PBS national board bans new religious programming, including Mass for Shut-ins

cna ^ | June 18, 2009

[NYer]

Cardinal Sean O'Malley celebrates Mass on camera

Arlington, Va., Jun 18, 2009 / 07:24 am (CNA).- 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. Anticipation of the vote already resulted in one station cancelling its Mass for Shut-Ins.

The 1985 rule in question requires PBS affiliates to air only non-commercial, non-partisan and non-sectarian content.

Reportedly six affiliates broadcast “sectarian” programs produced by local religious groups, such as the Mass for Shut-Ins. These affiliates may retain their current shows and air programs and documentaries that cover sacred or newsworthy topics, Fox News says.

However, no new religious shows can be offered, and the 350 other stations may not air any purely spiritual content.

PBS affiliate WHUT in Washington, D.C. had already decided to end its 13 year tradition of broadcasting a weekly Mass to avoid violating membership rules.

“This is community-based, locally produced programming that fills a community need,” Susan Gibbs, director of Communications for the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, told Fox News.

The Archdiocese of Washington has agreed to pay $60,000 to air its Mass for Shut-Ins on another network.

"PBS is respecting that there is a history of programming," Gibbs added. "It's unfortunate it's not going to continue for us."

Ron Yager, general manager of New Orleans affiliate WLAE, said the station was “very satisfied” that the shut-ins and the home-bound among its viewers can continue to view the daily Mass, which he said was “vital” to them.

KBDI president and CEO Wick Rowland described his station as “very eclectic” with a “huge diversity” of programming, which for a decade has included a weekly Mass.

“No one would mistake us for Catholic television station,” he told Fox News.

PBS affiliate KBYU in Utah is run by Brigham Young University and airs Mormon devotionals. Its managing director Derek Marquis said he was “pleased” by the decision, which he said would allow the station to provide both national PBS content and locally produced content “reflective of the values and mission” of the university.

Federal law does not bar showing religious services on public television. However, the PBS Station Services Committee voiced concerns the broadcast would create the appearance of an official endorsement and “would cause the public's trust in PBS to erode, along with the value of the brand.”

The PBS committee, composed of representatives of local networks, reviewed the network’s bylaws and authored the compromise.

CNA contacted the U.S. Conference for Catholic Bishops’ Communications Office for a reaction to the decision but did not receive a response by press time.

[NYer]

I wonder if this includes the reruns of Lawrence Welk "Christmas" shows and the Peter, Paul & Mary "holiday" specials that draw revenue for the station.

Catholic Ping
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[shadeaud]

Our tax dollars at work again.

[Arthur McGowan]

They could use the 1962 Missal—the Mass for Shut-Outs.

[unixfox]

Would seem to me since we have TRILLIONS of dollars of debt you would think they would outright shutdown this MARXIST propoganda machine.

Oh wait, the pubbies had the chance but blew it. Oh well.

[Jedidah]

You want the call to prayer for Muslims? Mullahs following Sesame Street?

Best to stay secular, or we’ll face the reality of equal access.

[Wallace T.]

PBS is a notorious fraud, with its sponsors making announcements that are only somewhat shorter than advertisements on commercial television. They can claim that reruns of the Lawrence Welk Show or others singing Christmas songs as a “cultural”, rather than a “religious” event. As long as it makes money, it is OK.

[Seruzawa]

"However, the PBS Station Services Committee voiced concerns the broadcast would create the appearance of an official endorsement and “would cause the public's trust in PBS to erode, along with the value of the brand.”"

Ha! Too late. Since they've been showing the religious programming for decades this is a pretty lame excuse for their virulent materialism. All I ever watch is Masterpiece or Mystery anyhow. The rest of their programming reeks. I can get all the lefty propaganda I need on the net.

[tob2]

“You want the call to prayer for Muslims? Mullahs following Sesame Street?” There’s an ungodly thought! Probably will never happen after Sesame Street as there is probably something in the Koran about frogs being evil.

[Salvation]

We all need to freep PBS and tell them they are losing our money and support.

(Not thhat I have ever given them any money, support or viewership.)

[Jedidah]

Oh, no! Guess I’m an even bigger infidel than previously thought, because Kermit is my absolute favorite!