PBS chief quits amid 'Buster' row

The head of PBS has decided to step down amid the row over an axed episode of kids cartoon Postcards From Buster featuring a lesbian couple.

Pat Mitchell, who has headed up the network since 2000, will leave when her contract expires in June 2006.

In the 'Buster' episode concerned, our hero Buster (a rabbit) travels to Vermont - a state which recognises same-sex unions - to examine farm life and maple sugaring. Among those he meets along the way are a lesbian couple.

Ensuing criticism from conservative groups preceded PBS' decision not to offer the episode out to its 349 affiliates across America, reasoning that "we wanted to make sure that parents had an opportunity to introduce this subject to their children in their own time."

Confirming her decision to leave in a press conference, Mitchell made no reference to the controversy.

During her time at PBS, the network's ratings rose to record levels. Mitchell is also credited with adding some diversity to the schedule, including American Family, an acclaimed series featuring a Latino family, and American Mystery!, a special about Indians living in the Southwest.