RELIGIOUS-PROGRAMMING ISSUE RETURNS

A controversy over an 18-year-old petition that supposedly would outlaw religious programming over radio and television has resurfaced in Utah despite the fact the petition was denied in 1975. A counterpetition opposing the religious ban surfaces in Utah each year about this time, aides for Utah's congressional delegation say. In fact, congressional offices are receiving 20-40 calls a week from upset constituents. The counterpetition claims famous atheist Madalyn Murray O'Hair is seeking the demise of "all Sunday worship services being broadcast either by radio or television." But O'Hair had nothing to do with the 1974 petition. In its recent newsletter, the FCC once again outlined the origins of the "Lansman-Milam petition," submitted in 1974 to the FCC and the subsequent misinterpretations and representations that have been made.