Bishops Call for Public Interest Obligations

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops sent Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) a letter urging him to include in pending digital television legislation provisions codifying the public interest obligations of broadcasters with respect to local and religious programming. Noting the increased concentration of media ownership, the bishops said "there are fewer broadcast stations that are willing to provide local and religious programming." The bishops are concerned that local broadcasters' programming decisions regarding religious and educational programming is more deeply rooted in their desire for commercial gain, rather than in serving their communities' interests. Over the years, USCCB has advocated for legislation that would ensure broadcast licensees understand and meet local needs and interests with responsive programming by: (a) amplifying the voices and views of the public, including community organizations and noncommercial religious entities, in broadcast media; (b) increasing the amount of local news and public affairs programming (including religious programs and public service announcements); and (c) increasing the amount of programming that serves the educational needs of children, persons with disabilities, and underserved communities.