NPR axes Christian radio programs

NPR axes Christian radio programs
Pete Chagnon - OneNewsNow - 4/30/2009 8:30:00

A shocking decision has been handed down by the National Public Radio board.

In 1985, National Public Radio (NPR) adopted a policy stating that member stations had to provide "nonsectarian, non-political, noncommercial" educational programming. But in February 2009, the wording was changed to say: "NPR Member Stations shall provide ONLY [emphasis added] nonsectarian, non-political, noncommercial educational content on all broadcast channel(s) and related media distribution platforms such as member partners that use the NPR member brands."

The rule, which takes effect May 1, means that any NPR stations carrying religious programming must cease and desist that programming as of that date. In explaining its decision in a similar matter, PBS -- another federally funded media outlet -- says it "places a high value on presenting diverse perspectives, as opposed to rigidly adhering to any single political or religious point of view." Allowing such programming, it continues, "would cause the public's trust in PBS to erode, along with the value of the brand."

David McNabb is the host of "Christian Corner" on KJZZ in Phoenix, Arizona. His and several other religious programs featured on the NPR member station will be axed effective tomorrow.

"The change is labeling any Christian content as sectarian and, therefore, not to be used on NPR," he explains. "As part of their mission statement, one of the things that they are not is they are not sectarian. But up until now they haven't defined sectarian as having religious content...and so that's the change."

McNabb's program had a half-hour weekend slot and was bringing in $300 per month in revenue. The other religious programming was bringing in revenue as well and actually out-performing other weekend "nonsectarian programming."

The change in NPR policy affects all NPR affiliates in the United States.

Sex ed mandatory for 5-year-olds?

Sex ed mandatory for 5-year-olds
Program outlines teaching about homosexuality

Posted: April 28, 2009
10:35 pm Eastern

© 2009 WorldNetDaily

A new government program will require that teachers in British public schools teach sex education to students starting at age 5, according to a series of published reports.

According to the Guardian newspaper, the program will include the requirement to teach teens about contraception, safe sex, homosexuality and civil partners.

But the program also allows faith-based schools to apply their values and include their perspectives in the lessons.

WND previously reported that schools in the United States have launched a program to teach "the needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth" without informing parents.

Also, a court ruling in the David Parker case that went to the U.S. Supreme Court concluded parents do not even have the right to withdraw their children from school sex lessons because it violates their religious faith.

The United Kingdom plan means that all secondary schools for the first time will have to teach a core curriculum about sex and contraception in the context of teens' relationships.

The requirements cover classes for students ages 5-16 and "sets out how schools will be legally obliged to teach pupils about health and nutrition, safety, personal finance, drugs and alcohol and sex education."

Schools Secretary Ed Balls said, "It's clear that if children are going to get a well-rounded education which prepares them for life in the 21st century, [the new requirements have] a key role to play."

The London Daily Mail reported the classes are due to become part of the curriculum in September 2011.

Simon Calvert of the Christian Institute told the newspaper "pressing the virtues of homosexuality" could end up harming children.

"What we don't want to see is vulnerable young people being exploited by outside groups which want to normalize homosexuality," he told the paper. "If this guidance purports to force faith schools to teach things which go against their faith then it is profoundly illiberal and must be resisted at all costs."

"It is difficult to see how teaching children as young as 11 about same-sex relationships and civil partnerships fits in with a study of personal wellbeing, and many parents will be very concerned about the prospect of such lessons being imposed over their heads," added Norman Wells of the Family Education Trust.