The Word Network (TWN), a broadcaster of religious programming and gospel music, is calling on the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to investigate whether Sirius Satellite Radio‘s decision to drop the Word Network was racially motivated.

In a Sept. 27 letter to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, TWN calls the decision by Sirius to drop its programming “suspect.” The Word Network “was note even aware of Sirius’ maintenance of any ‘ratings’ for TWN’s programming…When repeatedly asked to provide specifics on TWN’s allegedly ‘poor ratings,’ Sirius refused to provide any information. Sirius’ refusal (or inability) to provide that ratings information becomes even more suspect in light of Sirius’ indications to TWN that Sirius has not terminated and has no plans to terminate similarly-situated non-minority religious programming on its satellites.”

TWN claims that Sirius’ action “raises a question whether the reference to TWN’s allegedly poor ratings is nothing more than a pretext to remove TWN on a basis that would be free of racial bias.”

TWN is calling for the FCC to investigate the allegation of racial bias and if proven, TWN is asking for the FCC to reverse the termination of Sirius carriage of TWN programming and “initiate proceedings to revoke Sirius’ license.”