FCC urged to preserve stations' religious programming obligation

Published: 2004-11-05

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The Federal Communications Commission should not let broadcasters put commercial gain ahead of "serving their communities' interests in religious matters," according to a representative of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Katherine G. Grincewich, assistant USCCB general counsel, said in comments filed with the FCC Nov. 1 that airing religious programming must be considered part of the public interest obligations of every local broadcaster. But a survey of diocesan communications directors this summer by the USCCB Department of Communications found that "a significant number" have produced programs or public service announcements but have had trouble interesting local broadcasters in airing them or have seen "an increased financial burden" for airtime, the USCCB comments said. "Local broadcasters' programming decisions regarding this religious programming indicate that they are more interested in commercial gain than in serving their communities' interests in religious matters," Grincewich said.

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