Source: www.catholicnewsagency.com
ARLINGTON, VA, USA, June 18, 2009: The members of PBS’ national board have voted to ban any new religious programming from their affiliate stations, citing both concerns about public trust and a 25-year-old rule that has never been rigorously enforced.
The 1985 rule in question requires PBS affiliates to air only non-commercial, non-partisan and non-sectarian content.
Under the new decision, no new religious programming will be allowed–but the six stations which have been violating the rule will be allowed to continue their current programming. The rule does not pertain to programs and documentaries that cover sacred or newsworthy topics.
In anticipation of the vote, PBS affiliate WHUT in Washington, D.C. had already decided to stop broadcasting a weekly Mass. Stations intending to continue airing their current religious programming include New Orleans affiliate WLAE (a daily Mass); KBDI (a weekly Mass); and KBYU in Utah (Mormon devotionals).