TV
Catholics battle against MTV over 'Popetown'
Published Thursday, May 4 2006, 14:59 BST | By Miriam Zendle
Catholic leaders in Germany are trying to get MTV to take satirical show Popetown off the air.
Bishops in Bavaria say the series, which satirises religious communities, is insulting to Catholicism. MTV producers told BBC News Online they were not prepared for the extent of the backlash to the series, which features the vocal talents of Ruby Wax, Bob Mortimer, Matt Lucas and Mackenzie Crook.
The archdiocese of Munich and Freising explained: "In this way the Catholic faith and the Catholic church are exposed to ridicule, which is justified neither by the freedom of opinion, of art, of the press nor of broadcasting."
However, a spokesman for MTV said: "We will initially broadcast this first episode and then will make a decision based on the feedback of the viewers."
Bishops in Bavaria say the series, which satirises religious communities, is insulting to Catholicism. MTV producers told BBC News Online they were not prepared for the extent of the backlash to the series, which features the vocal talents of Ruby Wax, Bob Mortimer, Matt Lucas and Mackenzie Crook.
The archdiocese of Munich and Freising explained: "In this way the Catholic faith and the Catholic church are exposed to ridicule, which is justified neither by the freedom of opinion, of art, of the press nor of broadcasting."
However, a spokesman for MTV said: "We will initially broadcast this first episode and then will make a decision based on the feedback of the viewers."
More: TV
Tube Talk
'Simpsons' ultimate countdown (15-11)The countdown of the greatest Simpsons episodes continues.
TV Interviews
'Upstairs Downstairs' Neil Jackson Q&ANeil Jackson chats to Digital Spy about Upstairs Downstairs series two.
Reality Bites
'Big Fat Gypsy Weddings' returns: ReviewReality Bites's verdict on the return of Big Fat Gypsy Weddings.
TV Ratings
Big Fat Gypsy Weddings takes nearly 4mThe return of Big Fat Gypsy Weddings draws more than 4.8 million viewers.
