The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo is eliminating its television production unit. Daybreak TV Productions will cease operations next month. Eight staff members of the unit will be laid off. In a statement released Friday, the diocese says it's had to make some "hard financial decisions."
Daybreak TV produces daily and Sunday Masses, documentaries and video messages from the Bishop. One of its most popular shows is "Our Daily Bread," hosted by Fr. Paul Seil.
"In this day and age where the spotlight on the priesthood can be very negative, I think what (my producers) try to do is show some light on the really good things happening, not just with priests, but in the community in general," Seil said.
The diocese is also closing the Newman Center at SUNY Fredonia.
The cuts were announced at a time when the Catholic diocese is preparing to offer settlements to past victims of clergy abuse. Bishop Richard Malone is on record as saying such settlements will be paid from investment reserves, insurance and the sale of properties.