affiliates banned broadcasting the Hollywood war movie "Saving Private Ryan" to mark the Veterans Day Thursday for fear that it could lead to indecency fines.

    The ABC affiliates in eight US states made the decision becausethey fear the film's violence and profanity leave them vulnerable to hefty fines from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which has launched a crackdown on TV and broadcast indecency since the February breast-baring incident by singer Jenet Jackson duringthe Super Bowl half-time performance.

    "Saving Private Ryan," staring Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks, will not be shown on the ABC affiliates in Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina and West Virginia.

    The reason for the actions was that it could invite FCC fines because the 1998 film depicts several violent battle scenes and contains foul language.

    Janice Wise, spokeswoman for the FCC's enforcement bureau, saidit will only decide whether to take actions after receiving complaints. "If we get a complaint, we'll act on it," she said.

    The WSB-TV in Atlanta said it asked ABC for permission to air the film after 10 p.m. but was rejected.

    ABC had said it was proud to air the 1998 film again. "As in the past, this broadcast will contain appropriate and clear advisories and parental guidelines, and, as customary, we will provide advance screenings for ABC affiliates and advertisers," the network said in a statement.

    "Saving Private Ryan," which depicts a platoon of American soldiers who take part in the D-Day invasion of Normandy, was shown uncut on ABC in 2001 and 2002. Enditem