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MTV Germany To Air Popetown

Objections from Catholic bishops were left unheard, as MTV`s German division announced that it will air the entire "Popetown" cartoon series. "Popetown" is strongly objected by the Catholic community for portraying the pontiff as a pogo-stick-riding maniac. The first episode of "Popetown" was aired last week, and MTV`s German division awaits comments from viewers and political groups. The character of the comments will determine the future of "Popetown" in Germany.

"Our decision is based in part on the reaction of the viewers who clearly voted in favor of its broadcast," an MTV statement quoted executive Elmar Giglinger as saying. The first program went out after a court rejected an injunction filed by bishops from German-born Pope Benedict`s home state of Bavaria aimed at preventing it from going ahead.

MTV also said that the FSF, a voluntary television regulator, had found no basis for a legal challenge. British television channel BBC Three dropped the 10-part show in 2004, arguing that its comedy value was not enough to offset the potential offence it could cause to Catholics. The cartoon, made before Pope Benedict was elected last year, has also been broadcast in New Zealand.