Alabama Station Says No to 'Outing' Episode of 'Ellen'; Television: ABC affiliate deems show inappropriate for family viewing. No other stations--at this point--are following suit.: [Home Edition]

The ABC affiliate in Birmingham, Ala., has said it will not televise the "Ellen" episode in which the lead character "comes out" as a lesbian, calling the subject matter inappropriate for "family viewing."

Few stations, however, appear to be following suit, and ABC said Thursday that it was unaware of any other affiliates refusing to air the April 30 episode.

A representative at WFAA-TV in Dallas--the largest ABC affiliate to initially balk at showing "NYPD Blue" when it premiered in 1993--said it will televise the upcoming "Ellen," and outlets in such diverse cities as Salt Lake City; Little Rock, Ark.; Peoria, Ill.; and Knoxville, Tenn., all say they are planning to broadcast the show.

Local religious leaders in Atlanta, Texas--where star Ellen DeGeneres attended high school--issued a statement condemning the plot turn, but the nearby Louisiana station that serves the market said it expects to leave a decision on the...