WASHINGTON, DC (CWNews.com) - The Federal Communications Commission last Friday reversed a controversial ruling that had limited the amount of religious programming on noncommercial television stations.

    The commission said "it has become clear that our actions have created less certainty rather than more, contrary to our intent." Instead, the commission said it would defer the definition of education, instructional, or cultural programming to each broadcaster, unless "such judgement is arbitrary or unreasonable."

    New guidelines published in early January require broadcasters operating with noncommercial educational licenses -- favored by non-profit religious broadcasters -- to devote at least one-half of their programming hours to "educational, instructional, or cultural" shows. However, the commission had said programming that is "primarily devoted to religious exhortation, proselytizing, or statements of personally-held religious views and beliefs" does not qualify as educational, cultural, or instructional.

    After a widespread outcry and the threat of congressional legislation to reverse the decision, FCC Chairman William Kennard issued a statement that claimed the ruling did not establish new rules, but only clarified existing policy. When critics who said the ruling curtailed free speech were not mollified, the commission met last Friday and rescinded the order by a four to one vote.