Opinion ID: 308173
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Transfer Application

Text: 5 In its proposal to the Commission the Seminary stated that it would continue the station's general format of broadcasting entertainment, talk shows and short newscasts, and in addition, two one-hour religious programs would be broadcast each weekday; 5 the station would also broadcast religious programs until noon on Sunday. 6 The terms of the Seminary application sought Commission permission to operate for the principal purpose of broadcasting the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, for the defense of the Gospel, and for the purposes set forth in the Charter of Incorporation. This application was not without opposition, however, as some fifteen community groups and a number of individuals and churches within the community made their opposition known to the Commission. 7 The Commission noted that it also received communications from many individuals and churches who were proponents of the transfer. As the Commission noted [t]he complaints [opposing the transfer application] are based on the relationship to the transferee of the Reverend Carl McIntire, President of the Board of Directors of Faith Theological Seminary, Inc. 8 6 The major concern of the opponents to the transfer was that the station would be incapable of providing for a balanced presentation of opposing views in light of McIntire's connection with the Seminary and in view of his radio programs and publications. 7 The main thrust of the complaints concerning Rev. McIntire, is that, in his radio programs and publications, he has made false and misleading statements and deliberate distortions of the facts relating to various public issues such as race relations, religious unity, foreign aid, etc.; that he has made intemperate attacks on other religious denominations and leaders, various organizations, governmental agencies, political figures and international organizations; and that such expressions are irresponsible and a divisive force in the community and help create a climate of fear, prejudice and distrust of democratic institutions. It is also alleged that, in light of his record of partisan and extremist views on various public issues, he lacks the degree of social and public responsibility demanded of broadcast licensees and that these views will carry over into the operation of the stations in view of his connection with the transferee. It is alleged, finally, that a serious question is thus raised, in light of his views, whether he is or will be able to bring about a balanced presentation of opposing views or whether he will place his personal views above the station's public interest obligations. 9 8 While the applications for transfer were still pending, the Commission communicated with the Seminary with regard to various aspects of the application and with particular interest as to whether station facilities would be available to other faiths for the presentation of religious programs, and, if so, under what conditions or circumstances. The Seminary responded by filing an amendment to the original application which included an exhibit which stated the Seminary's intent to make time available on an equal and non-discriminatory basis to all religious faiths requesting time for the presentation of religious programs. 10 To further insure balance in the area of religious broadcasting the Seminary's amendment provided for a half-hour program on Sunday to be known as Interfaith Forum. 11