Lots more happening in the dustup over the decision of a Catholic-diocese-owned PBS affiliate not to air the clergy abuse documentary Hand of God on January 16 at its scheduled time, as did most other PBS stations.* Published TV listings and the station's own Web site listed the program as scheduled for January 16.

First came Bruce Lee Smith's story, detailing conflicting reports about why KMBH didn't run the documentary. Viewers who called the station asking about it were told that the station manager, Msgr. Pedro Briseno, was holding the program to review it for content. When the press started asking questions, they were told the station never received the program from PBS. Then came a response from the Msgr. Briseno, explaining that he would answer reporters' written questions on Friday. Here's how that went down.

Response from KMBH
January 20,2007

This is a statement from KMBHs General Manager on a story published today by local newspapers on Frontline of last Tuesday.

ReporterBruce Smith of the Valley Morning Star sent me a questionnaire onThursday, January 18 at 4:57 PM, three minutes before closing ofbusiness day. I still responded as soon as I could the same dayIrealize now that Bruce must have had his article ready when he sent methe questionnaire late yesterday!!!

Thiscould be considered very bad journalism practice! Unethical! I leavethe editors and readers the option to discern. Bruce had been toldsince Wednesday by my staff at KMBH Studio that I was available torespond to his questions as long as they were in writing, because I wasout of my office and because it is more appropriate for the records. Mystaff reported a sarcastic reaction from Bruce, who evidently took histime in sending me his questionnaire only after his article had beenwritten. But now he should feel happy with a moment to enjoy scandaland controversy through an article full of prejudice and inaccuracy.

My responseto Bruce Smith can be seen in its entirety on our web page. I respondedto Bruces questions because I believe in journalism, having beenmyself in the noble profession over twenty five years. I am sure ourviewers recognize the right of KMBH to denounce this practice ofunethical journalism that got its latest target on a station dedicatedto service and education.

Ourbusiness is not to create scandal and confrontation, but TO CONTRIBUTETO EDUCATION. Nevertheless we know very well our rights and we areready to exercise them.

Sincerely,

Msgr. Pedro Briseo
RGV Educational Broadcasting
General Manager

Be sure to take the monsignor's advice and read his response in its entirety.

Now the AP has picked up the story. Note this nugget: "A spokeswoman for the Diocese of Brownsville said the Catholic churchowns the station but does not influence programming decisions." Given the monsignor's statement that "our business is not to create scandal," does the spokeswoman's explanation hold water?

* I corrected this sentence to reflect the findings of the PBS ombudsman's investigation.