Free, Local Christian TV Programming Threatened by New Bill

Aimee Herd : Dec 18, 2013
News Staff – CBN News

"These long-standing carriage rules ensure that viewers can access the important and edifying programming their local Christian broadcasters offer free-of-charge." –Dr. Jerry Johnson.

(Washington, DC)—A bill aimed at stopping the long time "must carry" rules of TV broadcasting would not only affect free local television programming but also a great deal of Christian programming that's carried on local stations.

The "Next Generation Television Marketplace Act" was re-introduced in Congress recently, by Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise.

The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) urging Congress not to pass the bill, according to the CBN News report.

"[The bill] would be a significant detriment to Christian TV stations and the viewers who rely on them for spiritual guidance," noted President and CEO of NRB, Dr. Jerry Johnson.

The "must carry" rules were implemented by Congress in 1992, according to the report, and require cable companies to carry local broadcast stations, including some that are religious.

For more information on NRB's fight to keep the "must carry" laws, Click Here.