The FCC, in deciding a license transfer between a public television affiliate and a religious TV station in Pittsburgh, PA, issued its ruling on December 29 that programming "primarily devoted to religious exhortation, proselytizing or statements of personally held religious views and beliefs generally would not qualify as ‘general education' programming."  It said that church services also normally would not qualify as "general education" programming.

 "This is an outrageous infringement on the constitutional guarantees of freedom of religious expression," Hall said.  "It sets a dangerous precedent that could lead to suppression of religious broadcasting and a narrowing of the definition of what is considered educational."

 "The commission issued this ruling without the benefit of a public hearing and public comment – and while Congress is in recess," Hall added.  "The bill that I'm sponsoring with Rep. Oxley will nullify the ruling and require the FCC to follow proper procedures that include a public comment period."

 The FCC is wrong from both a procedural and a constitutional standpoint," Hall stated.  "I don't think their action will stand in Congress – or in the courts – and it certainly won't stand with the American people."

 Hall, in a letter to FCC Chairman William Kennard dated January 11, 2000, called for the Commission to reverse its ruling immediately and pledged that he will continue to oppose this ruling in Congress.

 The FCC estimates that of the 373 television stations nationwide that hold educational reserve licenses, about 20 of these are religious broadcasters.  The majority of religious broadcasters operate on the commercial band and are not covered by the decision.

 "The issue is not how many stations are subject to restriction," Hall said.  "The issue is that the FCC is attempting to restrict religious speech.  This is an arbitrary decision that could have serious repercussions for religious broadcasting."

 Hall and Oxley plan to introduce their bill when Congress reconvenes on January 24.