PBS Admits Using File Video During ‘Live’ Fireworks Special: ‘It Was the Patriotic Thing to Do’

By Mark Joyella 

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.

Some puzzled viewers noticed the clear-skies “live” fireworks on PBS also seemed to show a Capitol dome that suddenly was free of scaffolding:

The show, A Capital Fourth, has aired live for 36 years. The show’s producers confirmed “we showed a combination of the best fireworks from this year and previous years. It was the patriotic thing to do.”

Advertisement