TO:

Glenn Geller
Executive Vice President, Current Programming, CBS Network Television Entertainment Group

 and

Christina Davis
Executive Vice President, Drama Series Development

 c/o

Tracey Raab, Vice President, Entertainment Communications

818-655-1590, tracey.raab@cbs.com

"Over 6 million people are stalked each year in the United States; 1 in 6 women, 1 in 19 men." and "...stalking cases have tripled in the last decade." as stated in the pilot episode of CBS's new drama, STALKER.

Given the seriousness of the crime, it is irresponsible for CBS to air a program which spells out the "how to" and the "why" of stalking and legitimizes the stories of stalkers attacking their victims as everyday entertainment.

For example, in the first 20 minutes of the pilot episode, a woman is doused with gasoline and killed when her attacker sets her car on fire with her in it. Then, another woman -- in case you missed the first example -- is doused with gasoline by an attacker as she tries to exit an elevator, while he throws lit matches at her.

The details of the affects of stalking on a victim's life are also spelled out -- she sleeps with her bed oriented so she can see the door and uses a clear shower curtain so she can see if an attacker approaches.

It is certainly not entertaining for victims to watch a show that reminds them of their ordeal. Furthermore, it is dangerous to acknowledge and legitimize as entertainment the darkest inclinations of those weak-minded, tortured souls who would commit crimes of violence to gain significance or revenge, possibly reinforcing and encouraging them to act.

Like it or not, we live in a "monkey see, monkey do" society and entertainment media does affect viewers' behavior. If theres any doubt, remember how the movie, Sideways, turned Pinot Noir into America's new favorite wine, not to mention spiking real estate prices near Santa Barbara!

Domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking are crimes that our society will not tolerate. When making entertainment programming choices, we ask that CBS keep the saftey of crime victims in mind and use the power of TV responsibly.

Please sign this petition to request that CBS cancel the show, STALKER and join us by committing to put an end to stalking and violence against women.