Fans of the hit CBS television series “Touched by an Angel” can rest assured — there is no organized effort to have the program canceled.
Reports the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may force the network to cancel the series because of its use of the word “God” are unfounded, according to representatives of both CBS and the State Board of Missions (SBOM).
“It would be a rumor,” said Amanda Powderly, an employee in the office of the series’ production company. Powderly said the rumor began circulating nationwide because of a “false e-mail” and the FCC has not been contacted from anyone who wants to see the show canceled.
“This is the rumor mill,” said Joe Bob Mizzell, director of Christian ethics/chaplaincy with the SBOM. “That’s the big rumor now.”
Mizzell’s office released a statement from the FCC that said rumors have been circulating since 1975 that atheist Madalyn Murray O’Hair proposed the FCC consider limiting or banning religious programming. Although O’Hair has been missing since 1995 and is believed dead, Mizzell said the latest incarnation of the rumor focuses on her attempts to have “Touched by an Angel” removed from the airwaves.
Ratings winner
Powderly said the series has not been renewed yet, although CBS will not announce its fall schedule until May. She expressed confidence the show will be back because of its high ratings.
“I would say there’s not a doubt that we’re going to be picked up,” she said.
Powderly said the show’s office has been getting calls for several months. Mizzell said he has also received numerous phone calls asking about “Touched by an Angel.”
“I’m getting calls every day about Madalyn Murray O’Hair and that ‘Touched by an Angel’ is being taken off the air,” Mizzell said.
He has even been contacted at home and said the rumor is “all over the state.” He said his office is assuring individuals there is nothing to the rumor, along with sending them information packets concerning misinformation that is being spread about the show’s demise.
The FCC said there are no federal laws or regulations that give them authority to prohibit radio and television stations from presenting religious programs.
“Actually, the Communications Act (the law that established the FCC and defines its authority) prohibits the FCC from censoring broadcast material and interfering with freedom of speech in broadcasting,” the FCC said on its Web site.
Concern about alleged efforts by O’Hair have been complicated because of confusion about a petition (No. RM-2493) filed in 1974 asking the FCC to inquire into operating practices of stations licensed to religious organizations, according to the FCC.
“Periodically since 1975, the FCC has received mail indicating that, in many parts of the country, there were rumors claiming the petitions of RM-2493 had called for an end to religious programs on radio and television,” the FCC said. “Such rumors are false.”
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