We strongly believe that without "multicast must-carry", conservative faith and family broadcasters will be extremely impaired. The major media networks do not need this provision to get their programming carried on local cable systems. Cable companies do not readily carry the Christian networks. This provision will force cable companies to treat secular and faith oriented broadcasters equally.

Unless Congress acts, the overall level of family friendly programming available on America's cable television systems will be substantially reduced.

Congress must pass a "multicast must-carry" amendment to our nation's digital television laws to ensure that religious and family oriented broadcasters can survive. This action will help maintain diversity and America's families deserve no less.

Diversity is a buzz word that is often used to justify the promotion of the liberal point of view. But true diversity must include conservative and Christian points of view as well. Pro-family and Christian beliefs have played a significant role in American culture. Local broadcasters are the backbone of faith-based media outreach in America. They work tirelessly to promote pro-family messages that are direct reflections of their communities. They provide a haven for many who are in-need, suffering or simply seeking a positive, comfortable television environment.

Christian conservatives must act quickly or the level of religious programming on America's local cable systems will decrease drastically. Local broadcasters rely on what are known as "must carry" regulations that require cable companies to carry their local broadcast signal. With the advent of digital television, that requirement will no longer exist unless Congress takes action.

The balance between cable and broadcast stations on a family's cable system will be disrupted. Digital technology will give cable programmers and broadcasters the ability to "multicast"-air multiple programming streams within their government allocated spectrum-in digital television. While multicasting will afford broadcasters the opportunity to provide more free-over-the-air programming, cable operators are refusing to carry these additional channels in favor of those which they have a financial interest in, or those that are affiliated with major networks.

This is extremely disturbing! Religious broadcasters were hardest hit when Congress and the FCC instituted an unfunded mandate that required broadcasters to spend substantial funds to build new digital stations while simultaneously maintaining their old analog operations. The digital transition mandate was thrust upon religious broadcasters without a roadmap for recovering their investments and now they are being left out in the cold by Congress.

This solution was originally posted on the Christian Coalition of America website.