WASHINGTON, DC, USA, May 16, 2009: America’s Public Broadcast System stations may finally begin enforcing one of public television’s basic commandments: Thou shalt not broadcast religious programming. For decades, a few public stations have broadcast local church services and other faith-oriented programs despite the prohibition. Next month the Public Broadcasting Service’s board will decide whether to strip the PBS designation from any station that carries sectarian content. That would mean the station could no longer broadcast programs distributed by PBS, such as “Sesame Street” and “Frontline.”
PBS bylaws require that programs be noncommercial, nonpartisan and nonsectarian. The intent is to ensure balance and fairness among affiliated stations, which rely on government funding, private-sector grants and sponsorships, and contributions from viewers. News and discussion programs about religion or religious history are not considered sectarian; the issue is “religious services of faith-based groups.”
New Orleans station WLAE, partly owned by a Catholic group, would have to make a decision: Either top airing its daily telecast of Catholic Mass or end its affiliation with PBS. A spokesman said they have never had a complaint about the Mass broadcasts–but other religious groups wanting to broadcast their own church or mosque or temple services have been turned down.
Another such station is KBYU in Provo, Utah. Operated by Brigham Young University, which is affiliated with the Mormon Church, KBYU broadcasts two hours a day of “BYU Devotional,” which includes lectures from leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Similarly, PBS station KMBH of Texas carries Mass broadcasts, Bible study in Spanish, and a family issues program hosted by a priest.