Crossfire

Frank Zappa appeared on CNN's Crossfire in 1986, as part of his advocacy campaign for freedom of speech in music. A year prior, he had testified at Senate hearing against new pre-emptive censorship agenda of the PRMC (Parents Music Resource Centre). Zappa would subsequently become a public figure associated with the defence of free speech.

Crossfire was a rather patronizing show that somehow lasted for twenty years after Zappa graced its set. The normal protocol can remind one of a high school debate club: two ideologically opposed pundits are sat down and set upon each other with no reasonable consideration for either's ideas or hope of even a mild reconciliation. Usually, it is two “professionals” but things get interesting when Zappa shows up. His position is simple and libertarian: music does not qualify as “pornography” and words in themselves should not be censored. John Lofton who is “in the Crossfire” with Frank comes up with ridiculous hypotheticals and inapt analogies to try to shake his position. He inevitably fails. This is vintage Zappa defending his ground as both an artist and a businessman. His conventional 'nod' that always starts the proceedings is rather hilarious.