Sony's decision to cave to the demands of North Korean aligned cyber-terrorists by pulling "The Interview" is a serious blow to freedom of expression in the US.

The action opens the door for more blackmail by other extortionists who may be upset with their media coverage or artistic depiction.

That door should be slammed shut immediately.

Disclosure of embarrassing corporate emails and theft of intellectual properties by terrorists affiliated with the isolated hermit kingdom and its unpredictable leader Kim Jung Un have brought Sony to its knees.

The Japan-based company has received zilch-o support from fellow Hollywood studios and their high-powered but currently silent trade group, Motion Picture Assn. of America and its leader & former Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd.

Even worse: other movie studios have reportedly put projects connected with North Korea on ice. New Regency has canned a thriller set in North Korea with Steve Carell on ice, according to Deadline, the Tinseltown trade publication.

Sony caved to North Korea propaganda after movie chain owners refused to how The Interview and cable TV operator Comcast bailed on carrying The Interview. The chain feared attacks on individual theaters showing the film. Lives would have been at risks.

The Big Four TV Networks should ride to Sony's rescue. Their physical infrastructure does not offer the many targets as the movie chain properties have.  

The networks should capitalize on their combined power and audience reach to broadcast The Interview. The Networks could sell a chunk of airtime to Sony for fund the program.  The movie would air simultaneously on CBS, ABC, Fox and NBC.

Because of the widespread publicity connected to The Interview's story line, Sony's cave and North Korea's threats, a record TV audience is a sure-fire bet.

There could be a limited amount of advertising space to allow marketers to show their backing of the First Amendment.

CBS, ABC, Fox and NBC have an opportunity to affirm freedom of expression and stand up to extortion. They should take advantage of it and benefit from the ensuing goodwill.

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