And here's a letter from the UCC director of communications, talking about a new campaign to increase the progressive religious voice in the mainstream media. Although it comes from our denomination, I think it really is for all of us who are weary of, "Yes, I am Christian, but I'm not...."
March 27, 2006
It has been a while since we’ve posted to this blog. But, the television networks still think that the United Church of Christ’s message of inclusion is so controversial that they won't even take our money to run a paid advertisement about it.
Just today, we released a new television commercial, which has already been rejected by ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox and the WB.
We now know that it’s not just the about the commercials. Ask yourself this question: When was the last time you saw a mainline progressive religious leader on a news program?
A recent study completed by Media Matters concludes what we have long known to be true: the networks favor the Relgious Right.
In this particular study, an analysis of guests on Sunday Morning talk shows revealed a pronounced bias in the percentage of conservative pundits versus progressives. In fact, the report shows that the networks frequently allow these shows to be used to attacks progressives and their ideas.
Why do James Dobson, Franklin Graham, Al Moehler, Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell warrant seemingly endless coverage when ministries of the United Church of Christ, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, among others, rarely receive a single mention?
Networks can't play favorites. Mainline religious communities like the UCC have a right to be heard along with everyone else. So, starting today, we are reaching out to all of you once again and asking for your help to demand equal access to the air waves from the networks.
Blessings,
Bob
The Rev. Robert Chase
Director of Communication
United Church of Christ
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