PBS, citing what it says is a rule that has been on the books for 25 years, has issued a ban on new religious programs to local affiliates.
This edict means no new religious programs — like weekly Mass or devotional readings — will be aired. Six PBS affiliate stations that currently carry religious programming will be allowed to continue doing so.
Religious groups defended the programming as a community service that reflects the makeup and interests of the cities that offer them.
"This is community-based, locally produced programming that fills a community need," said Susan Briggs, director of communications for the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington.
Wick Rowland, president and CEO of KBDI in Denver, agreed. His station has aired a weekly Mass for several years.
"KBDI is a very eclectic television station with a huge diversity of programming with all sorts of political and social opinions," Rowland told FOXNews.com. "No one would mistake us for Catholic television station."
Groups such as Americans United for Separation of Church and State applaud the decision.
-- Josh Montez
