Sometimes you read stories and they magnify every stereotype you have about the South…

The Alabama Educational Television Commission (AETC) oversees Alabama Public Television (APT). Recently, AETC Commissioner Rodney Herring told APT executives that they should air The American Heritage Series, a 10-episode program featuring Christian pseudo-historian David Barton.

Two of the APT executives, Allan Pizzato and Pauline Howland, questioned that decision:

The programs “talked about how our government forefathers were very religious men,” Howland said, “how the country was founded on religious principles, and how we need to go back to that.” The content “was very much advocating that position,” she said. Pizzato and his staff had “grave concerns” that the videos were inappropriate for public broadcasting due to their religious nature, Howland said.

It’s not only a matter of miseducation. Religious programming is not allowed on public television and there was a risk of losing their license:

“It’s our job to protect the license,” Howland said, “and provide the best advice we can to the commission, whose members are usually not broadcasters.”

Sounds like Pizzato and Howland were offering good advice, considering that Barton’s organization, WallBuilders, minces no words in talking about its religious mission:

WallBuilders’ goal is to exert a direct and positive influence in government, education, and the family by (1) educating the nation concerning the Godly foundation of our country; (2) providing information to federal, state, and local officials as they develop public policies which reflect Biblical values; and (3) encouraging Christians to be involved in the civic arena.

It didn’t matter. Pizzato and Howland were fired on Tuesday.

Alabama: Where even public television can’t escape misinformation campaigns by religious extremists.

(Thanks to Brian for the link)



