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PBS Will Enforce Rule Against Purely Religious Broadcasts

By Howard M. Friedman

The Board of PBS has decided to begin enforcing a rule that has been on its books since 1985 that prohibits its public television affiliates from carrying purely religious programming. Fox News yesterday reported that the decision will not force six PBS stations that currently carry sectarian programming to end their current coverage, but no new religious shows can be aired by them and none of the 350 other stations can air shows with purely religious content. Thus the Mass for Shut-Ins broadcast by New Orleans and Denver affiliates can continue, as can Mormon devotionals on Brigham Young University's PBS station. All stations can still air documentaries on religious topics as well as newsworthy religions services such as a Papal Mass. Federal law does not bar religious programming on PBS, but network officials are concerned about the appearance of endorsement.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on June 17, 2009 (boomark / email).