Arlington, Va., Jun 18, 2009 / 05:24 am
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.