BBC says it's too Christian, will increase programming on other faiths

Songs of Praise presenters Pam Rhodes, Aled Jones and Diane-Louise Jordan. BBC/Emilie Sandy

A BBC internal review has concluded that it is too Christian in its religious output and should increase programming dealing with other religions.

The findings in a report by Aaqil Ahmed, the BBC's head of religion and ethics, show there is a disproportionate amount of programming on Christianity compared to faiths like Islam and Hinduism, reports the Times.

Ahmed told a House of Commons meeting on religious literacy that his report would address criticisms from representatives of other faiths that they were underserved.

While the BBC would not be drawn on whether programmes would be cut to make room for greater diversity, Songs of Praise, the BBC's flagship religious TV programme, is believed to be secure.

Ibrahim Mogra, of the Muslim Council of Britain, told the Times: "We would not wish Christians to have any less exposure."

In a statement, Ahmed said: "We do look at the number of hours we produce, and measure that against the religious make-up of society. We also carry out checks to give us a better understanding of how we represent the different faiths across the various BBC channels and services.

"Christianity remains the cornerstone of our output and there are more hours dedicated to it than there are to other faiths. Our output in this area is not static, though. It has evolved over the years and we regularly assess it."

The Church of England said faith was growing worldwide and that: "Any comprehensive review needs to move beyond arguments of mere proportionality to embrace the need not only for greater religious literacy but also increased resources to explore religious world views."

related articles
BBC cuts back on religion and ethics spending

BBC cuts back on religion and ethics spending

In a world shaped by religion, media must take it seriously says BBC chief
In a world shaped by religion, media must take it seriously says BBC chief

In a world shaped by religion, media must take it seriously says BBC chief

Critics who attacked Songs of Praise's Jungle episode lack 'religious literacy' - BBC religion head

Critics who attacked Songs of Praise's Jungle episode lack 'religious literacy' - BBC religion head

God is Back: It\'s time society caught up
God is Back: It's time society caught up

God is Back: It's time society caught up

News
SNP 'conversion therapy' ban would be 'fundamentally illiberal'
SNP 'conversion therapy' ban would be 'fundamentally illiberal'

SNP support has dropped, but they are still the frontrunners for next month's elections.

Franklin Graham pushes back against Pope's war comments amid war of words with Trump
Franklin Graham pushes back against Pope's war comments amid war of words with Trump

Graham told Piers Morgan that while he did not want or support war, there was justification for it "when you're fighting evil".

Archbishop of Canterbury joins Pope in call for peace
Archbishop of Canterbury joins Pope in call for peace

The Pope has been outspoken against the latest war in the Middle East.

Church warden murder conviction quashed as Court of Appeal orders retrial
Church warden murder conviction quashed as Court of Appeal orders retrial

The Court of Appeal has overturned the murder conviction of Benjamin Field, the former church warden jailed in 2019 for the death of university lecturer Peter Farquhar, in a significant ruling that reopens one of the UK’s most complex criminal cases.