Separation of Church and Public Broadcasting?
Terry L. Mitchell
July 28, 2009
I recently learned that PBS is now forbidding its affiliates from carrying any kind of religious programming whatsoever. This is outrageous! The commercial networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC have utilized a long-standing policy against carrying religious programs. However, they do not try to prevent their affiliates from carrying such programs. In fact, most local stations, whether independent or affiliated with a major network, carry some religious programming, especially on Sunday mornings.
Why then does PBS feel the need to bully its affiliates in such a way? Are they imagining some constitutional principle that demands separation of church and public broadcasting? I don´t know, but this kind of attempted censorship should scare anyone, whether they are religious or not. Although it does get government funds, PBS relies heavily on contributions from corporations and individuals. I believe it´s now time for some of them to begin re-thinking those donations until PBS comes to its senses.
Why then does PBS feel the need to bully its affiliates in such a way? Are they imagining some constitutional principle that demands separation of church and public broadcasting? I don´t know, but this kind of attempted censorship should scare anyone, whether they are religious or not. Although it does get government funds, PBS relies heavily on contributions from corporations and individuals. I believe it´s now time for some of them to begin re-thinking those donations until PBS comes to its senses.