Christian radio station forced to include Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism

The question is When is a Christian radio station not a Christian radio station?" Answer: "For the hour or so a day that it must air the views of other faiths to satisfy the CRTC's "balance" policy." (from The Ottawa Citizen, via The Battalion of Deborah, hat tip Michael) Yes, I know it's Canada. But in the twinkling of an eye, it could be here in the United States. You know it's true. Remember the "Fairness Act".

"It's ridiculous," says Bob Du Broy, vice-president of Ottawa's CHRI Christian music station. "It's like asking a rock station to play an hour of classical music." CHRI's announcers also find themselves in the bizarre situation of working for a Christian station without being able to talk much about Christianity for fear of triggering the "balance" issue.

Denis Carmel, the CRTC's director of public relations, said "It's unlikely that a single-faith station could be balanced (without some programming on other faiths)." Is it possible to get a license without outside faith programming? "I'm not going to respond to that." Mr. Du Broy figures the CRTC will want at least one hour and 11 minutes a day devoted to other faiths. To get that figure, he multiplied 67 per cent (the amount of talking on air) by 7.35 per cent (number of non-Christians in the Ottawa area) to come up with 4.9 per cent of the 24-hour broadcast day, or 71 minutes.

The problem is, Christian radio listeners don't always care for the outside programming.
Many have enjoyed CHRI's Reflections on the Torah but Their Days, five-minute segments on Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, have been less of a hit. [snip]

"The United States had a similar "fairness" doctrine which was repealed in 1987. However, as conservative radio programs dominate the airwaves, there has been some talk recently of bringing it back, much to the alarm of some Christians, appalled at the thought of having to air the views of gay rights activists or secularists.
(Original Source: The Ottawa Citizen)

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Comments

[Debbie]

I'll have to go back and see if it is fully private funds, but I think that is correct.

Also, they do include some time for the Torah, and feedback from listeners, mostly Christian, are very positive. It's just being FORCED to give time to religions that listeners are not interested in, seems crazy. Let the audience decide what they want to hear.

[Ernesto Ribeiro]

The War on Christianism, media battle nº 666: radios.

Anybody had think in CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE?

WE NEED FREEDOM, NOT that "democracy".

THIS IS DICTATORSHIP, DAMM!

[Thomas Hamilton]

"I'm all for inclusiveness"

Not me! Our constitution grants us free speech but it does not say we have a right to be heard.

There is a difference.

[Yankee Doodle]

For all inclusiveness, they need to make the Muslim talking heads include Christianity, Judaism, and other religions, in their talks.

Oops -- I forgot. They already do: "Brothers of apes and pigs."

My bad.

[Karen]

Oh, Canada! They do so love their political correctness shoved down everyone's throats! Socialism is alive and well in the frozen north.

[michael]

Is it a private or publicly funded station?

If it's private, they should be able to broadcast whatever they want. I am no fan of Christian radio, but no one is forcing me to listen to it...

[Douglas V. Gibbs]

and there are those that claim there is no war on Christianity. This is downright despicable. Freedom under assault.

[Rastaman]

Damn right we need a Fairness Act. I want my chance to expound on the heavenly glories of the Rastafarian Firebombing Society of which I am Founder, President and Head Deity (all bow). People need to know how to worship God (me) through the cleansing act of Firebombing. Vote for the Fairness Act! Equal time for Maniacs!

Rastaman

[Freedom Now]

It may seem bad but its not as bad as wiretapping Americans who are communicating with foreign terrorists.

Now thats fascist.

This is equality, comrade.

[Incognito]

I'm all for inclusiveness, but that's ridiculous, particularly if the station is specifically designated as a Christian station. Sigh.