May 19, 2008

Perpetual Jesus Telethon

Anyone in Chicago on Sunday morning can flick on a television and see T.D. Jakes or Frederick K.C. Price on WJYS (research). WCIU-TV Sunday programming includes Bill Winston Ministries, Mass at Mercy Home, Apostolic Church, Joel Osteen, and Key of David. Also ever-present is James Robison (Life Today). Personally, I've spent many a Sunday watching programming brought into my home by Total Living Network and other relatives of the original WCPX. One can still watch sermons from the late James Kennedy of Coral Ridge Ministries, and Melissa Scott, the ex-stripper and widow of Gene Scott. And let's not forget the greasiest Prosperity Gospel televangelist of all, Mike Murdock (mikemurdock.com). This, or course, only scratches the surface of the religious programming flooding the airwaves in Chicago. (I don't have access to basic cable; these examples reflect a mere fraction of what comes through rabbit ears alone.)

The religious programming that I have free access to is all the same insofar as it is exclusively (a) Christian, (b) evangelical, (c) conservative, (d) didactic, and (e) grossly dogmatic. These programs are carried by a variety of networks and under different agreements; some are paid programming and some are not. However, taken together there is an unmistakable absence of diversity. Turning on a television in Chicago on Sunday is like walking into a public library and finding nothing but bibles. I'm guessing that it's probably worse in other parts of the country. From an old Op-Ed:

America lets radio and TV broadcasters use public airwaves worth more than half a trillion dollars for free. In return, we require that broadcasters serve the public interest.

What public interest is being served by all this religious brainwashing and dogmatic detritus? I fail to see one. In fact, I see the opposite.

May 19, 2008 2:34:48 PM | Religion, Television

4 Comments

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