(11/30/2006)

Zogby International and American Bible Society First Amendment Poll Reveals Powerful Evidence of America's Desire for Religion and Values
The American Bible Society releases findings that, contrary to popular belief, the public is interested in moral-infused entertainment options on both the small and silver screens

NEW YORK, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Bible Society, (http://www.americanbible.org) believed deeply in America's desire for morality and values in television and popular culture and programming. To back up that belief, the Bible Society set out to turn its theory into fact. The Bible Society and Zogby conducted a poll testing the hypotheses of the demand for decency in America. The results indicate that more religious values, references to the Bible, and less sex and violence shown on television is desired by 85% of American viewers, contrary to what most television networks and ad executives relay. The poll, entitled "What Is More Offensive on Television: Religion or Sex and Violence?" was conducted by Zogby International from 11/17 through 11/20/2006.

"Here at the Bible Society, we advocate for the Bible and its place and role in society. We firmly believe that the Bible plays a critical role in the ongoing development of our culture and the social fabric of our country," said Dr. Paul Irwin, President and CEO of the American Bible Society. "Although America is a nation of many faiths, and in some instances no faith, Americans still believe that the Bible's teachings and values are an essential part of our common character."

With their theory proven true in the results of the Zogby poll, the Bible Society aims to open up a debate on values and faith-based messages in popular culture. Following this poll, three more will follow, challenging television networks and movie producers with the question, "How do you support your programming decisions to cut most faith-based references?" These poll results negate the commonly held reasoning of advertising and marketing professionals who argue that continued censorship of television shows and movies by removing faith and value based messages will yield higher profits. These results send the resounding message to "Give me a choice," and the American Bible Society is challenging media executive to heed their call.

Founded in 1816 and headquartered in New York City, the mission of the American Bible Society is to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so that all people may experience its life-changing message. The American Bible Society Web site is http://www.americanbible.org