PBS Apologizes for Using Old Fireworks Footage During Fourth of July Broadcast

The live coverage of PBS’s “A Capitol Fourth” covered the Independence Day fireworks festivities at the National Mall in the nation’s capital.

On a rainy, foggy night in Washington, PBS’ 4th of July broadcast surprised many viewers with its live broadcast of fireworks over the Nation’s capital-a stunning display that was oddly not obscured by clouds.

That didn’t sit well with viewers who took to Twitter to complain.

What the fireworks really looked like.

The statement resulted in a resurgence of conversation on Twitter, with some noting they could have watched old footage on YouTube, and others slamming PBS for “fraudulent” practices.

It’s not the first time fireworks have led viewers astray: In 2011, CBS featured “digitally altered” fireworks during its Fourth of July special, and during Beijing’s 2008 Olympics Opening Ceremonies, viewers also saw computer-generated images. But many shots used during the broadcast showed a scaffold-free dome.

As per the organizers of the concert, the rehearsals went on pretty good on Sunday.

– Kelly Dittmar (@kdittmar) July 5, 2016I guess we can’t let the citizens know it’s cloudy in the capitol of good ol’ USA. Between the hours of 8:52 p.m. and 9:52 p.m. Monday, the listed conditions were a mix of light drizzle, mist and fog.

The network cites weather as the reason behind their decision to showcase old fireworks footage from previous years.

Authorities say there are no known, credible threats against NY but vowed to remain vigilant as more than 1 million spectators gather to view Macy’s annual fireworks display over the East River. A few moments later, the sky was clear, nearly magically, and the fireworks were clearly visible. “Good job on solid back-up plan”.

It’s true that the PBS producers acted unwisely – not in using the year-old footage, but using the footage and not telling their audience about it.