Religion on TV

While we agree that religious understanding is important to society, the religious programming of the BBC does nothing to enhance that understanding.

Whether the turgid dreariness of watching people sing hymns and launch into self-important monologues about their faith on Songs of Praise, or the exclusionary proselytising on Thought for the Day, or the toe dipping into the issues of Big Questions, there is no real in depth analysis of religion on the BBC.

Panorama does a better job with its exposés, but for understanding of religion and religious motives, the programming on Channel 4 is better.

A move to being under factual programming might be a very good thing, with more in-depth assessments of religion and faith, more documentary-style looks at religion in our society, and less fawning obsequiousness.

Caroline Lynch

Former chair and board member

Scottish Secular Society