Some Kansas NBC affiliates refusing to air ‘Book of Daniel’

? Television stations in at least three states, including Kansas, are refusing to broadcast a new NBC series about an Episcopal priest who abuses painkillers, has a gay son, a promiscuous straight son, a daughter who deals marijuana and a wife who drinks too much.

Conservative Christian groups have condemned the depiction of Jesus as blasphemous, accusing the writers of portraying Christ as tolerant of sin in talks with the priest.

NBC affiliates KARK in Little Rock, Ark., and WTWO in Terre Haute, Ind., said sensitivity to viewers led them not to air “The Book of Daniel,” which debuts Friday. In Little Rock, the WB affiliate has arranged to show the drama instead.

Also refusing to air the program was KSNW in Wichita and satellite stations KSNG in Garden City, KSNC in Great Bend and KSNK in Oberlin. The Kansas stations are owned by Emmis Communications.

Over the past several days, station officials said viewers and area religious leaders had contacted them with concerns about the program.