NIN vs MTV

Nine Inch Nails new song "Hand that Feeds" is apparently all about President Bush and not in the good way.

And apparently MTV isn't thrilled with Trent Reznor and NIN performing this song in front of a giant blow up picture of GW.

They voiced their opinion that they felt uncomfortable with Reznor's open political statement and wanted to keep the event as non-partisan as possible.

In response Reznor basically told MTV to go screw themselves and that they won't perform.
Foo Fighters will take the stage instead.

This morning everyone was calling in to the radio station I listen to and saying how NIN has the First Amendment to back them up and how dare MTV do this and yadda yadda yadda.
Yes, NIN has the right to free speech and they can stand in the middle of the street (as long as they don't obstruct traffic) and make known their opinions on Bush, the war in Iraq, Santa Claus, and their preference of Coke over Pepsi.

However, there is nothing that says MTV has to air it.
I think that people forget that part of the Free Speech deal.
You can say it all you want, but no one has to listen and no one has to be forced to print, air, or disseminate what you're selling.

Should MTV be able to take this stand? Sure. MTV has lost a lot of cred in terms of being hip and with it and edgy. Letting NIN perform in front of the big ass picture of the President might push them back into that territory. But they have every right to decide that this isn't a political statement they are ready or willing to make.