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PBS Bans New Religious Programming

Channels that already carry church services allowed to continue

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 17, 2009 8:20 AM CDT
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(Newser) – PBS has voted to enforce its longstanding prohibition on sectarian broadcasts and ban its stations from carrying any new religious programming, the Washington Post reports. As a compromise, the few stations that already air church services and religious lectures will be allowed to continue to do so. Religious discussions that don't favor a particular point of view still have the public broadcaster's blessing.

Programs dealing with religion from a journalistic point of view, such as last year's The Jewish Americans, will not be affected by the new PBS guidelines.
Programs dealing with religion from a journalistic point of view, such as last year's "The Jewish Americans," will not be affected by the new PBS guidelines.   (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
PBS has decided to enforce its 24-year-old ban on sectarian programming amid the switch to digital.
PBS has decided to enforce its 24-year-old ban on sectarian programming amid the switch to digital.   (©Cameron Nordholm)
Programs like Washington-area station WHUT's Mass for Shut-Ins will be allowed to continue under new PBS guidelines.
Programs like Washington-area station WHUT's "Mass for Shut-Ins" will be allowed to continue under new PBS guidelines.   (AP Photo/Dima Gavrysh)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 16 comments
Thinker
Jun 19, 2009 4:40 AM CDT
Religion, like sex, is a private matter. Why must we be subjected to religion constantly (buses, billboards, television, news, school, etc.)? This is a good decision. There needs to be some place free from religion for those of us who don't subscribe.
Silverbow7
Jun 18, 2009 12:45 PM CDT
The great falling away...
SBS
Jun 18, 2009 2:34 AM CDT
armywife , I like your sense of humor.

PBS moves to phase out religious broadcasting
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television • religion • sectarianism • PBS • broadcasting

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